Attorney rates, legal market data, and specialty cost breakdowns for South Dakota (SD). Average hourly rate is 20% below the national average.
| # | Specialty | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Case Cost | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Securities Law | $401/hr | $91,171 | -10.90x |
| 2 | Entertainment Law | $362/hr | $33,507 | -14.80x |
| 3 | Intellectual Property | $318/hr | $21,807 | -20.50x |
| 4 | Environmental Law | $268/hr | $40,030 | -28.50x |
| 5 | Medical Malpractice | $264/hr | $79,687 | -24.60x |
| 6 | Tax Law | $263/hr | $12,501 | -24.90x |
| 7 | Business Law | $261/hr | $36,395 | -30.40x |
| 8 | Immigration Law | $260/hr | $7,425 | -10.30x |
| 9 | Criminal Defense | $255/hr | $22,374 | -17.70x |
| 10 | Employment Law | $238/hr | $20,390 | -26.80x |
| 11 | Military Law | $234/hr | $11,699 | -22.00x |
| 12 | Family Law | $233/hr | $21,379 | -22.30x |
| 13 | Bankruptcy Law | $233/hr | $3,897 | -16.80x |
| 14 | Construction Law | $230/hr | $20,629 | -25.80x |
| 15 | Civil Litigation | $229/hr | $28,796 | -29.50x |
| 16 | Personal Injury | $226/hr | $37,885 | -29.40x |
| 17 | Estate Planning | $216/hr | $3,768 | -28.00x |
| 18 | Elder Law | $215/hr | $6,557 | -23.20x |
| 19 | DUI Defense | $213/hr | $6,792 | -22.50x |
| 20 | Real Estate Law | $209/hr | $2,099 | -24.00x |
| 21 | Consumer Protection | $209/hr | $10,328 | -24.00x |
| 22 | Workers' Compensation | $195/hr | $6,641 | -22.00x |
| 23 | Social Security Disability | $184/hr | $3,041 | -18.20x |
| 24 | Landlord-Tenant Law | $181/hr | $2,026 | -27.60x |
| 25 | Traffic Violations | $138/hr | $1,064 | -21.10x |
South Dakota attorneys charge an average of $241 per hour, which is 20% lower than the national average of $300. The state has 2,500 licensed attorneys, with a density of 274.7 lawyers per 1,000 residents.
The bar exam pass rate in South Dakota is 80%, and the median household income is $110,000. 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 Dakota, 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 Dakota is $241, which is 20% below the national average of $300. Rates vary significantly by specialty and attorney experience.
South Dakota has approximately 2,500 licensed attorneys, with a lawyers-per-capita rate of 274.7 per 1,000 residents. The bar exam pass rate is 80%.
The most affordable legal specialty in South Dakota is Traffic Violations at $138/hr. The most expensive is Securities Law at $401/hr.
The bar exam pass rate in South Dakota is 80%. The median household income is $110,000, which provides context for how legal costs relate to local affordability.
South Dakota attorney rates average $241/hr, 20% lower than the national average. This is influenced by factors including cost of living, lawyer density (274.7 per 1,000 residents), and local market demand.
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