Private Equity Lawyers
Overview
Introduction
Private equity (PE) lawyers are specialized attorneys who advise PE firms on issues such as fund formation and fund-raising, regulatory compliance, investment activity, portfolio company management, exits, securities regulation, intellectual property, tax, corporate finance and restructuring, and litigation and dispute resolution. Some PE lawyers work for fund investors (e.g., endowment funds, high-wealth individuals, pension plans, and family trusts).
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
In 2025, in-house corporate lawyers with zero to three years of experience earned salaries that ranged from $92,500 to $133,500 (depending on the size of their employer), according to national staffing firm Robert Half Legal’s 2025 Salary Guide. Those with four to nine years of experience earned between $106,750 and $177,250, and lawyers with 10 or more years on the job had earnings th...
Work Environment
Private equity attorneys typically work in comfortable, well-lit offices that are equipped with cutting-edge technology and office equipment. Those employed at large PE firms or law practices are supported by a team of paralegals, legal secretaries, and administrative professionals. Working as a PE lawyer can be interesting and rewarding, but it can also be very stressful due to the high financ...
Outlook
Employment for lawyers is expected to grow by 5 percent through 2033, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Private equity firms have high amounts of “dry powder” (unused money that is used to make deals) available for investment, which suggest that there will be strong demand for lawyers to help firms structure and close deals and provide legal guidance regarding portfolio c...
