Hey there!
Ever wonder how much money lawyers in the Philippines make, especially those working for the government?
It’s a bit like figuring out a puzzle, but no worries – we’re here to make it super clear!
Understanding how much lawyers earn, especially in government jobs with their unique Salary Grades, can be a bit confusing.
The system involves factors like experience, specialization, and where you work, making it a bit complex.
But worry not! In this guide, we’ll explain it all. We’ll talk about how much lawyers usually make at different experience levels, in different cities, and especially in government.
If you’re curious about salaries for different jobs or professions, we’ve got you covered too. Explore more about salaries in different professions here.
Ready to dive into the details? Let’s get started!
Attorney Career in the Philippines
Attorneys in the Philippines, also known as lawyers or “abogados,” are legal professionals who have completed a degree in law, passed the Philippine Bar Exam, and are licensed to practice law in the country.
In the Philippines, attorneys can specialize in various areas of law, such as corporate law, criminal law, family law, labor law, and intellectual property law, among others.
They may work in private practice, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations.
Private practice lawyers in the Philippines typically work in law firms, where they provide legal advice and representation to individuals, corporations, and other entities.
They may handle a variety of legal matters, such as drafting contracts, filing lawsuits, negotiating settlements, and providing legal opinions.
Attorneys employed in government agencies may work for various branches of government, such as the Department of Justice, the Office of the Solicitor General, and other legal departments of government agencies.
They may work on cases related to national security, public interest, and civil service.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also employ attorneys in the Philippines. These organizations work on various social issues, such as human rights, environmental protection, and poverty reduction.
Attorneys working for NGOs may provide legal assistance to marginalized communities, conduct advocacy work, and litigate on behalf of their clients.
In terms of qualifications, attorneys in the Philippines must have a Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) and pass the Philippine Bar Exam, which is administered once a year.
After passing the exam, they must complete a mandatory legal apprenticeship program to obtain their license to practice law in the Philippines.
In terms of compensation, the salary of attorneys in the Philippines varies depending on their level of experience, area of expertise, and place of employment.
Lawyers in private practice generally earn higher salaries than those employed in government agencies or NGOs.
Overall, the legal profession in the Philippines offers a challenging and rewarding career path for those with a passion for justice, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Types of Lawyers in the Philippines
There are several types of lawyers in the Philippines, each specializing in different areas of law.
Here are some of the most common types of lawyers in the Philippines:
- Corporate Lawyer – handles legal matters related to business and corporations, such as mergers and acquisitions, contract drafting and negotiation, intellectual property protection, and compliance with laws and regulations.
- Criminal Lawyer – defends individuals or entities charged with criminal offenses, such as theft, homicide, or fraud. They may also work for the prosecution, representing the government in criminal cases.
- Family Lawyer – specializes in legal matters related to family, such as marriage, adoption, child custody, and divorce.
- Labor Lawyer – handles legal issues related to employment, such as labor disputes, employee benefits, and compliance with labor laws and regulations.
- Immigration Lawyer – assists clients with matters related to immigration, such as obtaining visas, citizenship, and deportation defense.
- Tax Lawyer – specializes in tax law and advises clients on tax-related matters, such as tax compliance, tax planning, and tax litigation.
- Environmental Lawyer – handles legal issues related to environmental protection, such as pollution, conservation, and sustainable development.
- Human Rights Lawyer – specializes in legal matters related to human rights, such as civil liberties, social justice, and equality.
- Real Estate Lawyer – handles legal matters related to real estate, such as property transactions, land use and zoning, and property disputes.
- Intellectual Property Lawyer – specializes in protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
These are just a few examples of the types of lawyers in the Philippines.
Depending on their area of expertise, lawyers may work in private practice, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations.
Professional Settings of Lawyers in the Philippines
Lawyers in the Philippines can work in a variety of settings, including:
Private Law Firms
Many lawyers in the Philippines work in private law firms, providing legal services to individual clients, corporations, and other entities.
Private law firms can specialize in different areas of law, such as corporate law, labor law, intellectual property law, and litigation.
Government Agencies
Lawyers can work for various branches of government, such as the Department of Justice, Office of the Solicitor General, and other legal departments of government agencies.
They may work on cases related to national security, public interest, and civil service.
Public Interest Law Firms and NGOs
Lawyers can also work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and public interest law firms, which provide legal assistance to marginalized communities and advocate for social justice, human rights, and environmental protection.
In-house Legal Departments
Lawyers can also work in the legal departments of corporations and other organizations, providing legal advice and representation on legal matters related to the organization’s operations and business transactions.
Academia
Lawyers can also work in universities and colleges, teaching law and conducting legal research.
Overall, lawyers in the Philippines have various career paths and can work in different settings depending on their area of expertise, personal interests, and career goals.
Salary of Lawyers in the Philippines
As of 2023, the salary of lawyers in the Philippines varies depending on several factors, such as their level of experience, area of expertise, place of employment, and the size of the law firm or organization they work for.
Here are some estimated salary ranges for lawyers in the Philippines:
Lawyer’s Salary by Experience
| Experience in Years | Average Salary/Month |
| Less than 2 years | ₱42,000 |
| 2 to 5 years | ₱57,000 |
| 5 to 10 years | ₱84,000 |
| 10 to 15 years | ₱103,000 |
| 15 to 20 years | ₱113,000 |
Lawyer’s Salary by City
| Cities | Average Salary/Month |
| Quezon City | ₱45,500 |
| Mandaluyong | ₱45,650 |
| Manila | ₱46,650 |
| Baguio | ₱49,200 |
| Pasig | ₱51,200 |
| Taguig | ₱58,700 |
| Cebu City | ₱62,350 |
| Davao City | ₱65,750 |
| Makati | ₱75,150 |
Lawyer Salary Philippines by Employers
| Employers | Average Salary/Month |
| Senate of the Philippines | ₱95,850 |
| Supreme Court of the Philippines | ₱80,000 |
| Banco de Oro | ₱201,700 |
| Central Bank of the Philippines | ₱125,000 |
| Cebu Pacific | ₱125,000 |
| ABS-CBN | ₱100,000 |
| Globe Telecom | ₱1,725,000 |
| Philippines House of Representative | ₱163,000 |
| CBRE | ₱234,000 |
Lawyer’s Salary by Gender
| Gender | Average Salary/Month |
| Male | ₱87,950 |
| Female | ₱76,650 |
Lawyer’s Salary by Education Levels
| Education Levels | Average Salary/Month |
| Bachelor’s Degree | ₱49,1000 |
| Master’s Degree | ₱76,900 |
| PhD | ₱129,000 |
Compensation and Benefits Package of Lawyers
Becoming a lawyer in the Philippines does not only offer an attractive salary, but it also comes with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.
Apart from the high base pay, lawyers can receive large bonuses, allowances, and other benefits. These benefits commonly include:
- Social Security System: Lawyers are entitled to a comprehensive benefits package that covers paid leaves, medical insurance, and retirement savings.
- Health Insurance: Law firms and organizations usually offer health insurance packages that cover the lawyer and their dependents.
- 13th Month Pay: This is an additional salary equivalent to one-twelfth (1/12) of the basic annual salary that all employees in the Philippines are entitled to receive.
- Holiday Leaves: Lawyers are entitled to paid leaves during national holidays and special non-working days in the Philippines.
- Sick Leaves: Lawyers are also entitled to paid sick leaves for their medical needs.
- Maternity Leaves: Female lawyers can also avail of paid maternity leaves to care for their newborn babies.
- Professional Development – Many law firms and organizations offer training programs and other professional development opportunities to their lawyers to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Other Benefits – Other benefits that lawyers can receive include transportation allowances, meal allowances, and housing allowances.
The specific compensation and benefits package may vary depending on the employer, level of experience, and other factors.
However, the comprehensive benefits package of a lawyer in the Philippines is a significant attraction for those who are considering this career path.
Conclusion
Pursuing a career in law can be a challenging and demanding journey, but it is also one of the most rewarding paths to take.
As a lawyer, you will have the opportunity to help people, make a difference in society, and contribute to shaping the future of the country.
With dedication and hard work, you can unlock your maximum potential and achieve your goals.
So, if you are passionate about law and justice, do not hesitate to pursue your dream of becoming a lawyer.
The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are immeasurable.
Disclaimer: The Philippine Go does not collect fees and is not a hiring agency, nor is it related to any hiring agency for employment abroad. All information contained here is solely for informational purposes and rightfully belongs to its rightful owner. Attached in the last section of the content are references for further verification, if needed. Read more
Reference:
- GAJITERBARU PH. (n.d.). Retrieved 2023, from https://gajiterbaru.com/ph/
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