• Partner attorneys earn high salaries, but private jet ownership is rare due to costs.
  • Factors like firm size, location, and experience influence attorney income.
  • Private jets offer time efficiency, convenience, and privacy for legal work.
  • Alternatives like fractional ownership make private aviation more accessible.

Ever glanced at a sleek private jet soaring across the sky and wondered, “Who’s lucky enough to be on board?” Maybe a celebrity? A tech mogul? Or could it be… your lawyer?

It’s a curious thought, especially when envisioning high-powered partner attorneys closing million-dollar deals in sharp suits. But do partner attorneys have private jets, or is this just a glamorous stereotype?

In this article, we’ll explore the world of partner attorneys—their compensation, responsibilities, and lifestyle—to uncover how common private jet ownership truly is in this profession.

The Reality of Partner Attorney Compensation

Partner attorneys are those who’ve climbed the ranks of a law firm, showcasing top-notch legal skills and business savvy. They hold equity in the firm, sharing in its profits, which gives them a much higher earning potential than associate attorneys.

But how much do partner attorneys make? It depends on a few key factors:

  • Firm size and prestige: Large, international firms pay more than smaller, regional ones.
  • Location: Attorneys in major cities like New York or Los Angeles often earn higher salaries.
  • Practice area: High-demand fields like corporate law or intellectual property tend to be more lucrative.
  • Experience: Income usually grows as partners gain experience and expand their client base.

While partner attorneys can earn impressive incomes, not all are raking in millions. The national average partner attorney salary is a little over $133,000 per year. Overall, it depends on the firm’s success and the partner’s contributions.

Associate Attorney vs Partner: A World of Difference

Private jets often bring to mind the high-flying lifestyles of partner attorneys—but what sets them apart from associates? It’s all about climbing the legal ladder.

Associate attorneys are typically recent law graduates gaining experience. They handle research, draft documents, and assist with cases under a partner’s guidance, with structured schedules and clear hierarchies.

Partners, however, have reached the top. They’ve built strong reputations, gained equity in the firm, and enjoy more autonomy, decision-making power, and higher earning potential.

The jump from associate to partner takes years of hard work, blending legal skills with business development, leadership, and client management. While becoming a partner doesn’t guarantee private jets, it often leads to a more flexible, higher standard of living and the potential for luxury.

A businessman on a tarmac with private jets

Private Jet Ownership: A Closer Look

So, do those hefty partner attorney salaries lead to private jet ownership?

For some, it’s possible, but owning a private jet is a luxury even most high-earning attorneys don’t indulge in. Why? The costs can be high:

  • Purchase price: A new jet can range from a few million to over $100 million, and even used ones come with steep price tags.
  • Operating costs: Fuel, maintenance, hangar fees, insurance, and pilot and crew salaries can easily hit hundreds of thousands—or millions—per year.
  • Depreciation: Like any asset, private jets lose value over time, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Even with a substantial partner salary, owning a jet requires more than a high income—it demands consistent revenue to cover ongoing expenses.

For most, alternative options make more sense:

  • Fractional ownership: Sharing ownership of a jet with other individuals or companies.
  • Jet cards: Pre-paying for a set number of flight hours.
  • Chartering: Renting a jet for specific trips as needed.

These choices offer the perks of private jet travel without the financial burden of full ownership, making them more practical for some high earners.

Reasons Behind Private Jet Usage

While most partner attorneys don’t own private jets, there are times when private aviation makes sense for them or their firms. Here’s why it happens:

Time Efficiency

Private jets save time by skipping long security lines, baggage checks, and delays, helping attorneys stay productive while managing multiple clients or meetings in different cities.

Convenience and Flexibility

They can fly to smaller airports closer to clients, saving travel time and accommodating last-minute or urgent legal matters.

Privacy

For sensitive cases or high-profile clients, private jets provide a secure, confidential space to work or discuss matters.

Streamlining Your Travel

While a few top partners may own jets, it’s rare due to the high costs, even with substantial salaries.

That said, private aviation isn’t out of reach. Options like fractional ownership, jet cards, and chartering make it accessible, offering busy attorneys the flexibility and efficiency they need to meet demanding schedules.

Ready to see how private jet travel could work for you? Use our private jet cost estimator at Stratos Jets to explore your options for your next business trip or legal proceeding.