I'm new to APC. I am also a lawyer, but I do not work for any airline or a law firm with airline clients. However, I know that most, if not all, airlines have a Legal Department with its own in house counsel, while retaining outside counsel for special or more complex things. Airlines hire lawyers to do a variety of things involving contracts, acquisitions, labor relations, government affairs. It can be very interesting and dynamic. Unfortunately, I do not have any good data on salaries, but I doubt it pays what a partner at a firm makes.

I do not know if you are a lawyer, but my advice to new attorneys and my law students (and now to you) is to do something you love, not for the money. This is very similar to what I hear about pilots - they fly because they love it and cannot imagine doing anything else. Life is so much better if you enjoy what you do, instead of dreading each day at work.

Life is short. Grab the joystick by the, well, stick and take off! Good luck in whatever you decide to do.