Attorney rates, legal market data, and specialty cost breakdowns for Delaware (DE). Average hourly rate is 10% above the national average.
| # | Specialty | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Case Cost | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entertainment Law | $517/hr | $47,350 | 21.60x |
| 2 | Securities Law | $508/hr | $116,956 | 12.90x |
| 3 | Business Law | $425/hr | $56,939 | 13.30x |
| 4 | Environmental Law | $412/hr | $59,894 | 9.90x |
| 5 | Intellectual Property | $388/hr | $27,113 | -3.00x |
| 6 | Civil Litigation | $374/hr | $45,248 | 15.10x |
| 7 | Tax Law | $357/hr | $16,919 | 2.00x |
| 8 | Medical Malpractice | $335/hr | $102,360 | -4.30x |
| 9 | Estate Planning | $327/hr | $5,575 | 9.00x |
| 10 | Employment Law | $326/hr | $27,843 | 0.30x |
| 11 | Personal Injury | $324/hr | $53,606 | 1.20x |
| 12 | Construction Law | $322/hr | $28,608 | 3.90x |
| 13 | Immigration Law | $320/hr | $9,277 | 10.30x |
| 14 | Military Law | $320/hr | $15,951 | 6.70x |
| 15 | Criminal Defense | $306/hr | $27,515 | -1.30x |
| 16 | Real Estate Law | $291/hr | $2,902 | 5.80x |
| 17 | Elder Law | $291/hr | $8,845 | 3.90x |
| 18 | Bankruptcy Law | $288/hr | $4,912 | 2.90x |
| 19 | Family Law | $284/hr | $26,573 | -5.30x |
| 20 | Workers' Compensation | $281/hr | $9,428 | 12.40x |
| 21 | Landlord-Tenant Law | $278/hr | $3,024 | 11.20x |
| 22 | DUI Defense | $277/hr | $8,895 | 0.70x |
| 23 | Consumer Protection | $265/hr | $13,233 | -3.60x |
| 24 | Social Security Disability | $222/hr | $3,749 | -1.30x |
| 25 | Traffic Violations | $183/hr | $1,413 | 4.60x |
Delaware attorneys charge an average of $329 per hour, which is 10% higher than the national average of $300. The state has 4,200 licensed attorneys, with a density of 412.6 lawyers per 1,000 residents.
The bar exam pass rate in Delaware is 72%, and the median household income is $140,000. This context helps explain the local legal market dynamics — states with higher incomes and more corporate activity tend to have higher attorney rates.
To find the best value on legal services in Delaware, get quotes from at least three attorneys. Consider whether your matter can be handled at a flat fee rather than hourly billing, and ask about unbundled (limited-scope) representation for routine matters.
Data sources: American Bar Association, state bar associations, legal industry surveys, and Census Bureau ACS. Figures are averages and may differ from individual attorney rates.
The average hourly rate for attorneys in Delaware is $329, which is 10% above the national average of $300. Rates vary significantly by specialty and attorney experience.
Delaware has approximately 4,200 licensed attorneys, with a lawyers-per-capita rate of 412.6 per 1,000 residents. The bar exam pass rate is 72%.
The most affordable legal specialty in Delaware is Traffic Violations at $183/hr. The most expensive is Entertainment Law at $517/hr.
The bar exam pass rate in Delaware is 72%. The median household income is $140,000, which provides context for how legal costs relate to local affordability.
Delaware attorney rates average $329/hr, 10% higher than the national average. This is influenced by factors including cost of living, lawyer density (412.6 per 1,000 residents), and local market demand.
Explore the DataPeek Network