Attorney rates, legal market data, and specialty cost breakdowns for North Carolina (NC). Average hourly rate is 6% below the national average.
| # | Specialty | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Case Cost | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entertainment Law | $463/hr | $41,889 | 8.90x |
| 2 | Securities Law | $447/hr | $101,991 | -0.70x |
| 3 | Environmental Law | $353/hr | $51,043 | -5.90x |
| 4 | Tax Law | $349/hr | $16,072 | -0.30x |
| 5 | Medical Malpractice | $342/hr | $100,679 | -2.30x |
| 6 | Business Law | $332/hr | $45,070 | -11.50x |
| 7 | Intellectual Property | $325/hr | $22,717 | -18.80x |
| 8 | Employment Law | $304/hr | $25,423 | -6.50x |
| 9 | Civil Litigation | $286/hr | $35,165 | -12.00x |
| 10 | Military Law | $277/hr | $12,921 | -7.70x |
| 11 | Personal Injury | $266/hr | $44,194 | -16.90x |
| 12 | Construction Law | $265/hr | $23,681 | -14.50x |
| 13 | Immigration Law | $261/hr | $7,619 | -10.00x |
| 14 | Criminal Defense | $258/hr | $23,120 | -16.80x |
| 15 | Estate Planning | $253/hr | $4,386 | -15.70x |
| 16 | DUI Defense | $249/hr | $7,890 | -9.50x |
| 17 | Elder Law | $244/hr | $7,414 | -12.90x |
| 18 | Family Law | $243/hr | $22,639 | -19.00x |
| 19 | Consumer Protection | $242/hr | $11,888 | -12.00x |
| 20 | Real Estate Law | $238/hr | $2,384 | -13.50x |
| 21 | Bankruptcy Law | $235/hr | $4,021 | -16.10x |
| 22 | Landlord-Tenant Law | $222/hr | $2,441 | -11.20x |
| 23 | Workers' Compensation | $215/hr | $7,339 | -14.00x |
| 24 | Social Security Disability | $199/hr | $3,312 | -11.60x |
| 25 | Traffic Violations | $156/hr | $1,199 | -10.90x |
North Carolina attorneys charge an average of $281 per hour, which is 6% lower than the national average of $300. The state has 28,000 licensed attorneys, with a density of 258.4 lawyers per 1,000 residents.
The bar exam pass rate in North Carolina is 68%, and the median household income is $122,000. 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina is $281, which is 6% below the national average of $300. Rates vary significantly by specialty and attorney experience.
North Carolina has approximately 28,000 licensed attorneys, with a lawyers-per-capita rate of 258.4 per 1,000 residents. The bar exam pass rate is 68%.
The most affordable legal specialty in North Carolina is Traffic Violations at $156/hr. The most expensive is Entertainment Law at $463/hr.
The bar exam pass rate in North Carolina is 68%. The median household income is $122,000, which provides context for how legal costs relate to local affordability.
North Carolina attorney rates average $281/hr, 6% lower than the national average. This is influenced by factors including cost of living, lawyer density (258.4 per 1,000 residents), and local market demand.
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