RESULTS OF THE 2016 TEXAS LAWYER STUDY

The Texas Lawyer Study examines the economic and non-economic value of a law degree using data from active members of the State Bar of Texas. The chief investigators of the Texas Lawyers Study are Milan Markovic and Gabriele Plickert.

Academic papers from the study can be accessed here.

Survey Results

Please describe yourself*
- Prospective Law Student
- Law Student
- Lawyer
- Academic
- Journalist
- Regulator
- Politician
- NGO

Income by Gender (full-time workers only)

Gender 25th Percentile Income 50th Percentile Income 75th Percentile Income Number

Women $67,000 $97,000 $145,000 3700

Men $85,000 $130,000 $200,000 5360
Income by Gender (full-time workers only)

Gender 25th Percentile Income 50th Percentile Income 75th Percentile Income Number

Women $67,000 $97,000 $145,000 3700

Men $85,000 $130,000 $200,000 5360

Gender	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Women	$67,000	$97,000	$145,000	3700
Men	$85,000	$130,000	$200,000	5360

Gender	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Women	$67,000	$97,000	$145,000	3700
Men	$85,000	$130,000	$200,000	5360

Income by Race/Ethnicity (full-time workers only)

Race & Ethnicity	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
White	$78,000	$120,000	$182,000	7880
Black	$60,250	$90,000	$124,623	404
Hispanic	$63,000	$92,500	$145,000	1013
Other	$64,500	$98,000	$150,000	412

Income by Race/Ethnicity (full-time workers only)

Race & Ethnicity	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
White	$78,000	$120,000	$182,000	7880
Black	$60,250	$90,000	$124,623	404
Hispanic	$63,000	$92,500	$145,000	1013
Other	$64,500	$98,000	$150,000	412

Income by Age (full-time workers only)

Age	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
21 to 25	$47,625	$65,000	$85,000	84
26 to 30	$57,000	$71,500	$100,000	1311
31 to 35	$67,000	$95,000	$140,000	1581
36 to 40	$80,000	$111,000	$170,000	1169
41 to 45	$87,000	$125,000	$200,000	1010
46 to 50	$91,000	$135,000	$215,000	923
51 to 55	$100,000	$145,000	$240,000	921
56 to 60	$100,000	$145,000	$250,000	861
61 to 65	$100,000	$150,000	$250,000	661
More than 65 years	$100,000	$150,000	$225,000	529

Income by Age (full-time workers only)

Age	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
21 to 25	$47,625	$65,000	$85,000	84
26 to 30	$57,000	$71,500	$100,000	1311
31 to 35	$67,000	$95,000	$140,000	1581
36 to 40	$80,000	$111,000	$170,000	1169
41 to 45	$87,000	$125,000	$200,000	1010
46 to 50	$91,000	$135,000	$215,000	923
51 to 55	$100,000	$145,000	$240,000	921
56 to 60	$100,000	$145,000	$250,000	861
61 to 65	$100,000	$150,000	$250,000	661
More than 65 years	$100,000	$150,000	$225,000	529

Income by Law School Performance (full-time workers only)

Law School Performance	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
10th Percentile	$95,030	$150,000	$250,000	1664
25th Percentile	$83,500	$125,000	$200,000	2653
50th Percentile	$70,000	$104,000	$160,000	2811
75th Percentile	$65,000	$90,000	$137,208	771
Don't know	$65,000	$95,000	$147,150	1128

Income by Law School Performance (full-time workers only)

Law School Performance	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
10th Percentile	$95,030	$150,000	$250,000	1664
25th Percentile	$83,500	$125,000	$200,000	2653
50th Percentile	$70,000	$104,000	$160,000	2811
75th Percentile	$65,000	$90,000	$137,208	771
Don't know	$65,000	$95,000	$147,150	1128

Income by Occupation (full-time workers only)

Occupation	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Private Law Practice	$80,000	$125,000	$200,000	5827
For-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	$112,250	$170,000	$240,000	1036
Non-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	$66,500	$99,000	$147,000	185
Government Attorney	$67,000	$88,000	$116,000	1510
Public Interest Lawyer	$50,000	$60,000	$80,531	165
Non-Law Related	$60,000	$90,000	$130,000	309

Income by Occupation (full-time workers only)

Occupation	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Private Law Practice	$80,000	$125,000	$200,000	5827
For-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	$112,250	$170,000	$240,000	1036
Non-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	$66,500	$99,000	$147,000	185
Government Attorney	$67,000	$88,000	$116,000	1510
Public Interest Lawyer	$50,000	$60,000	$80,531	165
Non-Law Related	$60,000	$90,000	$130,000	309

Income by Years of Experience (full-time workers only)

Professional Experience	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
2 or less years	$52,000	$65,000	$87,500	1156
3-6 years	$65,000	$85,000	$125,000	1688
7-10 years	$80,000	$112,000	$165,000	1216
11-15 years	$87,758	$120,000	$189,000	1111
16-20 years	$99,000	$140,000	$220,000	891
21-25 years	$100,000	$142,000	$240,000	904
> 25 years	$105,000	$157,000	$250,000	2112

Income by Years of Experience (full-time workers only)

Professional Experience	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
2 or less years	$52,000	$65,000	$87,500	1156
3-6 years	$65,000	$85,000	$125,000	1688
7-10 years	$80,000	$112,000	$165,000	1216
11-15 years	$87,758	$120,000	$189,000	1111
16-20 years	$99,000	$140,000	$220,000	891
21-25 years	$100,000	$142,000	$240,000	904
> 25 years	$105,000	$157,000	$250,000	2112

Income by Counties (full-time workers only)

Texas Counties	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Dallas- Fort Worth-Arlington MSA	$80,000	$115,000	$180,000	2334
Houston-The Woodlands MSA	$80,000	$124,000	$195,000	2273
Austin-Round Rock MSA	$70,000	$100,000	$160,000	1216
San Antonio-New Braunfields MSA	$69,847	$107,000	$160,000	667
Non-Metropolitan Areas	$65,000	$100,000	$150,000	326

Income by Counties (full-time workers only)

Texas Counties	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Dallas- Fort Worth-Arlington MSA	$80,000	$115,000	$180,000	2334
Houston-The Woodlands MSA	$80,000	$124,000	$195,000	2273
Austin-Round Rock MSA	$70,000	$100,000	$160,000	1216
San Antonio-New Braunfields MSA	$69,847	$107,000	$160,000	667
Non-Metropolitan Areas	$65,000	$100,000	$150,000	326

Income by Firm Size (full-time workers only)

Firm Size	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Solo Practitioners	$65,000	$105,000	$175,000	1530
2-5 attorneys	$70,000	$105,000	$180,000	1552
6-10 attorneys	$80,250	$125,000	$200,000	656
11-24 attorneys	$88,000	$130,000	$215,000	537
25-40 attorneys	$100,000	$140,000	$200,000	313
41-60 attorneys	$110,000	$150,000	$226,000	149
61-100 attorneys	$100,000	$148,000	$220,000	113
101-200 attorneys	$120,000	$180,000	$280,000	103
201-400 attorneys	$145,000	$190,000	$285,000	149
Over 400 attorneys	$160,000	$210,000	$310,000	348

Income by Firm Size (full-time workers only)

Firm Size	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Solo Practitioners	$65,000	$105,000	$175,000	1530
2-5 attorneys	$70,000	$105,000	$180,000	1552
6-10 attorneys	$80,250	$125,000	$200,000	656
11-24 attorneys	$88,000	$130,000	$215,000	537
25-40 attorneys	$100,000	$140,000	$200,000	313
41-60 attorneys	$110,000	$150,000	$226,000	149
61-100 attorneys	$100,000	$148,000	$220,000	113
101-200 attorneys	$120,000	$180,000	$280,000	103
201-400 attorneys	$145,000	$190,000	$285,000	149
Over 400 attorneys	$160,000	$210,000	$310,000	348

Income by Title (full-time workers only)

Title	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Solo	$65,000	$105,000	$175,000	1586
Associate	$68,237	$95,000	$140,000	1700
Equity Partner	$148,750	$240,000	$400,000	758
Non Equity Partner	$150,000	$200,000	$265,000	335
Managing Partner	$104,750	$185,000	$350,000	538
Of Counsel	$110,000	$150,000	$215,000	199
Other	$90,000	$120,000	$157,750	341

Income by Title (full-time workers only)

Title	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Solo	$65,000	$105,000	$175,000	1586
Associate	$68,237	$95,000	$140,000	1700
Equity Partner	$148,750	$240,000	$400,000	758
Non Equity Partner	$150,000	$200,000	$265,000	335
Managing Partner	$104,750	$185,000	$350,000	538
Of Counsel	$110,000	$150,000	$215,000	199
Other	$90,000	$120,000	$157,750	341

Income by Practice (full-time workers only)

Title	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Family	$60,000	$95,000	$150,000	710
Litigation/Personal Injury	$85,000	$130,000	$221,500	641
Litigation/Commercial	$100,250	$150,000	$235,000	569
Criminal	$57,750	$89,000	$135,000	498
Business	$89,000	$140,000	$220,000	359
Real Estate	$95,000	$150,000	$237,000	358
Wills & Trusts	$76,000	$109,000	$175,000	343
Intellectual Property	$128,000	$180,000	$280,000	227

Income by Practice (full-time workers only)

Title	25th Percentile Income	50th Percentile Income	75th Percentile Income	Number
Family	$60,000	$95,000	$150,000	710
Litigation/Personal Injury	$85,000	$130,000	$221,500	641
Litigation/Commercial	$100,250	$150,000	$235,000	569
Criminal	$57,750	$89,000	$135,000	498
Business	$89,000	$140,000	$220,000	359
Real Estate	$95,000	$150,000	$237,000	358
Wills & Trusts	$76,000	$109,000	$175,000	343
Intellectual Property	$128,000	$180,000	$280,000	227

Lawyer v. non-lawyer incomes by age - Median Income

Degree Type	25-34	35-44	45-54	55-64	65+
BA degree	$45,000.00	$57,000.00	$63,000.00	$62,500.00	$62,900.00
MA degree	$51,000.00	$69,000.00	$76,000.00	$70,325.00	$69,100.00
Professional degree (excluding MDs and JDs)	$60,000.00	$110,000.00	$120,050.00	$120,000.00	$123,150.00
JD	$80,000.00	$118,250.00	$138,975.00	$150,000.00	$150,000.00

Lawyer v. non-lawyer incomes by age - Median Income

Degree Type	25-34	35-44	45-54	55-64	65+
BA degree	$45,000.00	$57,000.00	$63,000.00	$62,500.00	$62,900.00
MA degree	$51,000.00	$69,000.00	$76,000.00	$70,325.00	$69,100.00
Professional degree (excluding MDs and JDs)	$60,000.00	$110,000.00	$120,050.00	$120,000.00	$123,150.00
JD	$80,000.00	$118,250.00	$138,975.00	$150,000.00	$150,000.00

Career Satisfaction by Gender (full-time work only)

Satisfaction with Career	Women	Men
Very Satisfied	29.5%	31.4%
Satisfied	35.7%	36.0%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	22.5%	21.8%
Dissatisfied	8.4%	7.6%
Very Dissatisfied	3.9%	3.3%
Mean	3.97	4.03
Number	3782	5471

Career Satisfaction by Gender (full-time work only)

Satisfaction with Career	Women	Men
Very Satisfied	29.5%	31.4%
Satisfied	35.7%	36.0%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	22.5%	21.8%
Dissatisfied	8.4%	7.6%
Very Dissatisfied	3.9%	3.3%
Mean	3.97	4.03
Number	3782	5471

Career Satisfaction By Race/Ethnicity

Career satisfaction	Asian	White	Black	Hispanic	Other
Very Satisfied	22.2%	31.4%	27.1%	33.2%	26.0%
Satisfied	39.5%	35.8%	31.7%	33.7%	38.3%
Neutral	25.2%	21.7%	26.0%	21.4%	22.9%
Dissatisfied	9.0%	7.7%	9.6%	9.4%	10.2%
Very Dissatisfied	4.1%	3.4%	5.8%	2.3%	2.6%
Mean	3.67	3.84	3.65	3.86	3.75
Number	266	8041	417	1036	420

Career Satisfaction By Race/Ethnicity

Career satisfaction	Asian	White	Black	Hispanic	Other
Very Satisfied	22.2%	31.4%	27.1%	33.2%	26.0%
Satisfied	39.5%	35.8%	31.7%	33.7%	38.3%
Neutral	25.2%	21.7%	26.0%	21.4%	22.9%
Dissatisfied	9.0%	7.7%	9.6%	9.4%	10.2%
Very Dissatisfied	4.1%	3.4%	5.8%	2.3%	2.6%
Mean	3.67	3.84	3.65	3.86	3.75
Number	266	8041	417	1036	420

Career Satisfaction By Age

Satisfaction with Career	21 to 25	26 to 30	31 to 35	36 to 40	41 to 45	46 to 50	51 to 55	56 to 60	61 to 65	More than 65 years
Very Satisfied	26.1%	22.2%	22.9%	26.4%	25.5%	28.2%	32.6%	39.6%	46.5%	57.3%
Satisfied	38.6%	38.1%	35.6%	36.2%	39.9%	37.8%	36.8%	33.7%	32.0%	26.4%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	19.4%	26.0%	26.8%	24.0%	23.4%	23.6%	20.4%	17.2%	14.0%	10.8%
Dissatisfied	11.4%	10.4%	10.0%	8.8%	8.2%	6.6%	7.2%	6.6%	5.1%	3.1%
Very Dissatisfied	4.5%	3.3%	4.7%	4.6%	2.9%	3.8%	2.9%	2.8%	2.3%	2.5%
Mean	3.70	3.66	3.62	3.71	3.77	3.80	3.89	4.01	4.15	4.33
Number	88	1340	1591	1173	1022	944	959	888	681	557

Career Satisfaction By Age

Satisfaction with Career	21 to 25	26 to 30	31 to 35	36 to 40	41 to 45	46 to 50	51 to 55	56 to 60	61 to 65	More than 65 years
Very Satisfied	26.1%	22.2%	22.9%	26.4%	25.5%	28.2%	32.6%	39.6%	46.5%	57.3%
Satisfied	38.6%	38.1%	35.6%	36.2%	39.9%	37.8%	36.8%	33.7%	32.0%	26.4%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	19.4%	26.0%	26.8%	24.0%	23.4%	23.6%	20.4%	17.2%	14.0%	10.8%
Dissatisfied	11.4%	10.4%	10.0%	8.8%	8.2%	6.6%	7.2%	6.6%	5.1%	3.1%
Very Dissatisfied	4.5%	3.3%	4.7%	4.6%	2.9%	3.8%	2.9%	2.8%	2.3%	2.5%
Mean	3.70	3.66	3.62	3.71	3.77	3.80	3.89	4.01	4.15	4.33
Number	88	1340	1591	1173	1022	944	959	888	681	557

Career Satisfaction By Law School Performance

Satisfaction with Career	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	50th Percentile	75th Percentile	Don't Know
Very Satisfied	34.8%	32.9%	26.9%	26.7%	30.3%
Satisfied	36.0%	36.8%	36.9%	35.0%	32.0%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	19.5%	20.6%	23.9%	23.6%	24.0%
Dissatisfied	6.8%	7.1%	8.8%	8.9%	8.7%
Very Dissatisfied	3.0%	2.6%	3.5%	5.8%	5.1%
Mean	3.93	3.90	3.75	3.68	3.74
Number	1727	2714	2880	795	1173

Career Satisfaction By Law School Performance

Satisfaction with Career	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	50th Percentile	75th Percentile	Don't Know
Very Satisfied	34.8%	32.9%	26.9%	26.7%	30.3%
Satisfied	36.0%	36.8%	36.9%	35.0%	32.0%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	19.5%	20.6%	23.9%	23.6%	24.0%
Dissatisfied	6.8%	7.1%	8.8%	8.9%	8.7%
Very Dissatisfied	3.0%	2.6%	3.5%	5.8%	5.1%
Mean	3.93	3.90	3.75	3.68	3.74
Number	1727	2714	2880	795	1173

Career Satisfaction By Occupation

Satisfaction with Career	Private Law Practice	For-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	Non-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	Government Attorney	Public Interest Attorney	Non-Law Related
Very Satisfied	30.2%	27.7%	36.3%	30.8%	29.7%	26.7%
Satisfied	35.5%	41.5%	39.1%	37.7%	42.6%	27.0%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	22.3%	21.7%	19.0%	22.5%	21.9%	26.7%
Dissatisfied	8.2%	6.9%	4.5%	6.7%	5.2%	12.2%
Very Dissatisfied	3.9%	2.1%	1.1%	2.2%	0.6%	7.4%
Mean	3.80	3.86	4.05	3.88	3.95	3.53
Number	5399	1024	179	1487	155	311

Career Satisfaction By Occupation

Satisfaction with Career	Private Law Practice	For-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	Non-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	Government Attorney	Public Interest Attorney	Non-Law Related
Very Satisfied	30.2%	27.7%	36.3%	30.8%	29.7%	26.7%
Satisfied	35.5%	41.5%	39.1%	37.7%	42.6%	27.0%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	22.3%	21.7%	19.0%	22.5%	21.9%	26.7%
Dissatisfied	8.2%	6.9%	4.5%	6.7%	5.2%	12.2%
Very Dissatisfied	3.9%	2.1%	1.1%	2.2%	0.6%	7.4%
Mean	3.80	3.86	4.05	3.88	3.95	3.53
Number	5399	1024	179	1487	155	311

Career Satisfaction by years of experience

Satisfaction with Career	2 or less years	3-6 years	7-10 years	11-15 years	16-20 years	21-25 years	>25 years
Very Satisfied	24.4%	21.9%	24.1%	25.9%	30.5%	32.1%	46.0%
Satisfied	36.5%	36.8%	37.2%	37.9%	35.5%	38.8%	32.0%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	24.6%	26.2%	26.1%	23.8%	23.6%	19.4%	14.8%
Dissatisfied	10.1%	10.9%	8.0%	8.9%	7.2%	6.6%	4.9%
Very Dissatisfied	4.4%	4.1%	4.5%	3.5%	3.2%	3.1%	2.4%
Mean	3.66	3.61	3.68	3.74	3.83	3.90	4.14
Number	1196	1699	1220	1128	894	936	2200

Career Satisfaction by years of experience

Satisfaction with Career	2 or less years	3-6 years	7-10 years	11-15 years	16-20 years	21-25 years	>25 years
Very Satisfied	24.4%	21.9%	24.1%	25.9%	30.5%	32.1%	46.0%
Satisfied	36.5%	36.8%	37.2%	37.9%	35.5%	38.8%	32.0%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	24.6%	26.2%	26.1%	23.8%	23.6%	19.4%	14.8%
Dissatisfied	10.1%	10.9%	8.0%	8.9%	7.2%	6.6%	4.9%
Very Dissatisfied	4.4%	4.1%	4.5%	3.5%	3.2%	3.1%	2.4%
Mean	3.66	3.61	3.68	3.74	3.83	3.90	4.14
Number	1196	1699	1220	1128	894	936	2200

Career Satisfaction By Counties

Satisfaction with Career	Dallas-Fort Worth MSA	Houston-MSA	Austin-MSA	San Antonio-MSA	Non-Metropolitan
Very Satisfied	28.2%	29.2%	28.0%	32.6%	36.9%
Satisfied	35.2%	35.8%	39.6%	34.4%	34.2%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	24.3%	22.0%	22.2%	22.2%	19.8%
Dissatisfied	8.5%	9.3%	7.8%	7.7%	6.9%
Very Dissatisfied	4.0%	3.7%	2.4%	3.1%	2.1%
Mean	3.75	3.78	3.83	3.86	3.97
Number	2378	2322	1236	688	333

Career Satisfaction By Counties

Satisfaction with Career	Dallas-Fort Worth MSA	Houston-MSA	Austin-MSA	San Antonio-MSA	Non-Metropolitan
Very Satisfied	28.2%	29.2%	28.0%	32.6%	36.9%
Satisfied	35.2%	35.8%	39.6%	34.4%	34.2%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	24.3%	22.0%	22.2%	22.2%	19.8%
Dissatisfied	8.5%	9.3%	7.8%	7.7%	6.9%
Very Dissatisfied	4.0%	3.7%	2.4%	3.1%	2.1%
Mean	3.75	3.78	3.83	3.86	3.97
Number	2378	2322	1236	688	333

Career Satisfaction By Firm Size

Satisfaction with Career	solo	2-5 attorneys	6-10 attorneys	11-24 attorneys	25-40 attorneys	41-60 attorneys	61-100 attorneys	101-200 attorneys	201-400 attorneys	Over 400 attorneys
Very Satisfied	33.4%	32.0%	27.2%	25.1%	27.0%	27.0%	24.3%	29.0%	27.5%	28.7%
Satisfied	32.6%	32.0%	37.5%	39.7%	39.1%	37.2%	41.4%	36.0%	47.7%	42.5%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	22.1%	23.1%	23.4%	24.0%	20.8%	20.3%	21.6%	24.0%	15.4%	19.6%
Dissatisfied	7.5%	9.0%	9.1%	7.4%	8.5%	12.8%	8.1%	7.0%	4.7%	6.7%
Very Dissatisfied	4.4%	4.0%	2.8%	3.8%	4.6%	2.7%	4.5%	4.0%	4.7%	2.3%
Mean	3.83	3.79	3.77	3.76	3.73	3.73	3.79	3.89	3.89	3.80
Number	1541	1526	646	526	307	148	111	100	149	341

Career Satisfaction By Firm Size

Satisfaction with Career	solo	2-5 attorneys	6-10 attorneys	11-24 attorneys	25-40 attorneys	41-60 attorneys	61-100 attorneys	101-200 attorneys	201-400 attorneys	Over 400 attorneys
Very Satisfied	33.4%	32.0%	27.2%	25.1%	27.0%	27.0%	24.3%	29.0%	27.5%	28.7%
Satisfied	32.6%	32.0%	37.5%	39.7%	39.1%	37.2%	41.4%	36.0%	47.7%	42.5%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	22.1%	23.1%	23.4%	24.0%	20.8%	20.3%	21.6%	24.0%	15.4%	19.6%
Dissatisfied	7.5%	9.0%	9.1%	7.4%	8.5%	12.8%	8.1%	7.0%	4.7%	6.7%
Very Dissatisfied	4.4%	4.0%	2.8%	3.8%	4.6%	2.7%	4.5%	4.0%	4.7%	2.3%
Mean	3.83	3.79	3.77	3.76	3.73	3.73	3.79	3.89	3.89	3.80
Number	1541	1526	646	526	307	148	111	100	149	341

Career Satisfaction by Title

Satisfaction with Career	Solo	Associate	Equity Partner	Non-Equity Partner	Managing Partner	Of Counsel	Other
Very Satisfied	34.2%	20.1%	40.1%	26.7%	48.7%	18.8%	21.9%
Satisfied	32.3%	38.3%	38.1%	44.7%	29.1%	35.5%	29.2%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	21.6%	26.3%	15.9%	20.1%	14.4%	26.4%	31.5%
Dissatisfied	7.7%	11.0%	4.2%	6.3%	4.4%	14.7%	10.2%
Very Dissatisfied	4.2%	4.3%	1.8%	2.1%	3.4%	4.6%	7.3%
Mean	3.85	3.59	4.10	3.88	4.15	3.49	3.48
Number	1598	1673	741	333	526	197	343

Career Satisfaction by Title

Satisfaction with Career	Solo	Associate	Equity Partner	Non-Equity Partner	Managing Partner	Of Counsel	Other
Very Satisfied	34.2%	20.1%	40.1%	26.7%	48.7%	18.8%	21.9%
Satisfied	32.3%	38.3%	38.1%	44.7%	29.1%	35.5%	29.2%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	21.6%	26.3%	15.9%	20.1%	14.4%	26.4%	31.5%
Dissatisfied	7.7%	11.0%	4.2%	6.3%	4.4%	14.7%	10.2%
Very Dissatisfied	4.2%	4.3%	1.8%	2.1%	3.4%	4.6%	7.3%
Mean	3.85	3.59	4.10	3.88	4.15	3.49	3.48
Number	1598	1673	741	333	526	197	343

Career Satisfaction By Practice Area

Satisfaction with Career	Family	Litigation Personal Injury	Litigation Commercial	Criminal	Business	Real Estate	Wills & Trusts	Intellectual Property
Very Satisfied	31.8%	29.5%	25.9%	36.6%	25.7%	29.7%	33.9%	26.8%
Satisfied	32.7%	34.0%	37.5%	28.3%	38.4%	38.1%	35.8%	40.9%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	22.0%	23.8%	24.8%	22.7%	23.4%	21.2%	21.2%	22.7%
Dissatisfied	8.8%	8.8%	8.9%	8.7%	9.6%	7.3%	6.4%	5.0%
Very Dissatisfied	4.7%	4.0%	2.9%	3.7%	2.8%	3.7%	2.7%	4.5%
Mean	3.78	3.76	3.75	3.85	3.75	3.83	3.92	3.80
Number	701	627	560	481	354	354	330	220

Career Satisfaction By Practice Area

Satisfaction with Career	Family	Litigation Personal Injury	Litigation Commercial	Criminal	Business	Real Estate	Wills & Trusts	Intellectual Property
Very Satisfied	31.8%	29.5%	25.9%	36.6%	25.7%	29.7%	33.9%	26.8%
Satisfied	32.7%	34.0%	37.5%	28.3%	38.4%	38.1%	35.8%	40.9%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	22.0%	23.8%	24.8%	22.7%	23.4%	21.2%	21.2%	22.7%
Dissatisfied	8.8%	8.8%	8.9%	8.7%	9.6%	7.3%	6.4%	5.0%
Very Dissatisfied	4.7%	4.0%	2.9%	3.7%	2.8%	3.7%	2.7%	4.5%
Mean	3.78	3.76	3.75	3.85	3.75	3.83	3.92	3.80
Number	701	627	560	481	354	354	330	220

Satisfaction with Law School Decision by Gender (full-time work only)

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	Women	Men
Very Satisfied	42.6%	44.6%
Satisfied	27.3%	28.5%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	18.6%	16.4%
Dissatisfied	7.7%	6.4%
Very Dissatisfied	3.7%	4.1%
Mean	3.97	4.03
Number	3781	5473

Satisfaction with Law School Decision by Gender (full-time work only)

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	Women	Men
Very Satisfied	42.6%	44.6%
Satisfied	27.3%	28.5%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	18.6%	16.4%
Dissatisfied	7.7%	6.4%
Very Dissatisfied	3.7%	4.1%
Mean	3.97	4.03
Number	3781	5473

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Race/Ethnicity

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	Other
Very Satisfied	44.4%	46.5%	44.5%	30.8%	39.5%
Satisfied	28.1%	25.0%	27.1%	29.3%	26.4%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	17.0%	17.3%	17.6%	24.1%	19.8%
Dissatisfied	6.7%	7.2%	7.4%	11.3%	10.0%
Very Dissatisfied	3.9%	4.1%	3.4%	4.5%	4.3%
Mean	4.02	4.03	4.02	3.71	3.87
Number	8043	417	1037	266	420

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Race/Ethnicity

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	Other
Very Satisfied	44.4%	46.5%	44.5%	30.8%	39.5%
Satisfied	28.1%	25.0%	27.1%	29.3%	26.4%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	17.0%	17.3%	17.6%	24.1%	19.8%
Dissatisfied	6.7%	7.2%	7.4%	11.3%	10.0%
Very Dissatisfied	3.9%	4.1%	3.4%	4.5%	4.3%
Mean	4.02	4.03	4.02	3.71	3.87
Number	8043	417	1037	266	420

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Age

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	21 to 25	26 to 30	31 to 35	36 to 40	41 to 45	46 to 50	51 to 55	56 to 60	61 to 65	More than 65 years
Very Satisfied	38.6%	28.2%	29.3%	38.0%	38.6%	45.3%	52.8%	60.6%	65.5%	71.8%
Satisfied	29.5%	32.3%	31.0%	29.3%	31.3%	30.6%	26.0%	22.2%	20.8%	18.2%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	19.3%	23.5%	23.1%	19.6%	20.4%	15.7%	14.2%	10.9%	8.2%	5.2%
Dissatisfied	6.8%	11.0%	10.6%	8.2%	7.2%	5.5%	4.2%	3.7%	2.9%	1.8%
Very Dissatisfied	5.7%	5.1%	6.2%	5.0%	2.4%	2.9%	2.8%	2.6%	2.5%	3.1%
Mean	3.89	3.68	3.67	3.87	3.96	4.10	4.22	4.35	4.44	4.54
Number	88	1350	1592	1175	1022	944	958	889	679	556

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Age

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	21 to 25	26 to 30	31 to 35	36 to 40	41 to 45	46 to 50	51 to 55	56 to 60	61 to 65	More than 65 years
Very Satisfied	38.6%	28.2%	29.3%	38.0%	38.6%	45.3%	52.8%	60.6%	65.5%	71.8%
Satisfied	29.5%	32.3%	31.0%	29.3%	31.3%	30.6%	26.0%	22.2%	20.8%	18.2%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	19.3%	23.5%	23.1%	19.6%	20.4%	15.7%	14.2%	10.9%	8.2%	5.2%
Dissatisfied	6.8%	11.0%	10.6%	8.2%	7.2%	5.5%	4.2%	3.7%	2.9%	1.8%
Very Dissatisfied	5.7%	5.1%	6.2%	5.0%	2.4%	2.9%	2.8%	2.6%	2.5%	3.1%
Mean	3.89	3.68	3.67	3.87	3.96	4.10	4.22	4.35	4.44	4.54
Number	88	1350	1592	1175	1022	944	958	889	679	556

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Law School Performance

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	50th Percentile	75th Percentile	Don't Know
Very Satisfied	54.2%	47.1%	37.9%	35.2%	39.6%
Satisfied	26.2%	28.8%	29.1%	26.3%	28.2%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	12.6%	15.5%	20.1%	20.1%	19.7%
Dissatisfied	4.5%	5.4%	8.2%	11.9%	7.7%
Very Dissatisfied	2.5%	3.2%	4.6%	6.4%	4.8%
Mean	4.25	4.11	3.88	3.72	3.90
Number	1729	2715	2881	795	1172

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Law School Performance

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	50th Percentile	75th Percentile	Don't Know
Very Satisfied	54.2%	47.1%	37.9%	35.2%	39.6%
Satisfied	26.2%	28.8%	29.1%	26.3%	28.2%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	12.6%	15.5%	20.1%	20.1%	19.7%
Dissatisfied	4.5%	5.4%	8.2%	11.9%	7.7%
Very Dissatisfied	2.5%	3.2%	4.6%	6.4%	4.8%
Mean	4.25	4.11	3.88	3.72	3.90
Number	1729	2715	2881	795	1172

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Occupation

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	Private Law Practice	For-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	Non-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	Government Attorney	Public Interest Attorney	Non-Law Related
Very Satisfied	45.5%	42.5%	45.3%	42.1%	35.9%	28.4%
Satisfied	27.5%	30.3%	37.4%	28.4%	32.1%	25.2%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	16.9%	17.2%	11.2%	19.0%	18.6%	22.3%
Dissatisfied	6.2%	6.9%	3.4%	7.7%	9.6%	14.2%
Very Dissatisfied	3.9%	3.1%	2.8%	2.8%	3.8%	10.0%
Mean	4.05	4.02	4.19	3.99	3.87	3.48
Number	5399	1024	179	1488	156	310

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Occupation

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	Private Law Practice	For-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	Non-Profit Corporate In-House Counsel	Government Attorney	Public Interest Attorney	Non-Law Related
Very Satisfied	45.5%	42.5%	45.3%	42.1%	35.9%	28.4%
Satisfied	27.5%	30.3%	37.4%	28.4%	32.1%	25.2%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	16.9%	17.2%	11.2%	19.0%	18.6%	22.3%
Dissatisfied	6.2%	6.9%	3.4%	7.7%	9.6%	14.2%
Very Dissatisfied	3.9%	3.1%	2.8%	2.8%	3.8%	10.0%
Mean	4.05	4.02	4.19	3.99	3.87	3.48
Number	5399	1024	179	1488	156	310

Satisfaction with Law School Decision by years of professional experience

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	2 or less years	3-6 years	7-10 years	11-15 years	16-20 years	21-25 years	>25 years
Very Satisfied	34.1%	27.0%	34.2%	40.7%	47.7%	50.9%	63.9%
Satisfied	30.5%	31.0%	30.0%	30.6%	29.1%	27.9%	21.7%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	21.6%	23.7%	22.2%	18.1%	15.2%	13.5%	9.5%
Dissatisfied	9.6%	11.4%	9.1%	6.4%	5.5%	4.9%	2.7%
Very Dissatisfied	4.3%	6.9%	4.5%	4.3%	2.6%	2.8%	2.2%
Mean	3.80	3.60	3.80	3.97	4.14	4.19	4.43
Number	1198	1699	1221	1129	894	935	2199

Satisfaction with Law School Decision by years of professional experience

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	2 or less years	3-6 years	7-10 years	11-15 years	16-20 years	21-25 years	>25 years
Very Satisfied	34.1%	27.0%	34.2%	40.7%	47.7%	50.9%	63.9%
Satisfied	30.5%	31.0%	30.0%	30.6%	29.1%	27.9%	21.7%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	21.6%	23.7%	22.2%	18.1%	15.2%	13.5%	9.5%
Dissatisfied	9.6%	11.4%	9.1%	6.4%	5.5%	4.9%	2.7%
Very Dissatisfied	4.3%	6.9%	4.5%	4.3%	2.6%	2.8%	2.2%
Mean	3.80	3.60	3.80	3.97	4.14	4.19	4.43
Number	1198	1699	1221	1129	894	935	2199

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Counties

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	Dallas-Fort Worth MSA	Houston-MSA	Austin-MSA	San Antonio-MSA	Non-Metropolitan
Very Satisfied	41.8%	43.2%	40.8%	44.8%	47.7%
Satisfied	27.8%	27.8%	31.0%	28.4%	26.1%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	18.5%	17.5%	17.9%	17.4%	15.3%
Dissatisfied	7.4%	7.6%	7.0%	5.2%	7.8%
Very Dissatisfied	4.6%	3.9%	3.4%	4.1%	3.0%
Mean	3.95	3.99	3.99	4.05	4.08
Number	2378	2322	1237	689	333

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Counties

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	Dallas-Fort Worth MSA	Houston-MSA	Austin-MSA	San Antonio-MSA	Non-Metropolitan
Very Satisfied	41.8%	43.2%	40.8%	44.8%	47.7%
Satisfied	27.8%	27.8%	31.0%	28.4%	26.1%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	18.5%	17.5%	17.9%	17.4%	15.3%
Dissatisfied	7.4%	7.6%	7.0%	5.2%	7.8%
Very Dissatisfied	4.6%	3.9%	3.4%	4.1%	3.0%
Mean	3.95	3.99	3.99	4.05	4.08
Number	2378	2322	1237	689	333

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Firm Size

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	solo	2-5 attorneys	6-10 attorneys	11-24 attorneys	25-40 attorneys	41-60 attorneys	61-100 attorneys	101-200 attorneys	201-400 attorneys	Over 400 attorneys
Very Satisfied	52.3%	42.8%	41.8%	43.0%	40.1%	39.9%	38.7%	45.0%	45.6%	48.0%
Satisfied	24.4%	26.7%	27.7%	29.5%	32.6%	33.1%	28.8%	32.0%	32.2%	31.0%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	14.5%	18.9%	19.7%	14.8%	17.9%	21.6%	21.6%	14.0%	14.8%	14.0%
Dissatisfied	4.7%	6.9%	6.7%	8.7%	6.8%	4.1%	8.1%	6.0%	6.0%	4.7%
Very Dissatisfied	4.1%	4.6%	4.2%	4.0%	2.6%	1.4%	2.7%	3.0%	1.3%	2.3%
Mean	4.16	3.96	3.96	3.99	4.01	4.06	3.93	4.10	4.15	4.18
Number	1539	1527	646	526	307	148	111	100	149	342

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Firm Size

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	solo	2-5 attorneys	6-10 attorneys	11-24 attorneys	25-40 attorneys	41-60 attorneys	61-100 attorneys	101-200 attorneys	201-400 attorneys	Over 400 attorneys
Very Satisfied	52.3%	42.8%	41.8%	43.0%	40.1%	39.9%	38.7%	45.0%	45.6%	48.0%
Satisfied	24.4%	26.7%	27.7%	29.5%	32.6%	33.1%	28.8%	32.0%	32.2%	31.0%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	14.5%	18.9%	19.7%	14.8%	17.9%	21.6%	21.6%	14.0%	14.8%	14.0%
Dissatisfied	4.7%	6.9%	6.7%	8.7%	6.8%	4.1%	8.1%	6.0%	6.0%	4.7%
Very Dissatisfied	4.1%	4.6%	4.2%	4.0%	2.6%	1.4%	2.7%	3.0%	1.3%	2.3%
Mean	4.16	3.96	3.96	3.99	4.01	4.06	3.93	4.10	4.15	4.18
Number	1539	1527	646	526	307	148	111	100	149	342

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Title

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	Solo	Associate	Equity Partner	Non-Equity Partner	Managing Partner	Of Counsel	Other
Very Satisfied	52.6%	29.5%	56.3%	51.4%	62.3%	38.1%	41.7%
Satisfied	24.8%	32.9%	28.7%	23.7%	20.4%	29.4%	26.5%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	14.2%	22.9%	10.0%	17.7%	10.7%	20.8%	18.7%
Dissatisfied	4.6%	9.7%	2.8%	5.1%	2.9%	9.1%	8.5%
Very Dissatisfied	3.8%	5.1%	2.3%	2.1%	3.8%	2.5%	4.7%
Mean	4.18	3.72	4.34	4.17	4.34	3.91	3.92
Number	1598	1674	743	333	525	197	343

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Title

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	Solo	Associate	Equity Partner	Non-Equity Partner	Managing Partner	Of Counsel	Other
Very Satisfied	52.6%	29.5%	56.3%	51.4%	62.3%	38.1%	41.7%
Satisfied	24.8%	32.9%	28.7%	23.7%	20.4%	29.4%	26.5%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	14.2%	22.9%	10.0%	17.7%	10.7%	20.8%	18.7%
Dissatisfied	4.6%	9.7%	2.8%	5.1%	2.9%	9.1%	8.5%
Very Dissatisfied	3.8%	5.1%	2.3%	2.1%	3.8%	2.5%	4.7%
Mean	4.18	3.72	4.34	4.17	4.34	3.91	3.92
Number	1598	1674	743	333	525	197	343

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Practice Area

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	Family	Litigation Personal Injury	Litigation Commercial	Criminal	Business	Real Estate	Wills & Trusts	Intellectual Property
Very Satisfied	48.2%	45.2%	46.8%	48.6%	38.5%	47.5%	44.8%	45.0%
Satisfied	25.1%	28.0%	30.9%	22.5%	33.4%	28.0%	29.7%	26.8%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	15.8%	16.3%	14.8%	17.5%	19.0%	15.5%	15.5%	18.2%
Dissatisfied	6.4%	6.4%	5.0%	6.9%	5.4%	5.1%	5.8%	5.0%
Very Dissatisfied	4.4%	4.2%	2.5%	4.6%	3.7%	4.0%	4.2%	5.0%
Mean	4.06	4.04	4.14	4.04	3.98	4.10	4.05	4.02
Number	701	626	560	481	353	354	330	220

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Practice Area

Satisfaction with decision to have attended law school	Family	Litigation Personal Injury	Litigation Commercial	Criminal	Business	Real Estate	Wills & Trusts	Intellectual Property
Very Satisfied	48.2%	45.2%	46.8%	48.6%	38.5%	47.5%	44.8%	45.0%
Satisfied	25.1%	28.0%	30.9%	22.5%	33.4%	28.0%	29.7%	26.8%
Neither Dissatisfied nor Satisfied	15.8%	16.3%	14.8%	17.5%	19.0%	15.5%	15.5%	18.2%
Dissatisfied	6.4%	6.4%	5.0%	6.9%	5.4%	5.1%	5.8%	5.0%
Very Dissatisfied	4.4%	4.2%	2.5%	4.6%	3.7%	4.0%	4.2%	5.0%
Mean	4.06	4.04	4.14	4.04	3.98	4.10	4.05	4.02
Number	701	626	560	481	353	354	330	220

RESULTS OF THE 2016 TEXAS LAWYER STUDY

Survey Results

Lawyer v. non-lawyer incomes by age - Median Income

Income by Gender (full-time workers only)

Income by Gender (full-time workers only)

Income by Race/Ethnicity (full-time workers only)

Income by Race/Ethnicity (full-time workers only)

Income by Age (full-time workers only)

Income by Age (full-time workers only)

Income by Law School Performance (full-time workers only)

Income by Law School Performance (full-time workers only)

Income by Occupation (full-time workers only)

Income by Occupation (full-time workers only)

Income by Years of Experience (full-time workers only)

Income by Years of Experience (full-time workers only)

Income by Counties (full-time workers only)

Income by Counties (full-time workers only)

Income by Firm Size (full-time workers only)

Income by Firm Size (full-time workers only)

Income by Title (full-time workers only)

Income by Title (full-time workers only)

Income by Practice (full-time workers only)

Income by Practice (full-time workers only)

Lawyer v. non-lawyer incomes by age - Median Income

Lawyer v. non-lawyer incomes by age - Median Income

Career Satisfaction by Gender (full-time work only)

Career Satisfaction by Gender (full-time work only)

Career Satisfaction By Race/Ethnicity

Career Satisfaction By Race/Ethnicity

Career Satisfaction By Age

Career Satisfaction By Age

Career Satisfaction By Law School Performance

Career Satisfaction By Law School Performance

Career Satisfaction By Occupation

Career Satisfaction By Occupation

Career Satisfaction by years of experience

Career Satisfaction by years of experience

Career Satisfaction By Counties

Career Satisfaction By Counties

Career Satisfaction By Firm Size

Career Satisfaction By Firm Size

Career Satisfaction by Title

Career Satisfaction by Title

Career Satisfaction By Practice Area

Career Satisfaction By Practice Area

Satisfaction with Law School Decision by Gender (full-time work only)

Satisfaction with Law School Decision by Gender (full-time work only)

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Race/Ethnicity

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Race/Ethnicity

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Age

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Age

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Law School Performance

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Law School Performance

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Occupation

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Occupation

Satisfaction with Law School Decision by years of professional experience

Satisfaction with Law School Decision by years of professional experience

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Counties

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Counties

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Firm Size

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Firm Size

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Title

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Title

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Practice Area

Satisfaction with Law School Decision By Practice Area