Attorney rates, legal market data, and specialty cost breakdowns for Massachusetts (MA). Average hourly rate is 37% above the national average.
| # | Specialty | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Case Cost | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Securities Law | $624/hr | $143,751 | 38.70x |
| 2 | Intellectual Property | $610/hr | $38,931 | 52.50x |
| 3 | Entertainment Law | $608/hr | $56,197 | 43.10x |
| 4 | Business Law | $531/hr | $70,991 | 41.60x |
| 5 | Tax Law | $516/hr | $23,743 | 47.40x |
| 6 | Medical Malpractice | $486/hr | $143,923 | 38.90x |
| 7 | Civil Litigation | $470/hr | $56,633 | 44.60x |
| 8 | Employment Law | $447/hr | $37,409 | 37.50x |
| 9 | Environmental Law | $426/hr | $64,306 | 13.60x |
| 10 | Military Law | $395/hr | $19,697 | 31.70x |
| 11 | Elder Law | $388/hr | $11,629 | 38.60x |
| 12 | Family Law | $371/hr | $34,324 | 23.70x |
| 13 | Criminal Defense | $369/hr | $33,311 | 19.00x |
| 14 | Construction Law | $368/hr | $33,266 | 18.70x |
| 15 | Real Estate Law | $367/hr | $3,649 | 33.50x |
| 16 | Estate Planning | $360/hr | $6,279 | 20.00x |
| 17 | Consumer Protection | $360/hr | $17,636 | 30.90x |
| 18 | DUI Defense | $356/hr | $11,337 | 29.50x |
| 19 | Personal Injury | $354/hr | $60,106 | 10.60x |
| 20 | Bankruptcy Law | $351/hr | $5,994 | 25.40x |
| 21 | Immigration Law | $340/hr | $10,186 | 17.20x |
| 22 | Workers' Compensation | $326/hr | $11,080 | 30.40x |
| 23 | Landlord-Tenant Law | $314/hr | $3,475 | 25.60x |
| 24 | Social Security Disability | $299/hr | $4,962 | 32.90x |
| 25 | Traffic Violations | $232/hr | $1,785 | 32.60x |
Massachusetts attorneys charge an average of $411 per hour, which is 37% higher than the national average of $300. The state has 40,000 licensed attorneys, with a density of 569.0 lawyers per 1,000 residents.
The bar exam pass rate in Massachusetts is 75%, and the median household income is $168,000. 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 Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts is $411, which is 37% above the national average of $300. Rates vary significantly by specialty and attorney experience.
Massachusetts has approximately 40,000 licensed attorneys, with a lawyers-per-capita rate of 569.0 per 1,000 residents. The bar exam pass rate is 75%.
The most affordable legal specialty in Massachusetts is Traffic Violations at $232/hr. The most expensive is Securities Law at $624/hr.
The bar exam pass rate in Massachusetts is 75%. The median household income is $168,000, which provides context for how legal costs relate to local affordability.
Massachusetts attorney rates average $411/hr, 37% higher than the national average. This is influenced by factors including cost of living, lawyer density (569.0 per 1,000 residents), and local market demand.
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