A Snapshot of the Columbus Legal Market
While the economy of Ohio as a whole is suffering under tough economic times, nothing seems to be able to hamper the city of Columbus growing to become the 15th largest in the U.S. The unemployment rate in Ohio fell to 10.4% in January, leaving Columbus with a low 7.5% unemployment rate. The 2008 single family home pricing of Columbus was more than a full 20% higher in value than when the boom first hit in 2003. By definition, recession is when you experience a negative growth in your GDP, so the fact that Columbus is showing continued growth in its economy via real estate, job creation, and increased population show that even in a recession, Columbus can stand tall.
One of the most fundamental facts in looking for a legal position is supply and demand. The demand for legal services is always increasing, pushing lawyers to enter the market at a steady rate so as to constantly maintain the supply at a healthy level. Since the 1960’s, almost every year has shown roughly a 10,000-14,000 growth in the number of lawyers in the U.S . So, when you look for a legal position, what matters is that you are performing a service that is still in demand, and the Columbus legal market certainly fits the bill on this one. The state of Ohio averaged 61.6 jobs per 1,000 jobs each year from 2005-2009, with Ohio ranking 21st of the 50 states according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Columbus had the second highest employment numbers in Ohio for lawyers in 2010, totaling 6,870 total jobs, second only to Cleveland with 8,450. Of course, the mother of all jobs is the coveted partner position, which Columbus can offer, as it is home to two of the nations top law firms: Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP and Bricker & Eckler LLP. Both of these firms have their headquarters located in Columbus, and both are well regarded in their respective industries.
Overall, the state of Ohio ranks in the bottom half of the country in terms of legal spending; however, the fact that Columbus continues its steady growth shows that given the right timing and qualifications, you could find the right opportunity to start your legal career in Columbus.
Leading Legal Employers in Columbus
Legal job opportunities in Columbus, Ohio are largely with law firms, large corporations and government agencies. The largest law firms in Columbus are Bricker & Eckler LLP, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP and Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. All three are among the top 100 law firms in the nation, with offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and other areas such as Indianapolis and Washington DC. Other prominent Columbus law firms include Baker Hostetler, McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffton Co., LPA, Kegler Brown Hill & Ritter LPA, Chester Wilcox & Saxbe LLP, Squire Sanders, Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP, Ice Miller LLP and Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP.
Columbus is also home to several legal departments for large corporations, including the legal departments of L Brands, Huntington Bank, Nationwide Insurance, Big Lots Stores Inc., The Wendy’s Co. and Cardinal Health Inc. Other corporations with a strong presence of legal departments in Columbus include JPMorgan Chase & Co., Limited Brands Inc. and the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. All of these corporations employ contract, temporary and permanent attorneys.
Columbus hosts six appellate and general trial courts, one district court for the state of Ohio, as well as several government agencies such as the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Legal Aid Society of Columbus and the Franklin County Clerk of Courts.
Common Legal Positions and Specializations
A diverse array of legal professionals make their home in Columbus, along with a wide range of job opportunities and specializations. As many leading firms aim to build their teams with an eye on the future, there are plenty of opportunities for candidates at all levels.
Corporate law, with its focus on general commercial matters, is one of the most sought-after specializations in the Columbus market, and firms are looking for both associates and partners in this area. An increasing amount of regulatory work has made health care another area of growth: As the Affordable Care Act continues to evolve, firms and clients in the industry are in search of candidates with experience navigating its requirements.
Several practice areas of focus have grown in popularity in recent years, either in response to client needs or the emergence of new, niche work within established firms. The boom in domestic energy production has prompted a demand for lawyers who can handle energy regulatory projects, while the real estate market has generated interest in lawyers specializing in commercial leasing, transactions and development. Yet another area of growth is in the field of labor and employment.
Compensation Expectations and Company Perks
As in all competitive markets, salary scales may fluctuate based on the level of need for a particular specialty, as well as the size of the employing legal firm. However, as of early 2023, average annual salaries for legal professionals in Columbus, Ohio, have reached almost $81,000. This average encompasses a wide variety of legal professionals, from attorneys to paralegals to court reporters. A small but increasing number of lawyers are specializing in cryptocurrency, handling cases that require expert knowledge of this complex new form of financial asset.
An annual survey conducted by the Robert Half legal hiring specialist annually reports on legal salaries in major urban centers throughout the nation, including Columbus. Research shows that attorney starting salaries are at their highest rates in the last decade. On average, starting salaries for an attorney with one to three years of experience is $81,500, with starting salaries for attorneys with three to five years of experience at $107,000. Attorneys with five to nine years of experience command starting salaries of $120,000, while those with ten or more years see the highest starting salaries of $142,000. Corporate counsel with three to five years of experience see starting salaries averaging around $103,500.
Paralegals and legal assistants command starting salaries averaging around $53,000. Entry-level paralegals and legal assistants with a certificate from a prestigious program tend to earn the most. Paralegals with three to five years of experience can expect approximately $73,000 on average, while those with five to nine years command average salaries of $85,000. Those with ten or more years command starting salaries averaging $93,000.
The largest firms tend to pay their employees more, but also expect longer hours. The small- to mid-sized firms are typically much less demanding for hours worked. But the "best places to work" are not always those that pay the highest.
Must-Have Skills for Legal Positions in Columbus
As the legal landscape in Columbus continues to evolve, employers seek candidates who possess a unique blend of traditional legal know-how and contemporary skills. At present, Columbus legal employment opportunities require an array of specialized skills and qualifications, including: Proficiency in E-Discovery – As the legal field increasingly relies on technology for data collection and review, attorneys and support staff with expertise in e-discovery are in high-demand. In Columbus, successful candidates for legal support roles are expected to be familiar with e-discovery software and platforms, including those designed for data processing, review, and production. Client Relationship Management – Major players in the Columbus legal scene consistently emphasize the importance of client relations skills . Partners, associates, and legal administrative support personnel must demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with clients and provide them with high quality and efficient service to maintain their firm’s reputation. Technical Aptitude – Today’s law firms leverage technology tools in all aspects of business, from case management to marketing. Candidates for legal jobs in Columbus should demonstrate a proficiency with common technical tools and the ability to adapt to new software quickly. Attention to Detail – One of the most prized character traits for legal professionals is attention to detail. In Ohio, attorneys, paralegals and legal tech professionals should demonstrate an ability to produce accurate work that conforms to the various rules, regulations, and standards within the industry.
Job Search Strategies and Networking in the Legal Arena
Effective networking and job search strategies are essential for legal professionals in Columbus seeking new opportunities. The Columbus Bar Association (CBA) is a fundamental tool in this regard, providing a wealth of resources and services designed specifically for lawyers at all stages of their careers.
Leveraging online resources is also critical in today’s digital age. Websites such as LinkedIn and Indeed can help you connect with prospective employers, showcase your qualifications, and even find hidden job opportunities. On the CBA’s Job Bank, for instance, you can not only find listings specific to the Columbus area but also post your resume for direct use by local firms.
Networking events are another valuable avenue through which to connect with employers. Keep an eye on the CBA’s calendar of events to find seminars, workshops, and even casual meet-ups designed to facilitate professional growth and development. These gatherings present excellent opportunities to forge connections with fellow legal professionals and firm administrators alike.
Local and national bar association websites are also indispensable resources for job seekers. Many contain dedicated job boards and career advice sections, providing easy access to a range of job listings and sources of information. Additionally, several hosting organizations provide members with career counseling services and access to job listings.
Local social media is also evolving into an increasingly relevant networking resource for legal professionals. Join relevant groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter to network with others in the industry and stay up-to-date on current job openings.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of coffee! Make it a point to regularly sit down for a cup with friends and peers in the industry. You never know what opportunities might arise from a simple conversation among colleagues, making it an important facet of the job search process.
Advancement Opportunities for Legal Professionals in Columbus
In the competitive world of legal employment, career advancement can be influenced by a multitude of factors. The ability to continue moving up in your firm or organization requires strong professional skills and personal initiative. But it also requires a good understanding of the potential for professional development in your marketplace—the Columbus legal sphere in this case.
The good news for those seeking to advance their careers in the Columbus legal landscape is that employers are generally supportive of the continued development of their employees. They typically see the rise of an employee through the ranks as a positive indicator of success—not just in that individual but in their business as a whole. While some may argue that large law firms do more to promote up-and-coming candidates, it’s certainly not as if mid-tier or smaller firms don’t show a similar inclination.
In fact, small-to-mid-sized firms have a vested interest in promoting and developing the candidates that work with them. Resources do tend to limit the number of hires these firms can make when promoting from within, but there is still a spirit of promotion that dictates even much of this hiring process . Columbus law firms can be selective when hiring, and that selection can result in longer-term opportunities for the candidates they commit to. This commitment tends to pay off for both sides; firms get the talent they seek, while candidates get the future mobility they desire.
In addition, this promotion process isn’t just exclusive to firm life: corporate and in-house positions also provide for opportunities to move up through the ranks. Oftentimes, legal professionals are allowed a certain degree of mobility when it comes to moving between legal departments or positions. The nature of being in-house often means a great deal of opportunity for cross-pollination, whether that means switching departments or working on special projects. These projects can also serve as a major advantage for young lawyers who haven’t yet built a significant reputation for themselves as practitioners.
No matter where you choose to work, keep an eye out for promotional opportunities and take advantage of them. Use professional development tools beyond traditional networking, such as volunteering with the State Bar or taking leadership roles in your local legal community. By demonstrating your abilities ahead of time, you’re making yourself an ideal candidate for future advancement.