Attorney rates, legal market data, and specialty cost breakdowns for South Carolina (SC). Average hourly rate is 14% below the national average.
| # | Specialty | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Case Cost | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Securities Law | $386/hr | $89,219 | -14.20x |
| 2 | Intellectual Property | $327/hr | $22,518 | -18.20x |
| 3 | Tax Law | $325/hr | $14,964 | -7.10x |
| 4 | Business Law | $321/hr | $43,337 | -14.40x |
| 5 | Environmental Law | $313/hr | $45,775 | -16.50x |
| 6 | Entertainment Law | $308/hr | $29,762 | -27.50x |
| 7 | Medical Malpractice | $307/hr | $90,825 | -12.30x |
| 8 | Employment Law | $291/hr | $24,194 | -10.50x |
| 9 | Criminal Defense | $268/hr | $23,552 | -13.50x |
| 10 | Civil Litigation | $259/hr | $32,022 | -20.30x |
| 11 | Construction Law | $257/hr | $22,757 | -17.10x |
| 12 | Military Law | $253/hr | $12,565 | -15.70x |
| 13 | Family Law | $251/hr | $22,903 | -16.30x |
| 14 | Personal Injury | $246/hr | $40,873 | -23.10x |
| 15 | Elder Law | $241/hr | $7,243 | -13.90x |
| 16 | Consumer Protection | $241/hr | $11,685 | -12.40x |
| 17 | Estate Planning | $232/hr | $4,030 | -22.70x |
| 18 | DUI Defense | $224/hr | $7,145 | -18.50x |
| 19 | Bankruptcy Law | $221/hr | $3,773 | -21.10x |
| 20 | Real Estate Law | $219/hr | $2,203 | -20.40x |
| 21 | Landlord-Tenant Law | $211/hr | $2,308 | -15.60x |
| 22 | Immigration Law | $206/hr | $6,236 | -29.00x |
| 23 | Workers' Compensation | $202/hr | $6,895 | -19.20x |
| 24 | Social Security Disability | $180/hr | $3,016 | -20.00x |
| 25 | Traffic Violations | $138/hr | $1,071 | -21.10x |
South Carolina attorneys charge an average of $257 per hour, which is 14% lower than the national average of $300. The state has 12,500 licensed attorneys, with a density of 232.6 lawyers per 1,000 residents.
The bar exam pass rate in South Carolina is 70%, and the median household income is $116,000. 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 South 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 South Carolina is $257, which is 14% below the national average of $300. Rates vary significantly by specialty and attorney experience.
South Carolina has approximately 12,500 licensed attorneys, with a lawyers-per-capita rate of 232.6 per 1,000 residents. The bar exam pass rate is 70%.
The most affordable legal specialty in South Carolina is Traffic Violations at $138/hr. The most expensive is Securities Law at $386/hr.
The bar exam pass rate in South Carolina is 70%. The median household income is $116,000, which provides context for how legal costs relate to local affordability.
South Carolina attorney rates average $257/hr, 14% lower than the national average. This is influenced by factors including cost of living, lawyer density (232.6 per 1,000 residents), and local market demand.
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