What does a city lawyer do? – Tasks and work environment
A city lawyer mainly works with legal advice and legal assessments within municipal administration. The role includes reviewing and drafting contracts, providing legal opinions before decision-making, and representing the municipality in court and administrative cases. It often involves interpreting laws and regulations within public law, such as the Administrative Procedure Act, the Local Government Act, and the principle of public access to documents. The work environment is typically office-based, with meetings and negotiations, and the pace can be high, especially in larger municipalities or during legislative changes affecting operations.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary of city lawyers has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 55,300 SEK per month, increasing to 57 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 60 800 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 10% over the period. This salary trend reflects increased demand for qualified legal expertise in the public sector and a growing need for specialization in public law and administrative law. A shortage of experienced city lawyers and changing legal requirements contribute to pushing salary levels higher, especially in larger cities and regions where competition for expertise is intense. The trend indicates that the profession continues to be highly valued and offers good development opportunities for those looking to advance in the field.
City lawyer salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 60 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 49,300 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education)
- Highest salary: 76,400 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, postgraduate education 3+ years)
- Hourly wage (average): 366 SEK
- Women's average salary: 58 300 SEK (89% of men's salary)
- Men's average salary: 65 400 SEK
- Regional differences: Salary levels tend to be higher in metropolitan regions and larger municipalities, where competition for legal expertise is greater and responsibilities often broader.
Education and qualifications
To work as a city lawyer, a law degree of 4.5 years is generally required, often with a specialization in administrative law or public law. In addition to formal education, experience in municipal administration and a good ability to interpret and apply legislation are valued. Many employers also see prior internships or work within the public sector as highly meritorious, and some positions may require further training or specialized courses in areas such as data protection or public procurement.
- Law degree: 4.5 years at university/college
- Specialization: Courses in administrative law, public law, or municipal law
- Internship: Experience from municipal administration or authority is highly advantageous
- Further training: Courses in data protection, public procurement, or municipal law
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
A city lawyer often faces complex ethical dilemmas where law and politics intersect. The role requires sensitivity to balance legal requirements with the municipality’s strategic goals, making the profession both challenging and rewarding.
Common benefits and compensations
City lawyers are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work. Pension schemes, wellness allowances, and professional development are also common. In some cases, benefits like company cars, subsidized lunches, and insurance packages may be included, depending on the municipality and employment type.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as a city lawyer can be intense, especially in larger municipalities and cities where salary levels are higher and responsibilities more extensive. The shortage of qualified candidates with experience in public law has led to increasing demand for professionals in the field. At the same time, high demands are placed on legal competence and the ability to handle politically driven processes, which often makes the role complex. Challenges also include staying updated on constantly changing laws and regulations, as well as being able to communicate legal issues clearly to politicians and civil servants.
Tips for aspiring city lawyers
To succeed as a city lawyer, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a strong sense of ethics and integrity. Gaining early experience in public administration through internships or part-time jobs provides invaluable insight and networking opportunities. Precision is crucial, as the work often involves interpreting and applying complex legislation affecting many people's lives. Good communication skills are also important, since city lawyers frequently need to explain legal reasoning to non-lawyers. Flexibility and resilience help manage periods of high workload and rapid changes. Finally, an interest in societal issues and public sector work is essential, as the role involves close collaboration with politicians and civil servants in the municipal organization.
Key facts about City Lawyer
- Education level: Law degree (4.5 years)
- Salary range: 49,300–76,400 SEK/month
- Work environment: Office-based, often within municipal administration
- Gender salary gap: Women earn on average 89% of men's salary
- Job vacancies in the profession: 758 (May 2024)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a city lawyer, opportunities open up to advance to senior roles such as chief legal officer, administrative manager, or specialist roles in areas like data protection or public procurement. Some choose to work as consultants or move to government agencies and courts. The outlook for future jobs in the field of administrative and organizational law is difficult to predict precisely, but there are indications of continued demand, especially with increasing legal regulation of the public sector and the need for specialized expertise. The Swedish Public Employment Service's statistics show that there were 758 job openings in spring 2024, suggesting good opportunities for qualified applicants.
Frequently asked questions about City Lawyer
- What is the average salary of a city lawyer?
- A city lawyer has an average monthly salary of 60 800 SEK in 2024.
- What education is required to become a city lawyer?
- A law degree of 4.5 years from a university or college is required, preferably with a focus on public law.
- Are there gender differences in city lawyer salaries?
- Yes, women earn on average 89% of what men do in the profession.
- What is the job market like for city lawyers?
- There is a strong demand for city lawyers, with 758 job openings in spring 2024.
- What are the most common tasks for a city lawyer?
- Reviewing contracts, legal advice, legal investigations, and representing the municipality in court are common tasks.
- What is the highest salary for a city lawyer?
- The highest reported monthly salary is 76,400 SEK for a man with more than 3 years of postgraduate education.
- What is a reasonable starting salary for new city lawyers?
- The starting salary usually ranges between 49,300–55,600 SEK depending on education level and employer.
