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SURVEY PARTNERS
CONDUCTED BY
TOPICS COVERED
Compensation and career related matters including:
- Base Salary
- Bonuses Options
- Benefits
- Compensation and Work Satisfaction
- Work-Life Balance
- Career Mobility
- Demographic Data
- Diversity Disparity
2024 SURVEY RESULTS
NATIONAL AVERAGE BASE SALARY
In 2024, the national average base salary stands at $196,000, an increase over $180,000 in 2022 and $167,500 in 2020. Based on organization type, we note that the average base salary for in-house counsel in both publicly quoted and privately owned organizations is higher than those in government, Crown corporations, and not-for-profit.
Ontario respondents report average base salaries that are 8% above the national average. The averages in British Columbia and Alberta are close to the national average, +2% and -1% respectively. In-house counsel from central Canada, Quebec, Atlantic Canada report the lowest national averages.
GENDER WAGE GAP
On average, in total, the base salary of female in-house counsel is lower than their male counterparts. In 2024 males average $208,000, $21,500 more than the female base salary of $186,500. The gap in 2022 was $24,000 and in 2020 was $19,000.
In 2024, for the first time, females report higher average salaries than males in two of five in-house counsel roles: Assistant/ Associate GC and GC Executive Level. The gap in GC Director level, while still at $11,500, is lower than that seen in 2022 ($22,000) and 2020 ($20,000).
FACTORS FOR CAREER MOVES
Compensation remains by far the number one motivator for moving to a new employer. 47% mentioned this factor in 2024, up dramatically from 39% in 2022 and 37% in 2020. The next two strongest motivators are better work/life balance (10%) and promotions (9%). While work/life balance has remained at a steady 9-10% over the past three survey reports, promotions have become less of a motivator (2020: 15%, 2022: 12%, and 2024: 9%).
ABOUT US
Caldwell’s Canadian Legal team has been deeply connected to Canada’s legal community since 1988.
Formerly known as The Counsel Network, the same experienced legal recruitment team now operates fully under the Caldwell brand. Our partners bring decades of market knowledge, relationships, and search expertise to law firms, in-house legal departments, and legal professionals across the country.
We recruit senior in-house counsel and legal leaders, law firm partners, experienced lawyers, and practice groups. Our work across Canada gives clients a current view of the market and gives candidates informed advice as they consider their next move.
Dal Bhathal
Partner
Miriam Leung
Principal
Meaghan Loughry
Consultant
FAQs
Can I access previous survey reports?
Yes. Previous editions of the In-House Counsel Compensation & Career Survey are available upon request. Please contact marat@caldwell.com to request a free copy.
Is the report free?
Yes. The In-House Counsel Compensation & Career Survey Report is available free of charge.
What makes this survey different?
First conducted in 2009, the In-House Counsel Compensation & Career Survey has become a trusted resource for understanding compensation and career trends in Canada's in-house legal market.
The comprehensive report provides insights into salaries, bonuses, benefits, career mobility, work-life balance and demographic trends, with detailed breakdowns by geography, employer type, experience and other factors.
Where are survey respondents located?
The survey includes responses from in-house legal professionals across Canada, providing national insights alongside regional and provincial comparisons.
When was the first survey conducted?
The inaugural survey was conducted in 2009. Subsequent editions have tracked changes in compensation, career trends and the evolving Canadian in-house legal market.
Who uses the survey results?
The report is used by in-house counsel, general counsel, human resources professionals and employers. Legal professionals use the data to benchmark their compensation and understand career opportunities, while organizations use it to inform compensation planning, talent acquisition and retention strategies.
About Caldwell
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