Attorney rates, legal market data, and specialty cost breakdowns for District of Columbia (DC). Average hourly rate is 57% above the national average.
| # | Specialty | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Case Cost | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Securities Law | $651/hr | $149,973 | 44.70x |
| 2 | Environmental Law | $620/hr | $89,801 | 65.30x |
| 3 | Entertainment Law | $598/hr | $57,400 | 40.70x |
| 4 | Tax Law | $580/hr | $26,991 | 65.70x |
| 5 | Business Law | $565/hr | $77,281 | 50.70x |
| 6 | Employment Law | $542/hr | $45,220 | 66.80x |
| 7 | Civil Litigation | $534/hr | $65,014 | 64.30x |
| 8 | Medical Malpractice | $518/hr | $156,918 | 48.00x |
| 9 | Intellectual Property | $514/hr | $36,771 | 28.50x |
| 10 | DUI Defense | $468/hr | $14,632 | 70.20x |
| 11 | Estate Planning | $463/hr | $7,959 | 54.30x |
| 12 | Military Law | $459/hr | $22,991 | 53.00x |
| 13 | Criminal Defense | $458/hr | $41,033 | 47.70x |
| 14 | Consumer Protection | $448/hr | $21,770 | 62.90x |
| 15 | Construction Law | $447/hr | $40,247 | 44.20x |
| 16 | Personal Injury | $446/hr | $74,843 | 39.40x |
| 17 | Elder Law | $444/hr | $13,428 | 58.60x |
| 18 | Family Law | $440/hr | $40,812 | 46.70x |
| 19 | Real Estate Law | $440/hr | $4,374 | 60.00x |
| 20 | Bankruptcy Law | $417/hr | $7,137 | 48.90x |
| 21 | Immigration Law | $383/hr | $11,623 | 32.10x |
| 22 | Workers' Compensation | $365/hr | $12,563 | 46.00x |
| 23 | Landlord-Tenant Law | $355/hr | $3,981 | 42.00x |
| 24 | Social Security Disability | $350/hr | $5,830 | 55.60x |
| 25 | Traffic Violations | $279/hr | $2,142 | 59.40x |
District of Columbia attorneys charge an average of $471 per hour, which is 57% higher than the national average of $300. The state has 55,000 licensed attorneys, with a density of 8184.5 lawyers per 1,000 residents.
The bar exam pass rate in District of Columbia is 58%, and the median household income is $198,000. 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 District of Columbia, 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 District of Columbia is $471, which is 57% above the national average of $300. Rates vary significantly by specialty and attorney experience.
District of Columbia has approximately 55,000 licensed attorneys, with a lawyers-per-capita rate of 8184.5 per 1,000 residents. The bar exam pass rate is 58%.
The most affordable legal specialty in District of Columbia is Traffic Violations at $279/hr. The most expensive is Securities Law at $651/hr.
The bar exam pass rate in District of Columbia is 58%. The median household income is $198,000, which provides context for how legal costs relate to local affordability.
District of Columbia attorney rates average $471/hr, 57% higher than the national average. This is influenced by factors including cost of living, lawyer density (8184.5 per 1,000 residents), and local market demand.
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