The Legal Employment Landscape in Austin
The legal job market in the Austin area has remained consistently strong, with a number of firms and organizations expanding their teams to meet the needs of the ever-growing population of Central Texas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ recent reports, the legal sector in Austin is expected to grow by nearly 8% in the coming years , and while uncertainty in the market may shift the projected demands for legal professionals in other areas of the country, Austin continues to see large-scale growth at its law firms and companies that employ in-house counsels.
Central Texas’ employment in the legal industry is projected to become more and more competitive as new firms and corporations alike look to expand and attract new talent.
The Key Employers for Legal Roles
Austin’s legal market is known for its diversity, which is mirrored in the top hiring companies within the city. Corporate legal departments that have made Austin their home include Silicon Labs, Inc., a leader in semiconductors, and Grocery Supply Co., a well-established food distributor with over 100 years in the industry. Both companies are headquartered in the greater Austin area.
Law firms on our list include Jackson Walker LLP, McGinnis Lochridge, and McGlinchey Stafford. Jackson Walker is a large law firm with over 100 lawyers in Austin, providing services to local, national, and international clients. With headquarters in Austin and a branch in Houston, McGinnis Lochridge is a full-service firm handling a wide range of legal services, while McGlinchey Stafford, a regional law firm based in Louisiana, provides clients with access to Texas counsel in more than ten cities across the U.S.
Most Common Legal Job Titles
Attorneys:
In Austin, there is a need for attorneys with portable practices, in particular in the areas of intellectual property, energy, and health care. Clients are interested in emerging practices in cybersecurity and enforcement of privacy laws in the wake of the EDGAR hack, and for traditional practices in the new area of data analytics.
Paralegals:
While some traditional corporate law departments in the Austin area may continue to retain paralegals for specific practice areas, large firms no longer look to hire full-time paralegals. In-house departments are beginning to go paperless and only look to hire paralegals to assist with PDFs in discovery review or destruction.
Legal Assistants:
Because of technology, legal assistants are no longer traditionally practicing. Most legal assistants now have a different skillset than attorneys. The skills that were once focused on substantive law now focus on technology and legal software such as LexisNexis CounselLink or PowerPoint.
Litigators:
Litigators who have portable books of business are still in demand in Austin’s small to mid-sized firms while giant firms are looking for Austin office expansion into the Houston market. Mid- and small- firms are looking for cases with revenue margins as they tend to be more profitable than larger firms. However, clients are requesting senior energy litigators from the Houston market for their use in their cases. In addition, in the litigation market, Austin is still seeing an influx of new lawyers from law school as demand is likely to keep climbing in the next decade.
Earnings Potential for Legal Employment
The Austin legal job market is generally strong, and offers a variety of opportunities to seasoned attorneys and graduates alike. Salaries in the Austin area have risen slightly since 2009, and there is evidence that this trend may continue. Although the recession took a toll on salary levels in the legal job market, qualified and experienced lawyers were able to manage to secure jobs and begin moving up the ladder. Law school admissions dropped significantly across the country, and now that the number of law school applications is rebounding somewhat, there is a resulting legal talent shortage. Hiring firms may offer slightly higher starting salaries to recent graduates in order to compete with other firms. The Bay Area has seen a significant resurgence in legal jobs, but some firms are choosing to locate their offices in Austin because the cost of living is lower and the quality of life is slightly better. Large firms in the Austin area range from small regional firms to large national firms with several hundred lawyers.
Starting salaries for assistant district attorneys in the Austin area are approximately $61,000 a year. Salaries for Assistant U.S. Attorneys are approximately $130,000 per year. Salaries can vary widely based on experience and type of firm. Corporate firms often pay more than litigation firms. For example, starting salaries for lawyers at large corporate firms can be as high as $160,000 per year, while litigation firms’ starting salaries range from $100,000 to $125,000 per year. Salaries at midsize firms are typically in the $70,000 to $80,000 range. This can be expected due to the fact that larger firms are able to pay much higher starting salaries, which then in turn drives up salaries across the board.
Necessary Qualifications and Skills
The qualifications and skills required for legal job opportunities in Austin, Texas can vary greatly depending on the specific position requirements of law firms, corporations or government agencies. However, there are several general qualifications and expectations that most employers seek when hiring legal professionals in the region.
Education and credentials is the first and foremost requirement for legal personnel. An undergraduate degree from an accredited university is essential for all positions, while a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school is required for attorney positions. Additional certifications, such as membership in the Bar association, may also be required for practicing attorneys . Employers may also value certifications such as the Certificate in Legal Studies or Master of Legal Studies for certain non-attorney roles.
In addition to education, qualified applicants need to have strong communication and analytical skills. Legal professionals must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in written and verbal form, convey complex information in an understandable manner and work well with a diverse client base and fellow staff members. They also need to be detail-oriented and highly organized, as work must frequently be done under short deadlines and in a fast-paced environment.
Legal experience may also be necessary for certain jobs in the Austin area. This experience may come in the form of internships or clerkships during law school or genuinely pertinent job experience at another law firm or organization.
Networking and Candidate Strategies
The legal job market in Austin, Texas can be highly competitive, but effective networking and job search techniques can give candidates an edge. Networking plays a vital role in the legal profession and can significantly enhance job search efforts. Start by attending local bar association meetings and events to meet Austin-based attorneys and employers. The Austin Bar Association has various networking events and committees that can help you make connections in the local legal community. The Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association and the Black Lawyers of Austin also provide opportunities to network with lawyers and stay updated on job openings.
Online resources can play an important role in the job search process in Austin. Websites like the State Bar of Texas’ Job Board and legal recruitment agencies specializing in matching candidates with positions in the Austin area can be useful. Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn can help you build a professional network and connect with potential employers. Joining local business organizations, such as the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce or the Austin Young Chamber, can also be beneficial for networking with professionals in the region.
Informational interviews can be a helpful networking tool in your job search. These interviews can provide insight about a particular law firm or legal department and help you learn more about the local legal climate. Consider contacting Austin attorneys or legal recruiters for informational interviews, even if they’re not actively hiring at the moment. This can help you stay informed and potentially lead to future job opportunities.
Finally, building a strong resume and cover letter tailored to each job opening is critical in legal job applications. Reach out to professionals or legal writing centers to ensure that your application materials are polished and error-free. Tailoring your resume and cover letter to a specific position can demonstrate interest in the position and knowledge of the employer.
Current Trends in the Austin Legal Market
In recent years, Austin’s legal market has seen a shifting focus toward areas such as technology law, intellectual property, and corporate law. The upsurge of startups in the tech sector has contributed to this trend, with more companies seeking legal assistance for incorporation, contract negotiation, and data privacy issues. Furthermore, as more and more people flock to Austin in search of tech and creative jobs, there has been a marked increase in the demand for legal services in the fields of employment law and criminal defense.
Technology law has emerged as a strong niche in Austin, driven in part by the city’s booming high-tech industry. Startups seeking guidance on data management and storage, as well as employment contracts, have created a demand for legal professionals who specialize in technology law. In addition, as cyber attacks continue to threaten businesses and consumers alike, a growing number of firms are offering cybersecurity and data breach response services, as clients prioritize risk management in today’s digital landscape.
Another area of interest is intellectual property law, with several law firms expanding their practice to include services for copyright , trademark, and patent law. Acknowledging the proliferation of startups in Austin, where many businesses rely heavily on IP for their competitive advantage, these firms have established dedicated teams of experts in IP law to support their clients.
Corporate law, specifically focused on M&A, has also seen a surge of activity as the tech scene in Austin continues to grow. Mergers and acquisitions are particularly prevalent among larger organizations looking to enter new markets and expand their reach. This is especially the case in the realm of social media and artificial intelligence, both of which are increasingly becoming major players in the Austin economy.
Technology integration and flexible work agreements are two other trends that are changing the landscape of the legal industry in Austin. Law firms are beginning to recognize the value of automation and AI tools, allowing for greater efficiency and a reduction of manual tasks associated with legal research and document review. In addition, partners and associates are increasingly afforded the ability to work remotely, with many firms offering various flexible work arrangements in order to promote a more family-friendly culture.