Salary of a Trilingual Immigration Lawyer
Traditionally, a lawyer earned a salary based on his years of experience. If he had special skills, such as the ability to speak many languages, he would apply those skills toward gaining more experience. With changes in the way companies do business around the world, legal firms are starting to recognize trilingual lawyers as an asset. Instead of just using language to gain experience, lawyers can use their strength of languages to secure job opportunities and earn better salaries.
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Value
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According to "The Robert Half Legal 2011 Salary Guide," published by the University of Calgary, lawyers' years of experience represent their value and accompanying salary rather than their ability to speak in many languages. Languages can help an immigration lawyer secure clients to gain exposure. But, on its own, knowing multiple languages does not boost salary. A lawyer with four to nine years of experience may earn a salary in the range of $106,250 to $163,250 at a midsize firm. Lawyers with 10 to 12 years of experience may earn from $132,500 to $218,750.
Requirements
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Working internationally, many prospective international lawyers, such as immigration lawyers, study languages of the regions of the world where they work. While not necessarily a requirement for a higher salary, knowing languages creates opportunities for employment. An immigration lawyer must hold a bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor to qualify and must pass the written bar examination before becoming licensed to practice law.
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Comparison
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According to DegreeFinders.com, a site dedicated to online degree programs, immigration lawyers who work internationally and are knowledgeable in various languages do not necessarily make more money than other lawyers. In February 2010, lawyers earned an average salary of $68,000 regardless of whether they were trilingual. Average annual international lawyer salaries vary depending on location, employer, education and experience.
Outlook
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With changes in hiring and management trends, employers may agree to increase compensation to those lawyers with trilingual skills if it means attracting additional clients. In May 2008, lawyers earned average annual wages of $110,590. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2018, lawyers can expect an increase in their average annual wages by 13 percent from 2008. This includes lawyers who speak multiple languages as part of their job, such as an immigration or international lawyer.
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