What is the most paying type of lawyer?
Well, I do believe that most lawyers are paid by percentages of the settlements they receive in court. Now, I don't believe there is any one type that receives more, but I'd probably say one that works for a major firm or one that owns a major firm because it is more independent and you will be able to make more off of those perecentages you receive for winning cases. I am comparing this to a corporate or company lawyer who is paid a set amount despite whether he wins a huge or small settlement, he will get paid only what his salary pertains and possibly a small bonus. From these two pathways, I believe there is more opportunity and cash in a more independent practice.
Probably those who do the big class action suits against big corporations in tobacco, chemical, med products, etc. These lawyers often get huge multi-million dollar settlements in successful cases. The settlements are then split between a large number of plaintiffs, but only AFTER the lawyer has taken his fee, which is typically in the neighborhood of 30%. Even after deducting expenses, 30% of, say, $120 million is quite a bit of change. (Yes, it would be $36 million . . . Not bad for a single case. But there would be considerable expenses that the lawyer would have to pay. He'd probably come out with over $25 million though. Still not bad for a single case.)
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