Active in the Seattle legal community? For law professionals that are seeking the fresh challenge of a career move, the Legal Recruiter Directory may provide the answer to your employment opportunity search needs.
During the job search process, legal recruiters are oftentimes notified first regarding industry hiring needs, as they regularly collaborate with some of the most prestigious law practices and notable corporate counsel departments in the greater Seattle area.
In addition to keeping tabs on job opportunities at law firms across the metropolitan area, legal recruiters are also constantly striving to meet local lawyers and legal support staff, no matter their urgency in the job search process.
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Job Opportunities
Located on a natural isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle, or the “Emerald City”, is the largest US city in the Pacific Northwest. With a metropolitan area that includes over 4 million inhabitants this “City of Goodwill” is a culturally diverse, rapidly growing seaport community with a thriving global economy. For talented lawyers who are seeking new career challenges Seattle is certainly an attractive destination.
Seattle has over 16,000 lawyers, most of whom practice at the city’s nearly 1900 law firms, 100s of corporations or numerous government agencies. The average base salary for a Seattle attorney is $111,345, and career-enrichment opportunities are available through these professional organizations:
- Washington State Bar Association
- King County Bar Association
- East King County Bar Association
- 2 ABA-accredited law schools
- Other state and local bar associations with specific membership requirements
Requirements to Practice Law
To take the Washington Bar Exam, one must graduate from an ABA-accredited law school or complete the APR 6 Law Clerk Program and pay a $585 fee. Applications are also accepted from lawyers who have been licensed in another US jurisdiction for at least 3 of the past 5 years, or graduates of a foreign law school who meet certain requirements. Once you’ve passed the Bar Exam, there are 3 options for being sworn in and taking the oath of office.
To maintain a law license in Washington you must complete 45 hours of CLE every 3 years, including at least 6 hours in professional ethics and 15 credits on law and legal procedure. New admittees to the Bar are exempt from CLE during their first year and the following year. For more information about practicing law in Washington visit: www.lawyeredu.org.
Why Seattle?
Downtown Seattle provides a vibrant, multi-cultural setting for street festivals, art galleries, the performing arts, coffee houses and restaurants. The city’s thriving global economy is driven in part by 7 Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Starbucks, Expedia and Nordstrom. Many Seattle residents are employed in sectors like forestry, technology, travel, industrial services and retail. Primarily due to housing, the area’s cost of living is considerably higher than the national average, although utility and healthcare costs are quite reasonable.
The legal district in Seattle is located downtown near I-5, and some of the city’s best neighborhoods include Laurelhurst, Portage Bay, Bryant, Broadmoor and Phinney Ridge. Daily commuters take advantage of the many services offered through the Seattle Department of Transport (SDOT), including buses, light rail, ferries and water taxis. Air travelers have two hubs at their disposal- King County International Airport or Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
In addition to its 5 major league sports teams, proximity to the ocean and numerous city parks, popular attractions in Seattle are Pike’s Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Woodland Park Zoo, the Space Needle, Sky View Observatory and Kerry Park. Seattle has a mild climate that produces an annual average of 152 sunny days, 38 inches of rain and 5 inches of snow. July is the warmest month, with daily highs near 76 degrees F, and January is typically the coldest month, with lows of around 37 degrees F.
Employers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Seattle’s candidate pool is dynamic and highly skilled, reflecting the city’s strong academic institutions, such as the University of Washington School of Law. Many legal professionals move to Seattle for its unique career and lifestyle mix, bolstering the pool with diverse expertise. However, with only a select number of roles at top firms and in-house legal teams, competition remains fierce. Candidates with specialized skills in technology law, healthcare law, and intellectual property are especially sought after, making tailored preparation key to standing out in this competitive market.
Demand is high for legal professionals in intellectual property, data privacy, and environmental law, driven by Seattle’s thriving tech and sustainability sectors. Positions in corporate law, particularly mergers and acquisitions, are also in demand as companies like Amazon and Microsoft pursue strategic growth. Additionally, healthcare law continues to be a prominent field, supported by leading organizations like Providence Health. These roles require a unique blend of technical knowledge and adaptability to navigate Seattle’s fast-evolving legal landscape.
Seattle’s legal market is shaped by its robust technology sector, with giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and countless startups driving innovation and the need for skilled IP and data privacy attorneys. The healthcare industry, anchored by Providence and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, also plays a significant role, demanding expertise in compliance and regulatory law. Meanwhile, the city’s maritime commerce, real estate development, and sustainability initiatives ensure ongoing opportunities in environmental and admiralty law. This diverse industrial base creates a wide range of legal specialties in the city.
Seattle’s growth in renewable energy, urban development, and tech innovation is reshaping its legal field. Real estate attorneys are seeing increased demand due to the city’s rapid development, while technology advancements have created unique opportunities in data privacy and cybersecurity law. Environmental lawyers are also playing a crucial role as Seattle enforces sustainability policies. These trends highlight the importance of staying ahead of industry changes, with many attorneys relocating to Seattle to capitalize on these evolving opportunities.
Remote work has significantly influenced Seattle’s legal market, with several firms utilizing hybrid models to entice top talent. This shift has expanded opportunities for professionals nationwide, increasing competition for Seattle-based roles. Compensation remains competitive, particularly in high-demand areas like corporate law and intellectual property. Attorneys in Seattle often earn salaries exceeding the national average, reflecting the city’s high cost of living and the premium placed on specialized expertise.
Seattle’s legal community is at the forefront of diversity and inclusion efforts. Organizations like the Minority Bar Association of Washington and the Loren Miller Bar Association actively advocate for equity and provide networking and mentorship opportunities. Law firms and corporations are implementing initiatives to attract and retain diverse talent, with many offering structured programs to promote inclusivity. Seattle’s multicultural population and progressive ethos create an environment where diversity is celebrated, enhancing the city’s appeal for attorneys seeking a supportive and inclusive professional setting.
