Attorneys are among the highest-earning professionals, yet many struggle with wealth creation due to high taxes, irregular income streams, and the time constraints of a highly demanding career.
While legal expertise is second nature to you, financial management requires a different skill set—one that focuses on optimal wealth creation while minimizing risks and ensuring financial security for the long run.
An attorney-focused wealth management plan accounts for these realities so that your money works as hard as you do.
Why Attorneys Need Specialized Wealth Management
Over decades, we’ve found that lawyers across all practices tend to face the same set of unique financial challenges:
- High Tax Burdens: Without strategic tax planning, attorneys can see nearly half their income go to taxes.
- Irregular Income: Bonuses, settlements, and equity partnerships create inconsistent cash flow, making financial planning complex.
- Lifestyle Creep: High salaries often lead to increased spending, making wealth preservation essential.
At Samalin Wealth, we specialize in wealth management strategies designed specifically for legal professionals to build lasting, generational wealth. Whether you're a partner at a large firm, a solo practitioner, or transitioning out of law, our tailored solutions help optimize your wealth.
Key Wealth Strategies for Attorneys
1. Pay Yourself First
Instead of saving or investing what’s left after expenses, have you ever thought of allocating more of your income to wealth-building before anything else?
This effective wealth-building strategy for lawyers is simple: pay yourself first.
Paying yourself first can take different forms over different investment approaches, but at its core, paying yourself first is about creating a system where wealth accumulation is prioritized. This means committing to a fixed percentage of income for savings and investments so you are always prioritizing your future self over present-day expenses.
Over time, this consistency transforms high earnings into real, lasting financial security.
For example, an attorney earning $400,000 per year who consistently invests 20% of their income into a diversified portfolio could accumulate over $1 million within a decade. The key is consistency—regardless of income fluctuations, economic conditions, or unexpected expenses, paying yourself first ensures steady financial growth. Note: This example assumes 10 years of annual contributions to a taxable account earning 6% annually.
Embracing this mindset allows attorneys to take control of their financial future, paving the way for long-term security and greater career flexibility.
2. Tax Optimization Strategies
Attorneys often fall into the highest tax brackets but fail to leverage tax-saving opportunities. Proactive tax planning can significantly impact your net income and long-term wealth accumulation. Some effective strategies include:
- Attorney Contingency Fee Deferral: Defer taxation on large settlements and structure when and how you receive income to maximize growth potential.
- Specialized Retirement Plans: Contribute up to $300,000 annually to specialized retirement programs, reducing immediate tax liabilities while securing future wealth.
- Defined Benefit Plans: Law firm partners can contribute substantial pre-tax dollars into retirement accounts, minimizing taxable income while building a robust retirement fund.
- Charitable Giving & Donor-Advised Funds: Establishing a charitable giving plan can reduce tax burdens while supporting meaningful causes, ensuring that your wealth benefits both your future and the greater community.
3. Investment Strategies for Attorneys
Many attorneys make the mistake of being overly conservative or overly aggressive with their investments, relying too heavily on cash savings or low-yield bonds or speculating unnecessarily, taking on undue risk. Both strategies are unsustainable over time.
A well-structured portfolio should include:
- Diversification: A mix of equities, fixed income, and alternative assets helps hedge against market volatility and ensures consistent growth.
- Private Investments: Real estate, for example, can offer lucrative long-term returns for attorneys seeking appreciation beyond traditional investments.
- Investment Income Streams: Investing in dividend-paying stocks and participating in passive income opportunities ensures financial stability beyond billable hours and legal practice earnings and can help smooth the timing of legal fee receipts .
Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio with a fiduciary advisor ensures that your investment strategy evolves with your financial goals and market conditions.
4. Monetizing Your Law Practice
If you own a firm, your practice is likely one of your most valuable assets. Planning its monetization well in advance ensures financial security.
Two key monetization strategies include:
- Solicitor Referral Programs: Many attorneys can earn ongoing income by referring clients to Samalin Wealth.
- Deferred Compensation Structures: Structured deferred compensation allows attorneys to convert firm revenue into long-term wealth while strategically managing taxable income.
Additionally, some attorneys leverage their legal expertise to build alternative revenue streams, such as consulting, publishing legal content, or teaching law courses, which can provide financial stability beyond active legal practice.*
* Subject to state and federal registration requirements for solicitors and state bar regulations.
5. Protecting Your Wealth: Asset Protection & Risk Management
Attorneys face a unique set of risks that can threaten their personal assets and financial well-being. Implementing comprehensive risk management strategies ensures your wealth is protected against legal liabilities, economic downturns, and unforeseen personal circumstances.
Two key protection strategies include:
- Trust & Estate Planning: Establishing trusts can protect your assets from creditors, minimize estate taxes, and ensure seamless wealth transfer to heirs.
- Diversified Income Streams: Ensuring multiple revenue streams mitigates financial risk and provides stability if your legal career shifts or practice income declines.
Additionally, attorneys should regularly review and update their financial plans with a fiduciary advisor to account for life changes, evolving tax laws, and market conditions.
Your Path to Long-Term Wealth Begins Now
Wealth management isn’t just about making money—it’s about building a secure, flexible financial future. By taking a proactive approach to financial planning, you can secure a future where your wealth works for you, allowing you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.
Whether you’re looking to grow assets, reduce taxes, or plan for retirement, Samalin Wealth’s specialized attorney-focused strategies ensure you get the most from your hard-earned income.
Don’t leave your financial future to chance. Start making smarter financial decisions that secure your long-term prosperity.
