MISSION

The Mission of the 2018 Young Lawyers Division Earnings Survey was to compile and assess, data concerning Florida young lawyer earnings, to allow the Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors to better understand financial issues affecting its members, so it could then shape programing, initiatives, and resources to address those issues.

SURVEY RESULTS

The 2018 Young Lawyers Division Earnings Survey was sent to a random sample of 3,754 young lawyers.  Of those, 503 young lawyers responded giving the survey a margin of error of plus or minus 4%.  All Florida lawyers under the age of 36 and new Florida Bar members for the first 5 years in good standing are automatically members of the YLD.

Key takeaways of the responses include:

• 75% of respondents reported having outstanding student loans.
• The median reported outstanding student loan amount was $150,000.
• 82% of female young lawyers reported outstanding student loans compared to 67% for male young lawyers.
• Median income reported for male young lawyers was $80,000 compared to $70,000 for female young lawyers.

ARTICLES & RESOURCES

The Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors produced  a report on one aspect of the survey results that included recommendations concerning law student debt.  The YLD will continue to assess this data and modify its programs, initiatives, and resources to address the earnings issues facing Florida young lawyers.