France, renowned for its cultural heritage, world-class architecture, and influential legal traditions, stands as an attractive destination for aspiring legal professionals. The French legal system, deeply rooted in civil law, offers lawyers diverse opportunities in corporate law, international arbitration, intellectual property, and beyond. A lawyer’s salary in France reflects both the profession’s prestige and the demand for expertise, with earnings ranging from EUR 40,000 to over EUR 120,000 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and location. Beyond competitive pay, lawyers in France enjoy career stability, opportunities for professional development, and the privilege of working in a country that values legal excellence and innovation.
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How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in France?
The average lawyer salary in France is approximately EUR 92,300 annually or EUR 7,691 monthly, reflecting the competitive earnings in the legal profession. Entry-level lawyers typically earn around EUR 48,500 per year (EUR 4,041 monthly), while experienced lawyers or partners in prestigious firms can make up to EUR 138,700 annually (EUR 11,558 monthly). Factors influencing salaries include specialization, experience, and location, with Paris offering the highest earnings. Corporate and international law specialists often command premium wages. This robust earning potential makes law a lucrative career choice in France, especially for those pursuing advanced qualifications or working in top-tier firms.
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Lawyer Salary in France Based On Experience Level
The salary of a lawyer in France varies significantly based on experience level. Here’s a breakdown of the average salary by level of your work experience:
Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
0-2 Years | EUR 58,100 |
2-5 Years | EUR 73,700 |
5-10 Years | EUR 93,100 |
10-15 Years | EUR 111,700 |
15-20 Years | EUR 124,500 |
20+ Years | EUR 130,500 |
Lawyer Salary in France Based On Education Level
The salary of a lawyer in France varies significantly based on the level of education. Here is a breakdown of the average salary range by education level:
Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
Bachelor’s Degree | EUR 69,700 |
Master’s Degree | EUR 90,600 |
PhD | EUR 128,400 |
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Lawyer Salary in France Based On Organisation
The type of organisation a lawyer works for significantly indeed impacts their salary in France. Here’s a breakdown of the average salary by different organisations in France:
Organisation | Average Salary Per Year |
LawFirm.com | EUR 36,000- EUR 50,000 |
TotalEnergies | EUR 30,000- EUR 80,000 |
Clifford Chance | EUR 80,000- EUR 200,000 |
Eversheds Sutherland | EUR 75,000- EUR 89,000 |
BNP Paribas | EUR 38,000- EUR 48,000 |
EY | EUR 46,000- EUR 50,000 |
Natixis | EUR 24,000- EUR 30,000 |
Allianz | EUR 30,000- EUR 40,000 |
Lawyer Salary in France Based On Cities
The lawyer salary implicated by the location where you work in France indeed impacts the range of your salary. Here is a breakdown of the average by different cities in France:
Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
Bordeaux | EUR 87,500 |
Lille | EUR 91,000 |
Lyon | EUR 94,500 |
Marseille | EUR 98,800 |
Montpellier | EUR 86,800 |
Nantes | EUR 95,000 |
Nice | EUR 97,600 |
Paris | EUR 107,300 |
Strasbourg | EUR 89,900 |
Toulouse | EUR 95,200 |
Lawyer Salary in France Based On Positions
A lawyer’s position within the organization is a major determinant of their salary in France. Here is a breakdown of the average salary by different related positions:
Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
Arbitrator | EUR 57,200 |
Judge Advocate | EUR 97,600 |
Law Clerk | EUR 23,200 |
Attorney | EUR 94,500 |
Bailiff | EUR 27,700 |
Barrister | EUR 27,800 |
Counsel | EUR 66,200 |
Court Clerk | EUR 23,400 |
Paralegal | EUR 33,600 |
General Counsel | EUR 123,000 |
Immigration Executive | EUR 66,700 |
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FAQs
In France, the average lawyer makes EUR 94,798 a year, or EUR 46 per hour. Lawyers typically make between EUR 64,178 and EUR 116,222 per year. The most advanced degree for a lawyer is typically a master’s degree.
If they fulfil the educational and professional practice criteria, non-European nationals are excused from the CAPA and practical training; nonetheless, they must take an exam to gauge their familiarity with French law.
Larger firms, especially international ones, often offer higher salaries compared to smaller, local firms. For instance, some international firms in Paris offer salaries of around EUR 150,000.
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