A new study finds Arizona will be No. 3 among the best states for lawyers seeking employment in 2021. Lawyer jobs in the state are projected to increase by 5.5% this year.
Due to COVID-19 economic crisis, the American Bar Association reported law firm billings dipped nearly 25% in 2020 resulting in layoffs and hiring freezes. It has never been more critical for lawyers and law students to know where the job openings will be in 2021.
Testing.org today released a study on the Best and Worst States for Lawyers in 2021 using the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rankings were determined by which states will see the biggest percentage increase in jobs from the end of 2019 to 2021. The study also looks at average starting salaries and LSAT scores needed to get into the top law school in each state.
Here were key findings in Arizona:
• Ranks No. 3 projecting a 5.5% increase to 1,120 jobs for lawyers.
• The average starting salary for lawyers is $106,330.
• An LSAT score of 163 is needed to get into Arizona State University.
Here were key national findings
• Alabama ranked No. 1., Wyoming ranked No. 2, and Arizona is No. 3.
• Southern states make up three of the top five states in the rankings, with North Carolina and South Carolina claiming spots four and five, respectively.
• Only four states are poised to lose jobs for lawyers. Idaho ranks last at -4.5%, along with North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin all expecting losses.
• Massachusetts — famous for top law schools such as Harvard University — ranks No. 6; while Washington, D.C. — with top schools Georgetown University and George Washington University — ranks No. 15.
