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Named for Sir Walter Raleigh, Raleigh, or the “City of Oaks”, is the capital of North Carolina and one of the fastest growing cities in the US. This family friendly community of 489,000 residents is known for its tree-lined streets and downtown area’s ubiquitous coffee houses, street festivals and music venues. For talented attorneys seeking fresh career challenges, Raleigh truly is a land of opportunity.
The Raleigh-Durham area has 5900+ lawyers that practice at its 700 law firms or numerous corporations and government offices. While earning an average base salary of $86,833 those attorneys enjoy career-enrichment opportunities through these professional organizations:
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Wake County Bar Association
- 2 ABA-accredited law schools (Durham)
- Other state and local bar associations based on membership criteria
Requirements to Practice Law
Any graduate from an ABA-accredited law school, non-ABA-accredited law school prior to August 1, 1995, or a foreign law school prior to August 1, 2005 may take the North Carolina Bar Exam. Once they’ve passed the Bar Exam, all applicants must also pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Lawyers who have been practicing in good standing for 4 of the past 6 years in another US jurisdiction may also submit an Admission on Comity (Reciprocity) request. Comity applicants do not have to take the Bar Exam.
Once an applicant has met all the requirements, they will be sworn in at a formal Bar admission ceremony. To maintain a North Carolina law license you must complete 12 hours of CLE each year, including at least 2 hours in professional responsibility and one hour in technology training. Every 3 years you must also complete one CLE hour on mental disability or substance abuse. For more information about practicing law in North Carolina visit: www.lawyeredu.org.
Why Raleigh?
Although Raleigh is best known for its street festivals and vibrant music scene, the city is also a global leader in higher education, banking, telecommunications, clothing and apparel, medical research and technology. Fortune 500 companies based in the Raleigh-Durham region include Advanced Auto Parts and IQVIA Holdings. The cost of living in this region runs slightly higher than the national average due to housing, but its below average healthcare and transportation costs make Raleigh a very affordable place to live.
Commuters can take advantage of the bus services provided by Go Raleigh, and for air travelers there’s the convenient Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Raleigh’s legal district is located downtown just north of I-40 near Union Station. Some of the city’s best neighborhoods are Five Points, Glenwood, Wade, Hillsborough and Six Forks. Major attractions in the Raleigh-Durham area include its 180 miles of biking and hiking trails, many museums, Pullen Park, Umstead State Park, State Farmers Market and Neuse River Trail.
Raleigh’s pleasant climate is one of its strong suits, as it produces an above average number of days when the sun shines, ample rainfall and only a few inches of snow during a typical year. July is the warmest month, with average daily highs near 90 degrees F, and January is typically the coldest month of the year, with average lows around 30 degrees F.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Raleigh’s legal market is robust, hosting over 5,900 lawyers who work across approximately 700 law firms, as well as in numerous corporations and government offices. The region benefits from the presence of two ABA-accredited law schools which contribute to a steady influx of new legal talent. This diverse and growing legal community makes Raleigh a dynamic environment for legal professionals seeking opportunities.
In Raleigh, there is a significant demand for legal expertise in technology and cybersecurity, driven by the city’s strong tech industry presence in the Research Triangle. Additionally, there’s considerable need for corporate and intellectual property law professionals, reflecting the area’s vibrant startup ecosystem and established tech companies. The city’s status as the state capital also fuels demand for lawyers specialized in government law and public policy, alongside ongoing needs in criminal law and defense, as well as real estate law.
The legal landscape in Raleigh is heavily influenced by the technology, life sciences, and healthcare sectors, anchored by the Research Triangle area. This region is renowned for its high concentration of tech companies and extensive research facilities which drive the demand for legal services in intellectual property, data privacy, and corporate governance. Additionally, Raleigh’s government and public sectors also play a crucial role, given its status as the capital city of North Carolina.
The legal field in Raleigh, like many places globally, is being profoundly influenced by technological advancements, particularly automation and artificial intelligence (AI). AI is reshaping how legal work is conducted, from automating routine tasks to potentially transforming the roles within law firms. This includes everything from document review to more complex legal analytics. Additionally, there is a noticeable shift towards alternative legal service providers (ALSPs) who offer innovative pricing models like subscription or performance-based fees, which are reshaping client expectations and law firm strategies.
Raleigh’s legal sector continues to adapt to the normalization of remote and hybrid work models that became prominent during the pandemic. This shift has affected compensation structures, with a push towards more flexibility in work hours and locations. Law firms are balancing the need to maintain competitive salaries with the evolving preferences for workplace flexibility. There is also a growing emphasis on cybersecurity measures as firms increase their reliance on digital platforms to accommodate remote work.
Diversity and inclusion are gaining increased focus in Raleigh’s legal environment. Law firms are actively working to improve their diversity practices, not just in hiring but also in fostering an inclusive culture that supports diverse legal professionals. This effort is seen as crucial not only for social equity but also for attracting and retaining talent, as more legal professionals seek workplaces that reflect their values and offer a supportive and inclusive environment.
