Lawyer Salary In Philippines Per Month 2025

If you want to pursue your career in law, and are interested in how much they earn in the Philippines. Then you also need to understand the factors that effect lawyers’ salary in Philippine. The students who are preparing themselves for the bar test and who are looking for a job in this field, it is important for them to understand how much they will earn from their job and to make a plan for their better future.

This article is about to give you the information about how much lawyers earn in the Philippines, along with how you can maximize your income while working in this profession. Even if you are working in a government institute or continue your job in a law firm to understand the salary factors helps you to make better decisions for your future.

Lawyer Salary Philippines

Average Lawyer Salary in the Philippines

Lawyer salaries in the Philippines vary significantly depending on experience, location, specialization, and the type of employer. However, based on available data:

Entry-level lawyers (0–2 years experience) earn around ₱25,000 to ₱45,000 per month.
Mid-level lawyers (3–6 years) earn ₱50,000 to ₱90,000 monthly.
Senior lawyers (7+ years or partners in firms) can command ₱100,000 to ₱200,000+ per month.
Top-tier corporate counsels and partners in major firms can earn ₱300,000 or more monthly, especially in Metro Manila.

These are the average and estimated salaries because there is a chance of higher and lower salaries because it depends on different factors and we will also discuss them here.

Key Factors That Affect Lawyer Salaries

Several variables influence a lawyer’s earning potential in the Philippines:

1. Location

The lawyers who continue their practice in Metro Manila, Cebu, and other big cities earn a handsome amount due to more work and rich clients. While in rural areas lawyers earn a low income in the cost is also low.

2. Type of Employer

Private law firms usually offer higher salaries, especially large or international firms.
In-house counsels for corporations also tend to earn well, with perks like bonuses, car plans, and stock options.
Government lawyers (e.g., public attorneys or prosecutors) have more modest pay, typically between ₱27,000 to ₱70,000 monthly, depending on rank (as per the government salary standardization law).
NGOs’ lawyers earn a low income because they consider advocacy and education of law over financial benefits.

3. Specialization

Lawyers in corporate law, intellectual property, or taxation often earn more than those in general practice or family law. Specialized expertise usually commands higher billing rates.

4. Experience and Bar Status

Naturally, as much as you are doing law practice and the number of cases you have won. You will be more valuable and maximize the chances of passing the bar easily. Do you know Call Center Salary

How to Increase Your Lawyer Salary Over Time

If you’re planning a legal career, here’s how you can steadily build your income:

Step 1: Pass the Bar Exam

The bar examination of the key to becoming a professional lawyer, and it will also help you to increase your salary. Every year bar exam is held in November, and usually the results are announced in the month of April or May.

Step 2: Start Gaining Experience

Even an entry-level position matters. Work with firms, volunteer with NGOs, or assist public offices to gain real-world knowledge.

Step 3: Choose a Lucrative Niche

You have to explore the demanding areas for corporate law, energy law, or tech/data privacy. Also participate in in seminars or get a certificate in these skills.

Step 4: Join or Build a Strong Firm

As you get more experience you need to increase the position in the firm or start your own practice Strong words and popularity will bring the more clients.

Step 5: Continue Legal Education

Pursue Master of Laws (LLM), attend legal conferences, and stay updated on national and international legal trends.

Aspiring legal professionals often compare their potential earnings to the Philippine senator salary as a way to gauge success and financial growth in their careers.

FAQs

How much does a government lawyer earn in the Philippines?

Government lawyers typically earn between ₱27,000 to ₱70,000 per month, depending on their rank and agency, under the Salary Standardization Law.

Can lawyers earn more through private practice?

Yes. Many lawyers who operate in private practice, especially in high-value areas or with elite clientele, can earn ₱150,000 to ₱500,000 or more monthly.

What is the starting salary for a fresh law graduate?

Fresh graduates who haven’t passed the bar yet (legal assistants or junior associates) may earn between ₱18,000 to ₱30,000 per month, depending on the firm.

Are lawyer salaries taxed in the Philippines?

Yes, it applies to the lawyer’s salary evenif they are working as an employee or doing their own practice. VAT or percentage tax also applies to their private practices.

What are the highest-paying fields in law?

Corporate law, international arbitration, mergers and acquisition, tax law, and energy laws are among the most paid areas in the Philippines.

If you are emotional about justice, a lawyer, and a strategist, and ready for the hard work, then becoming a lawyer will be beneficial for you, and you will earn a handsome amount. Even the basic salary is less, but with time, when you gain more experience, it will increase your salary.