“Principal attorney” has two completely different meanings depending on context. In a law firm, a principal attorney is a senior lawyer who leads cases and manages other attorneys—similar to a partner. In a Power of Attorney document, the “principal” is the person granting authority (you), and the “attorney-in-fact” is the person receiving it. This guide explains both meanings and when each applies to you.
“Principal Attorney” Has Two Different Meanings
If you searched for “principal attorney,” you might be looking for one of two very different things:
- A senior attorney at a law firm — A leadership position where the lawyer manages cases and other attorneys
- The “principal” in a Power of Attorney — The person who creates the POA and grants authority to someone else
These are completely different concepts. This guide covers both so you can find the information you actually need.
Part 1: Principal Attorney as a Law Firm Position
What Is a Principal Attorney at a Law Firm?
A principal attorney is a senior lawyer who holds a leadership position within a law firm. They’re responsible for managing cases, supervising other attorneys, and making key decisions about legal strategy. The title indicates seniority and authority—similar to “partner” at many firms.
The exact meaning of “principal” varies by firm:
- At some firms: “Principal” is equivalent to “partner” and indicates an ownership stake in the firm
- At other firms: “Principal” is a senior position below partner but above associate
- In solo practices: The principal attorney is simply the owner/main lawyer
- In government or corporate settings: May indicate the lead attorney on a matter or department head
What Does a Principal Attorney Do?
Principal attorneys handle both legal work and management responsibilities. Their day-to-day activities typically include:
Legal Work
- Lead complex cases — Handle the firm’s most important or difficult matters
- Develop legal strategy — Decide how to approach cases, what arguments to make, when to settle
- Court appearances — Argue motions, conduct trials, handle appeals
- Client consultations — Meet with clients to discuss their cases and provide advice
- Negotiations — Negotiate settlements, contracts, and deals on behalf of clients
Management Responsibilities
- Supervise associates — Assign work, review drafts, provide feedback to junior attorneys
- Mentor junior lawyers — Help develop skills and careers of less experienced attorneys
- Business development — Bring in new clients, maintain relationships with existing clients
- Firm operations — Participate in decisions about hiring, finances, firm direction
- Quality control — Ensure work product meets firm standards before it goes to clients or courts
Principal Attorney vs. Other Law Firm Titles
Law firms use various titles that can be confusing. Here’s how principal attorneys compare to other positions:
Principal vs. Partner
At many firms, these terms are interchangeable—both indicate senior attorneys with ownership stakes. However, some firms use “principal” instead of “partner” for various reasons (tax structure, firm organization, etc.). At firms that have both titles, partners typically have more ownership/profit-sharing than principals.
Principal vs. Associate
Associates are junior attorneys who work for the firm but don’t have ownership stakes. They handle case work under the supervision of principals/partners. Associates typically work toward becoming principals or partners after 7-10 years of experience.
Principal vs. Of Counsel
“Of counsel” attorneys have a close relationship with a firm but aren’t partners or associates. This might include semi-retired partners, specialists who work part-time, or attorneys with unique expertise. Of counsel attorneys typically don’t have the management responsibilities that principals have.
Principal vs. Senior Associate
Senior associates are experienced attorneys (usually 5-8 years) who haven’t yet made principal/partner. They handle significant case work and may supervise junior associates, but they don’t have ownership stakes or the same level of management authority as principals.
How to Become a Principal Attorney
Becoming a principal attorney typically requires:
Education and Licensing
- Bachelor’s degree — 4 years undergraduate (any major, though pre-law, political science, and business are common)
- Law school — 3 years to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
- Bar exam — Pass the bar examination in your state
- Continuing education — Complete required CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credits each year
Experience Required
Most attorneys reach principal level after 8-12 years of practice. The typical path:
- Years 1-3: Junior associate — Learning the basics, doing research, drafting documents
- Years 4-6: Mid-level associate — Taking on more responsibility, handling depositions, client contact
- Years 7-9: Senior associate — Leading matters, supervising juniors, developing clients
- Year 10+: Principal/Partner — Full authority, ownership stake, management role
What Firms Look For
To make principal, you typically need to demonstrate:
- Legal excellence — Strong track record of winning cases or successful transactions
- Business development — Ability to bring in clients and generate revenue
- Leadership skills — Can manage teams, mentor associates, handle firm responsibilities
- Client relationships — Strong rapport with clients who will stay with you
Principal Attorney Salary
Principal attorney compensation varies widely based on firm size, location, and practice area:
By Firm Type
- Large law firms (BigLaw): $300,000 – $2,000,000+ annually (equity partners at top firms can earn several million)
- Mid-size firms: $150,000 – $500,000 annually
- Small firms: $100,000 – $300,000 annually
- Solo practitioners: Highly variable—$50,000 to $500,000+ depending on practice and location
By Practice Area
Some practice areas typically pay more than others:
- Highest paying: Corporate/M&A, intellectual property, securities, complex litigation
- Mid-range: Real estate, tax, employment, commercial litigation
- Lower paying: Family law, criminal defense, immigration (though successful practitioners can earn well)
When Should You Hire a Principal Attorney?
For most routine legal matters, any qualified attorney can help. But certain situations benefit from working with a principal/senior attorney:
- High-stakes litigation — Lawsuits with significant financial exposure or reputation risk
- Complex transactions — Major business deals, mergers, acquisitions
- Criminal charges — Especially serious felonies or federal charges
- Contested divorce/custody — When significant assets or custody disputes are involved
- Regulatory matters — Government investigations, compliance issues, licensing problems
Keep in mind: Working with a principal attorney typically costs more than working with an associate. For routine matters, a less senior attorney may be perfectly adequate—and more cost-effective.
How to Find and Choose a Principal Attorney
If you need a senior attorney for a complex matter, here’s how to find the right one:
Where to Look
- State bar association referral services — Most state bars have lawyer referral programs
- Martindale-Hubbell and Avvo — Attorney rating and review sites
- Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers — Recognition lists based on peer reviews
- Personal referrals — Ask friends, family, or other professionals (accountants, financial advisors)
- Specialty organizations — Bar associations for specific practice areas (family law, criminal defense, etc.)
Questions to Ask
When meeting with a potential principal attorney, ask:
- How long have you been practicing this type of law?
- How many cases similar to mine have you handled?
- Who will actually work on my case? (Sometimes principals delegate to associates)
- What is your fee structure—hourly, flat fee, or contingency?
- What is your estimated total cost for my matter?
- How do you communicate with clients, and how quickly do you respond?
- What is the likely outcome based on similar cases you’ve handled?
Red Flags to Avoid
- Guarantees about outcomes (no ethical attorney can guarantee results)
- Unclear or evasive fee discussions
- Difficulty reaching the attorney or getting responses
- Pressure to sign a retainer immediately
- Lack of experience in your specific legal issue
- Poor reviews or bar complaints
Part 2: The “Principal” in a Power of Attorney
The other meaning of “principal” in legal contexts refers to the person who creates a Power of Attorney document.
What Is a Principal in a Power of Attorney?
In a Power of Attorney (POA), there are two parties:
- The Principal — The person granting authority. This is YOU if you’re creating a POA.
- The Agent (or Attorney-in-Fact) — The person receiving authority to act on your behalf. This does NOT have to be a lawyer.
Important: The “attorney-in-fact” named in a POA does not need to be an actual attorney (lawyer). The word “attorney” here just means “someone authorized to act for another.” You can name your spouse, adult child, trusted friend, or anyone else as your agent.
What Can a Principal Do?
As the principal, you control the Power of Attorney. You decide:
- Who becomes your agent — You choose the person who will act for you
- What powers to grant — You can give broad authority or limit it to specific tasks
- When the POA takes effect — Immediately or only upon certain conditions (like incapacity)
- When the POA ends — You can set an expiration date or make it ongoing
- Revocation — You can cancel the POA at any time while you’re mentally competent
Types of Power of Attorney
As a principal, you can create different types of POA depending on your needs:
General Power of Attorney
Gives your agent broad authority to handle most financial and legal matters on your behalf. This includes banking, real estate transactions, tax filings, and business operations. Ends if you become incapacitated (unless it’s “durable”).
Limited (or Special) Power of Attorney
Gives your agent authority only for specific tasks or a limited time period. Example: authorizing someone to sign documents at a real estate closing while you’re traveling.
Durable Power of Attorney
Remains in effect even if you become mentally incapacitated. This is crucial for estate planning—without “durable” language, a standard POA becomes invalid when you need it most. Most states require specific language to make a POA durable.
Springing Power of Attorney
Only takes effect upon a specific triggering event—usually your incapacity as certified by a doctor. Until that trigger, your agent has no authority.
Healthcare Power of Attorney (Medical POA)
Authorizes your agent to make medical decisions for you if you can’t communicate. This is different from a financial POA and covers things like treatment options, medical procedures, and end-of-life care.
Principal’s Rights and Protections
As the principal, you have significant rights and protections:
- You retain your own authority — A POA doesn’t take away your ability to act for yourself; it gives someone else the ability to act too
- You can revoke at any time — As long as you’re mentally competent, you can cancel the POA
- Your agent has fiduciary duties — They must act in your best interest, not their own
- Agents must keep records — Of all transactions made on your behalf
- Legal remedies exist — If an agent misuses their authority, they can be sued and face criminal charges
How to Choose the Right Agent
Selecting the right person as your agent is one of the most important decisions when creating a POA:
Qualities to Look For
- Trustworthy — This person will have significant power over your finances or healthcare
- Organized and responsible — They’ll need to keep records and manage your affairs carefully
- Available — They should be able to act when needed
- Willing — Make sure they actually want the responsibility
- Financially stable — Someone in financial distress may be tempted to misuse their authority
- Good judgment — They’ll need to make decisions in your best interest
Who to Consider
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Adult children
- Siblings or other close relatives
- Trusted friends
- Professional fiduciaries (for compensation)
- Attorneys (for specific legal matters)
Who to Avoid
- People with financial problems or bankruptcy history
- Anyone with substance abuse issues
- People who pressure you to name them
- Anyone you don’t completely trust
- People who live far away (if they’ll need to handle local matters)
Common Mistakes Principals Make
When creating a Power of Attorney, avoid these common errors:
Mistake 1: Waiting Too Long
You must have mental capacity to create a POA. If you wait until you’re incapacitated, it’s too late. Create your POA while you’re healthy and thinking clearly.
Mistake 2: Not Specifying Powers Clearly
Vague POAs create problems. Specify exactly what powers you’re granting. Do you want your agent to be able to sell your house? Make gifts? Change beneficiaries? Be explicit.
Mistake 3: Not Making It Durable
If you want your POA to remain effective if you become incapacitated, it must include “durable” language. Otherwise, it automatically ends when you need it most.
Mistake 4: Not Getting It Notarized
Even if your state doesn’t technically require notarization, banks and other institutions often refuse to accept un-notarized POAs. Always get it notarized.
Mistake 5: Not Giving Copies to Relevant Parties
Your agent needs a copy. Your bank may want one on file. Your doctor (for healthcare POA) should have one. Don’t just lock it in a safe where no one can access it.
Mistake 6: Never Updating It
Life changes. Divorce, death of your agent, or changes in your relationships may require updating your POA. Review it every few years.
Requirements for Creating a Valid Power of Attorney
To create a valid POA as a principal, you must meet certain requirements:
Principal Requirements
- Legal adult — 18 years or older in most states
- Mental capacity — Must understand what a POA is and what powers you’re granting
- Acting voluntarily — No one can force you to create a POA
Document Requirements
- Written document — POAs must be in writing (oral POAs are generally not valid)
- Proper identification — Must identify principal and agent clearly
- Specific powers granted — Should describe what the agent can and cannot do
- Principal’s signature — You must sign the document
Witness and Notarization Requirements
Most states require either witnesses, notarization, or both:
- Notarization: Required in most states for the POA to be valid and accepted by institutions
- Witnesses: Some states require 1-2 witnesses who watch you sign
Recording: POAs involving real estate may need to be recorded with the county
Get Your Power of Attorney Notarized with BlueNotary
Most Power of Attorney documents require notarization to be valid and accepted by banks, financial institutions, and government agencies. BlueNotary makes this easy with online notarization.
With BlueNotary:
- Connect with a licensed notary over video call from home
- Get your POA notarized in about 15 minutes
- No need to visit a bank, UPS store, or attorney’s office
- Available 24/7—convenient for busy schedules
- Especially helpful for elderly principals who can’t easily travel
Need to notarize a Power of Attorney? Visit BlueNotary.us to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “principal attorney” mean?
It has two meanings: (1) A senior lawyer at a law firm who manages cases and supervises other attorneys, or (2) The “principal” in a Power of Attorney—the person who creates the POA and grants authority to an agent.
Is a principal attorney the same as a partner?
Often yes, but it depends on the firm. At some firms, “principal” and “partner” are interchangeable titles. At others, principals may be senior attorneys who don’t have the same ownership stake as equity partners.
How much do principal attorneys make?
Salaries range widely: $100,000-$300,000 at small firms, $150,000-$500,000 at mid-size firms, and $300,000 to several million at large law firms. Practice area and location significantly affect compensation.
What is a principal in a Power of Attorney?
The principal is the person who creates the Power of Attorney and grants authority to someone else (the agent). If you create a POA, you are the principal.
Does the agent in a POA need to be a lawyer?
No. Despite being called “attorney-in-fact,” the agent does not need to be a lawyer. You can name any trusted adult—a family member, friend, or professional fiduciary.
Can a principal revoke a Power of Attorney?
Yes. As long as you’re mentally competent, you can revoke a POA at any time. You should revoke it in writing and notify your agent, any institutions that have copies, and (if recorded) the county recorder’s office.
Does a Power of Attorney need to be notarized?
Most states require or strongly recommend notarization. Even if your state doesn’t technically require it, banks and other institutions often won’t accept a POA that isn’t notarized. Online notarization through services like BlueNotary makes this easy.
How long does it take to become a principal attorney at a law firm?
Typically 8-12 years after law school. Most attorneys start as associates and work toward principal/partner status based on their legal skills, business development, and leadership abilities.
The Bottom Line
“Principal attorney” means different things in different contexts:
- In a law firm: A senior attorney who leads cases, manages other lawyers, and typically has an ownership stake. They’re the experienced professionals you want for complex, high-stakes legal matters.
- In a Power of Attorney: The person creating the document and granting authority. As the principal, you control what powers you give, to whom, and for how long.
If you’re looking for legal representation, understanding law firm hierarchy helps you choose the right attorney for your needs—and budget. For routine matters, a capable associate may be fine. For complex situations, a principal or partner brings more experience and authority.
If you’re creating a Power of Attorney, remember that you (the principal) maintain control. Choose your agent carefully, specify the powers you’re granting, and get the document properly notarized so it will be accepted when you need it.
Need to notarize a Power of Attorney or other legal documents? BlueNotary offers fast, convenient online notarization from anywhere.
