For entry-level positions in the legal field, average starting salaries are expected to increase 3 percent overall in 2013, according to the Robert Half Legal 2013 Salary Guide.

Associates, paralegals and legal secretaries at mid-size and small- to mid-size law firms can expect the largest increases in base compensation while litigation support specialists also receive salary gains above the average.

"As law firms focus on pursuing new revenue opportunities, the market is strengthening for mid- and senior-level associates with business development skills, extensive client contacts and experience in high-demand practice areas, such as health care, commercial law and litigation," says Charles Volkert, executive director of Robert Half Legal. "While salaries have not yet returned to prerecession levels, many hiring managers are offering above-average compensation and bonuses to attract the industry's best candidates and retain their most valuable employees."