Law Librarians’ Compensation: Insights from the Latest AALL Salary Survey

Contextual Overview of Law Librarian Compensation Trends

The evolving landscape of law libraries reflects significant changes in staffing and compensation, as highlighted by the recent 2025 American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Biennial Salary Survey. This comprehensive survey reveals that law libraries are currently experiencing their highest staffing levels in nearly a decade, with an average of 6.6 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions per organization, compared to 4.6 in 2019. However, the disparity in salaries across various types of law libraries underscores the complexities of the profession, with the highest reported salary reaching $281,860 for a director of research and library services in a northeastern U.S. law firm, juxtaposed against a low of $32,697 for entry-level positions in government law libraries.

Main Goal and Achievement Path

The primary objective of the AALL Salary Survey is to furnish the legal profession with reliable, up-to-date compensation data that reflects the current trends in legal information professions. Achieving this goal is crucial for informed decision-making regarding hiring practices, salary negotiations, and career planning within law libraries. The survey’s extensive updates to job titles and descriptions serve to better mirror the evolving responsibilities in the profession, particularly in areas influenced by technological advancements such as LegalTech and artificial intelligence (AI).

Advantages of the Current Survey Findings

• Benchmarking Compensation: The survey provides detailed compensation benchmarks that assist in evaluating pay structures within different types of law libraries, ensuring that organizations remain competitive in attracting talent.
• Staffing Growth Insights: Highlighting an increase in staffing levels offers reassurance to professionals regarding job security and the expanding role of law libraries in the legal sector.
• Educational Impact: The report emphasizes the importance of advanced educational qualifications, such as holding both a Master of Library Science (MLS) and a Juris Doctor (JD), which correlate with higher salary prospects.
• Benefits Overview: Nearly all organizations report comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental, and retirement plans, which enhance job satisfaction and retention rates.

However, it is important to note that while the compensation data is extensive, it may not fully account for regional variations and specific institutional factors that can influence salary ranges.

Future Implications of AI and Legal Technology

The integration of AI and emerging technologies in legal research and information management is poised to reshape the profession further. As legal institutions increasingly adopt AI tools, the demand for professionals adept in these technologies will likely grow. The survey indicates a shift in job descriptions, with many now requiring expertise in AI and library technology trends. This evolution suggests that future law librarians will not only need traditional research skills but also proficiency in data management and digital resource strategy.

Moreover, as law libraries become more integral to institutional governance and decision-making, the roles of legal information professionals are expected to expand. This transition may lead to the creation of new positions that blend research with technology and organizational leadership, thus necessitating ongoing professional development and adaptation to maintain relevance in this rapidly changing environment.