Are you looking for the top law firm jobs in Lagos for lawyers and want to know how much they pay? You are not alone. Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital, and it offers some of the most rewarding and competitive legal jobs in the country.
From corporate law to litigation and advisory roles, law firms in Lagos provide lawyers with excellent opportunities to grow their careers and earn good salaries. But with so many law firms and job titles available, it can be confusing to know where to start and what to expect.
This guide breaks it all down for you. We’ll explain the top 10 law firm jobs in Lagos for lawyers, what each role involves, how much you can earn, and how to position yourself to get hired in these firms.
Why Choose a Law Firm Job in Lagos?
Lagos is the heart of business and finance in Nigeria. Most multinational companies, banks, and big businesses have their headquarters in Lagos. This creates a steady demand for skilled lawyers.
Here are a few reasons why law firm jobs in Lagos are highly sought after:
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Opportunity to work with high-profile clients and cases.
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Access to better salaries compared to other cities.
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Exposure to international transactions and corporate deals.
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Room for career advancement and professional development.
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Networking opportunities with top professionals in the legal and business world.
If you want to build a successful legal career, working at a top law firm in Lagos is one of the best decisions you can make.
Top 10 Law Firm Jobs in Lagos for Lawyers
Below is a detailed look at the top law firm jobs in Lagos, their responsibilities, and how much they pay on average.
1. Corporate and Commercial Lawyer
Corporate lawyers handle business transactions, draft contracts, and advise companies on compliance with laws and regulations.
Responsibilities:
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Drafting and reviewing contracts and agreements.
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Advising clients on corporate governance and business structures.
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Handling mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
Salary Range: ₦300,000 – ₦1,500,000 per month
Why it’s attractive: High earning potential and exposure to big corporate deals.
2. Litigation Lawyer
Litigation lawyers represent clients in court and handle disputes, whether civil or criminal.
Responsibilities:
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Preparing and filing court documents.
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Representing clients in hearings and trials.
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Negotiating settlements.
Salary Range: ₦250,000 – ₦1,000,000 per month
Why it’s attractive: Opportunity to handle high-profile cases and develop advocacy skills.
3. Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer
IP lawyers help clients protect their intellectual property, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
Responsibilities:
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Registering and enforcing IP rights.
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Advising on licensing and franchising agreements.
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Handling IP disputes.
Salary Range: ₦300,000 – ₦1,200,000 per month
Why it’s attractive: Growing demand due to creative and tech industries in Lagos.
4. Banking and Finance Lawyer
These lawyers specialize in financial transactions, including loans, investments, and securities.
Responsibilities:
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Drafting loan agreements and financial contracts.
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Advising banks and financial institutions.
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Ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
Salary Range: ₦350,000 – ₦1,500,000 per month
Why it’s attractive: Lucrative area of practice with opportunities in big transactions.
5. Real Estate Lawyer
Real estate lawyers advise on property transactions and help resolve land and housing disputes.
Responsibilities:
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Drafting and reviewing lease and sale agreements.
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Conducting property due diligence.
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Advising on land use laws and development projects.
Salary Range: ₦250,000 – ₦900,000 per month
Why it’s attractive: Booming real estate market in Lagos creates steady demand.
6. Energy and Natural Resources Lawyer
These lawyers work on legal issues in oil, gas, mining, and renewable energy sectors.
Responsibilities:
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Drafting agreements for oil and gas exploration.
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Advising on environmental and regulatory compliance.
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Handling disputes in the energy sector.
Salary Range: ₦400,000 – ₦2,000,000 per month
Why it’s attractive: High-paying field due to its strategic importance.
7. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Lawyer
Instead of going to court, these lawyers help resolve disputes through arbitration and mediation.
Responsibilities:
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Representing clients in arbitration proceedings.
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Drafting settlement agreements.
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Advising on alternative dispute resolution methods.
Salary Range: ₦300,000 – ₦1,200,000 per month
Why it’s attractive: Preferred by corporate clients to avoid lengthy litigation.
8. Tax Lawyer
Tax lawyers help clients navigate Nigeria’s complex tax system and reduce tax liabilities.
Responsibilities:
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Advising on tax-efficient business structures.
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Representing clients in tax disputes.
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Ensuring compliance with tax laws.
Salary Range: ₦350,000 – ₦1,200,000 per month
Why it’s attractive: Essential role for both individuals and corporations.
9. Maritime and Shipping Lawyer
These lawyers handle legal issues related to shipping, ports, and maritime trade.
Responsibilities:
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Drafting shipping contracts and charter agreements.
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Resolving cargo and insurance claims.
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Advising on international trade laws.
Salary Range: ₦300,000 – ₦1,300,000 per month
Why it’s attractive: Specialized and lucrative due to Lagos being a major port city.
10. Junior Associate (Entry-Level Lawyer)
Junior associates assist senior lawyers and gain experience in various areas of law.
Responsibilities:
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Researching legal issues.
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Drafting legal documents.
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Supporting litigation or transactional work.
Salary Range: ₦150,000 – ₦400,000 per month
Why it’s attractive: Starting point for building a career in top law firms.
Summary Table – Top 10 Law Firm Jobs in Lagos and Salaries
| Job Title | Key Responsibilities | Salary Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate & Commercial Lawyer | Contracts, governance, M&A | 300,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Litigation Lawyer | Court representation, disputes | 250,000 – 1,000,000 |
| Intellectual Property Lawyer | IP registration, enforcement | 300,000 – 1,200,000 |
| Banking & Finance Lawyer | Financial transactions, compliance | 350,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Real Estate Lawyer | Property transactions, land disputes | 250,000 – 900,000 |
| Energy & Natural Resources Lawyer | Oil, gas, and mining deals | 400,000 – 2,000,000 |
| Arbitration & Dispute Resolution | Mediation, settlement agreements | 300,000 – 1,200,000 |
| Tax Lawyer | Tax planning, disputes | 350,000 – 1,200,000 |
| Maritime & Shipping Lawyer | Shipping contracts, trade disputes | 300,000 – 1,300,000 |
| Junior Associate | Research, drafting, support | 150,000 – 400,000 |
How to Get the Best Law Firm Jobs in Lagos
Securing a top law firm job in Lagos requires a good strategy and preparation. Below are proven steps you can follow:
Build Strong Academic Credentials
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Earn your LL.B. degree with good grades from a reputable university.
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Get called to the Nigerian Bar.
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Consider further education such as an LL.M. or certifications in specialized areas.
Gain Relevant Experience
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Intern with law firms or corporate legal departments during school breaks.
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Volunteer for pro bono work to build your resume.
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Develop expertise in high-demand areas such as corporate law, energy law, or arbitration.
Specialize in High-Demand Practice Areas
Employers in Lagos value lawyers who are experts in:
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Corporate and commercial law
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Banking and finance
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Energy and natural resources
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Intellectual property
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Arbitration and dispute resolution
Network With the Right People
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Join the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch.
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Attend legal seminars, workshops, and networking events.
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Connect with senior lawyers, recruiters, and peers.
Craft a Winning Application
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Prepare a professional CV that highlights your achievements.
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Write a tailored cover letter for each application.
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Be ready to discuss your experience and skills during interviews.
Stay Informed and Keep Learning
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Follow legal trends, landmark cases, and regulatory changes.
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Take online courses in relevant legal skills.
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Improve soft skills like communication, negotiation, and teamwork.
FAQs – Law Firm Jobs in Lagos
Q: Which law firm jobs pay the most in Lagos?
A: Senior roles in corporate law, banking and finance, and energy law pay the highest.
Q: Are there law firm jobs in Lagos for fresh graduates?
A: Yes. Junior associate roles are available for fresh graduates in many firms.
Q: Do I need an LL.M. to work in a top law firm in Lagos?
A: It is not mandatory but can give you an advantage in competitive fields.
Q: How competitive are law firm jobs in Lagos?
A: Very competitive, but the right preparation and specialization can help you stand out.
Q: Can I work in a Lagos law firm if I live outside Lagos?
A: Many firms require physical presence, but hybrid and remote opportunities are slowly emerging.
Final Thoughts: Top Law Firm Jobs in Lagos (2025)
Working in a law firm in Lagos offers great opportunities to earn well, build your professional network, and grow your expertise in the legal field. Whether you aim to specialize in corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, or energy law, Lagos is the right place to build a successful career.
To secure the best law firm jobs in Lagos, focus on your education, gain relevant experience, and network strategically. With dedication and the tips shared in this guide, you can position yourself for success in Nigeria’s commercial capital.