Understanding the Legal Employment Landscape in Baltimore
The legal job market in Baltimore is experiencing a period of moderate growth, driven by both local and regional expansion of firms, the entry of new practice areas specializing in intellectual property, and the network of federal regulations catering to the Bay’s maritime economy. Firms have responded to market demand by both hiring with greater frequency and offering candidates increasing flexibility in their work schedules.
Across the spectrum of legal practices, the demand for attorneys is on the rise. In particular, litigation and commercial work in sectors like real estate, health care, and construction are driving a short-term need for additional partners and associates. Legal organizations in the private sector, not-for-profit industries, and government agencies are all experiencing growth, thus increasing the number of job roles available.
One area where legal jobs are particularly strong in Baltimore is employment law. The city has a high density of employers in this sector, ranging from Fortune 500 companies, to not-for-profits and research institutions, to universities. Other fields of practice with recent spikes in opportunity include construction law, healthcare law, litigation and products liability. These categories received the first significant uptick in hiring since the economic recession of 2008.
A trend that is beginning to see increased traction in the Baltimore legal job market is that of alternative delivery services . Midsize and larger firms that are adding this capacity are looking for support roles and administrative positions for contract arrangements. One potential opportunity for professional growth in this job market lies in these new support roles that are well-suited to applicants with prior administrative experience or training in areas relevant to the law market.
Another legal field that was given a boost in local employment is intellectual property. Set on the waterfront, Baltimore is a hub of IP talent vastly undervalued when compared to cities like Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia. This has resulted in increased opportunities for native applicants to be recruited by larger firms in other major IP markets.
Overall, the two most common types of open hires at legal firms are for associates/minor partners and paralegals. Paralegals typically obtain a certificate after two years of study, while associates must hold Juris Doctor degrees from an accredited school and several years of experience in a related field of law. Due to the strong diversity of industries served by Baltimore law firms, there is currently a healthy level of competition for a limited number of general counsel positions.
It should be noted that the prevalence of the federal government as an employer in the region makes public sector legal opportunities a viable area for candidates to consider. Like privately held legal positions, openings in the public sector show a steady growth that has been facilitated by gradual demand pressure on specific areas like employee rights, health care disputes, and environmental law.
Leading Law Firms and Major Employers in Baltimore
Employers vary greatly in size and focus across the Baltimore area. There are large international firms like DLA Piper, which employs over 4,900 attorneys and is the largest firm in the world by number of lawyers and revenue. DLA Piper in Baltimore has 90 lawyers and is known for its work within a variety of industries such as aerospace and defense.
Another firm, Hogan Lovells, has a strong international presence with 2,500 lawyers in 47 offices worldwide. Although this large firm employs only around 200 attorneys in Baltimore, it scored extremely high quality marks from both associates and partner entries in the Best Law Firms Survey 2015; it was first for diversity secondments and first for diversity in law firm management as a percentage of partner numbers.
However, smaller firms are no less important to the legal landscape in Baltimore, and attract many of the best local talent. For example, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, a firm of 24 lawyers, enjoys an impressive 4.3 out of 5 partnership score from its employees. Additionally, Brown, Goldstein & Levy is also known for its diversity programs, including its participation in the Baltimore Bar Association’s Diversity Network.
Finally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Baltimore District, Civil works Division, rounds out our list, and speaks to the breadth of opportunity available to legal professionals in Baltimore. Like other district offices, the Baltimore office serves, repairs and maintains civil projects within its jurisdiction.
One of the largest construction and design employers in the Baltimore metropolitan area, the Baltimore District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has about 600 employees with 244 civil servants working in engineering, operations and maintenance, and real estate services.
Popular Legal Practice Areas
While a wide range of legal specialties are important to the fabric of Baltimore’s legal community, certain areas stand out as particularly in-demand. Given the high concentration of businesses in the region, corporate law is one such area. In addition to large firms, a number of smaller corporations focusing on specific niches have set up in Baltimore, creating additional need for corporate lawyers. This demand is also fueled by a growing number of investments in tech companies, where mergers and acquisitions are becoming more common in the area. Corporate lawyers may also find opportunities in public sector organizations. Corporate law continues to see significant growth throughout the nation, but especially in areas like Baltimore where industry is flourishing. Other fields that are growing rapidly include criminal defense and family law. Despite being vastly different from one another, those specializing in either field find regular opportunities to enter into lucrative positions. In Baltimore, the need for these attorneys is increasingly undersupplied. Those possessing a full understanding of the legal ins and outs of these areas will see the most success. In addition to the areas mentioned above, intellectual property is also on the rise in Maryland. In recent years, many companies have come to rely heavily on technology and software systems, making intellectual property a top priority. The protection of IP assets has become a necessity for corporations and individuals alike. Businesses of all sizes require qualified attorneys who can navigate this diverse and complex area of the law. Other areas of specialization are in high demand as well. The implementation of new technologies has increased the need for skilled attorneys who can handle this emerging area. In Baltimore, intellectual property is quickly becoming a thriving practice that is especially popular among younger attorneys.
Networking and Career Advancement
Once you have landed a job in the Baltimore legal market, you may think your work to establish yourself as a strong professional is over – but this could not be further from the truth. Establishing your professional reputation in a new city requires time and consistent effort, which is where the following Baltimore resources come in. As with most major cities, an affiliation with the local bar association can open up many opportunities in terms of networking and learning opportunities. In Maryland, there are actually two major bar associations: the Maryland State Bar Association and the Baltimore County Bar Association. The first represents more than 29,000 attorneys in the state, and provides numerous resources, information, and events for members, such as networking, CLEs (Continuing Legal Education), and leadership opportunities. The association is headquartered in downtown Baltimore, but has regional offices throughout Maryland. As a member, you will be able to attend a variety of events throughout the city to connect with other attorneys and legal professionals, including their Annual Conference, held every June.
The second bar association in Maryland is the Baltimore County Bar Association (BCBA), located in Towson (just outside of Baltimore). The BCBA has existed since 1896, and connects more than 4,500 members throughout the county. Members are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities, including serving on committees and attending social events, which is great way to network with other professionals and stay up to date on education opportunities. Events include happy hours, luncheons, and the annual charity fundraiser, "Dine and Dash." The BCBA also has a number of committees, which provide opportunities to serve on the Bar Association’s Board of Trustees. Overall, the BCBA committee experience can allow you to add recognitions to your resume, while also giving you an outlet to meet and network with peers.
In addition to the two bar associations, Baltimore also has a variety of additional resources to help grow your professional network and stay abreast of the latest changes in the legal market. In addition to monthly CLEs and on-demand CLE courses, the Maryland Institute for Continuing Professional Education of Lawyers (MICPEL) offers a wide range of resources to help professionals stay updated on the latest developments in the law, including practice guides, e-books, and topical newsletters. Of course, many of them require a fee or membership, but for serious professionals, these resources can easily pay for themselves.
Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of online resources to strengthen your professional network and increase your industry knowledge. Online communities, such as Facebook groups and LinkedIn Groups, are a great way to connect with other professionals, share information, and provide support to one another. Checking out the latest news on legal blog sites like Bloomberg and Law.com, or following relevant hashtags (#law, #attorney) on Twitter can also keep you in the loop on all the latest legal news and insights, while providing opportunities to build your brand online through social sharing of your own informative content.
The Legal Job Application Process
Applying for legal jobs in Baltimore typically starts with crafting a compelling resume that effectively markets your education, practical experience, professional affiliations, and personal attributes. Law firms and corporations want to see evidence of your credentials and qualifications articulated in a manner that sets you apart from other candidates. They also want to see how your expertise and background can contribute to their organization’s success.
Most law firms will conduct an interview with top candidates before making any offers. To ace your interview, come prepared to discuss your law school experience, your bar admission, your practice area or legal specialty, and your schedule and salary requirements. Familiarize yourself with the firm or corporate legal department, as well as the specific legal position being offered . If your research indicates that the employer’s values or practice areas conflict with your interests or beliefs, you may be better served by continuing your job search. But don’t give up! Law schools across the nation are producing thousands of J.D. candidates every year and the Baltimore legal community is always on the lookout for the right talent at the right time.
Professional connections can be invaluable when it comes to finding legal jobs in Baltimore. Many legal professionals welcome the chance to offer their guidance and assistance — so don’t be afraid to reach out to former employers, law school professors and classmates, and professional contacts for advice and recommendations. For many law firms, a referral from an existing employee goes a long way to making a legal job applicant stand out.
Earnings and Compensation in the Legal Field
In 2018, the annual pay for a Baltimore lawyer was $81,420 dollars per year, with the median range from $46,460 to $113,905. Attorneys in the to of the scale were paid up to $194,651. This data suggests that annual salaries for legal professionals in Baltimore are consistent with other major cities in the region.
The Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) surveys member lawyers who have five or more years of experience, and they found that over half of their respondents received bonus or incentive compensation in addition to their base salaries. On average, bonus payments were $11,160. Law firms that provided these incentives awarded them based on attorney productivity and firm success.
Private sector law firms tend to have the highest salaries in the state, with an average of $130,000. Large, multi-office firms or solo practices with multiple office locations were in the middle range, collecting roughly $115,000 annually. Government and non-profit organizations paid the least, with an average of around $80,000.
A study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown that the distribution of salaries for lawyers in Baltimore is relatively evenly spread out. The lowest paid 10% of attorneys in the city earned $54,360 in 2018, while the top 10% received $138,490, leaving the middle half with a range of $73,500 to $150,000.
Employers in Baltimore commonly provide their employees with a variety of benefits to enhance their total compensation packages. Incentive bonuses, relocation packages, and highly competitive vacation packages are just a few of the supplementary offerings you might be able to negotiate in your next job search in the region.
What Lies Ahead: Legal Careers in Baltimore
The future outlook for legal careers in Baltimore appears to be positive. The job market is expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate due to an increased demand for legal services, which is being driven in part by an aging population that is more likely to require legal assistance with issues such as estate planning and healthcare.
However, while job growth is projected to continue, the legal industry is also becoming more competitive. Many firms are looking for candidates with specialized skills and expertise, which can present a challenge for those who are just starting out in their legal careers. Additionally, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming the way legal work is performed, which may impact job availability in the long term.
Despite these challenges, there are several emerging trends that are expected to shape the legal industry in Baltimore over the coming years . For example, the demand for legal services for businesses in the tech and healthcare sectors is expected to increase, as these industries continue to expand and evolve.
Additionally, there is likely to be an increased focus on greater diversity and inclusion within the legal industry, which may create new opportunities for aspiring legal professionals from diverse backgrounds. Firms and organizations are likely to continue seeking out individuals who can bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
Overall, while the future outlook for legal careers in Baltimore may be uncertain, it is clear that there will continue to be opportunities for those who are willing to adapt and evolve with the industry. The legal profession has always been highly dynamic, and this is unlikely to change in the coming years.