The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates approximately that 759,200 individuals were employed as lawyers in this country in 2008. For those considering law school, the BLS estimates approximates job growth in legal services will continue at an average pace, but with rigorous competition for available employment.

About 26 percent of lawyers are self-employed, as solo practitioners or as law firm partners. Lawyers seeking salaried positions―, in government, law firms, banks, utilities, corporations, non-profit organizations, and industry―, may be frustrated by opportunity opportunities lost to economic contraction.

South Carolina construction laws

Construction law, however, is a legal practice area of great overlap. For experienced lawyers, it is a practice area active during periods of economic boom or bust. Successful construction lawyers in South Carolina utilize and incorporate several skills sets including:

• Business and contract law

• Real estate law, including liens

• Dispute resolution and negotiation

• Personal injury

• Governmental contract and regulatory law

• Litigation

• Technical knowledge of processes and materials

The income level of lawyers practicing construction law―, or bidding, negotiation or accident law―, will generally be commensurate with their level of successful experience, and of course, good marketing.

While experience is an important criterion for client development, setting is equally important to earning capabilities. As with most areas of legal specialty, law firm partners earn more than associates, and more than sole practitioners. The type, size, and reputation of a large- or medium- size firm has a direct bearing on the pay scale of both partner and associate. Sole practitioners just starting out in construction law may make considerably less than their law firm counterparts.

Generally, the income you can expect is the salary your employer is willing to pay you. However, the median annual wage, according to the BLS, the median annual wage of lawyers in 2008 was $110, 590. For law school graduates nine months out in private practice, that figure was $108,500.

Geographic area also has a bearing on income. Larger firms in bigger cities might offer between $120,000 and $165,000 annually, depending on level of construction law experience, education and time out of school.

A varied and interesting field of practice, construction law can prove very rewarding― – personally and financially.