Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 104'000 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 115'666 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 132'964 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 130'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 150'000 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 150'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsBusiness, Administration & Tourism
Rechtsanwalt/-anwältin
You represent clients in court and advise them on legal matters.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Lawyers investigate cases, develop strategies, and represent their clients in court or during negotiations.
You analyze complex cases, research current laws, and develop solid defense strategies. Whether in court or in out-of-court negotiations, you represent your clients' interests with expertise and persuasion. The job requires analytical thinking, precise wording, and a high level of discretion. You actively shape legal practice every day.
FieldBusiness, Administration & Tourism
Education pathHigher Education Profession
IndustryJudiciary
Swissdoc 0.623.6.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Lawyer. Based on 1,111 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+5% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 120'000 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 120'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 120'000 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 126'000 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Zug | CHF 135'000 | 31 |
| Zurich | CHF 135'000 | 286 |
| Basel-Stadt | CHF 127'400 | 45 |
| Geneva | CHF 120'000 | 117 |
| Lucerne | CHF 120'000 | 41 |
| St. Gallen | CHF 120'000 | 17 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Retail trade / Wholesaling | CHF 153'659 | 5 |
| Industry various | CHF 152'000 | 9 |
| Banking / Financial institutions | CHF 150'000 | 123 |
| Health care / Social services | CHF 150'000 | 19 |
| Information technology / Telecom | CHF 150'000 | 9 |
| Chemicals / Pharmaceuticals | CHF 145'500 | 16 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Kantonales Anwaltspatent
- ⏱ Anwaltspraktikum: je nach Kanton ca. 1 bis 2 Jahre
Official education path
You start with a cantonal legal internship lasting one to two years, followed by the bar exam.
Typical training path
Kantonales Anwaltspatent
Prerequisites
- completed university master's degree in law
- legal internship according to cantonal regulations
- certificate of legal capacity
- extract from the criminal register
- extract from the debt enforcement register
- Swiss citizenship (in certain cantons)
Requirements
- analytical skills
- empathy
- oral and written communication skills
Where this can lead
A career change is possible if you have completed a university master's degree in law and can prove the required internship.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Analytical thinking
- Precise wording
- Advisory skills
- Discretion
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You review files and research current laws to narrow down the legal situation. Then you draft legal documents or prepare for negotiations to represent your clients optimally.
- You examine cases in detail and collect relevant file documents.
- You research current legal texts and develop solid defense strategies.
- You consult with specialized colleagues.
- You conduct out-of-court negotiations and mediate between the parties.
- You draft precise legal documents and initiate court proceedings.
- You represent your clients during the oral hearing.
- You deliver closing arguments to strengthen your case before the court.
Working conditions
You usually work in your own law firm or are employed in the legal departments of companies. Occasionally, you also represent clients before public institutions or courts.
Where to learn
- Schweizerischer Anwaltsverband SAV-FSAMarktgasse 4, 3001 Bern
Strengths
- Analytical thinking
- Precise wording
- Advisory skills
- Discretion
Trade-offs
- High responsibility
- Stressful periods
- Conflict situations
- Continuous training
06 · Similar
