Attorney rates, legal market data, and specialty cost breakdowns for Tennessee (TN). Average hourly rate is 13% below the national average.
| # | Specialty | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Case Cost | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Securities Law | $465/hr | $104,651 | 3.30x |
| 2 | Entertainment Law | $360/hr | $32,598 | -15.30x |
| 3 | Business Law | $309/hr | $42,256 | -17.60x |
| 4 | Intellectual Property | $303/hr | $21,366 | -24.30x |
| 5 | Medical Malpractice | $288/hr | $87,077 | -17.70x |
| 6 | Employment Law | $287/hr | $24,130 | -11.70x |
| 7 | Personal Injury | $284/hr | $46,143 | -11.30x |
| 8 | Civil Litigation | $275/hr | $33,890 | -15.40x |
| 9 | Environmental Law | $273/hr | $41,332 | -27.20x |
| 10 | Construction Law | $273/hr | $24,026 | -11.90x |
| 11 | Immigration Law | $272/hr | $7,826 | -6.20x |
| 12 | Military Law | $265/hr | $13,136 | -11.70x |
| 13 | Estate Planning | $257/hr | $4,401 | -14.30x |
| 14 | Tax Law | $254/hr | $12,373 | -27.40x |
| 15 | Criminal Defense | $243/hr | $21,886 | -21.60x |
| 16 | Family Law | $238/hr | $22,138 | -20.70x |
| 17 | Real Estate Law | $233/hr | $2,334 | -15.30x |
| 18 | Elder Law | $229/hr | $7,017 | -18.20x |
| 19 | Bankruptcy Law | $223/hr | $3,838 | -20.40x |
| 20 | Consumer Protection | $219/hr | $10,909 | -20.40x |
| 21 | Workers' Compensation | $218/hr | $7,379 | -12.80x |
| 22 | DUI Defense | $211/hr | $6,850 | -23.30x |
| 23 | Landlord-Tenant Law | $195/hr | $2,187 | -22.00x |
| 24 | Social Security Disability | $180/hr | $3,038 | -20.00x |
| 25 | Traffic Violations | $159/hr | $1,208 | -9.10x |
Tennessee attorneys charge an average of $261 per hour, which is 13% lower than the national average of $300. The state has 19,000 licensed attorneys, with a density of 266.6 lawyers per 1,000 residents.
The bar exam pass rate in Tennessee is 71%, and the median household income is $118,000. 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee is $261, which is 13% below the national average of $300. Rates vary significantly by specialty and attorney experience.
Tennessee has approximately 19,000 licensed attorneys, with a lawyers-per-capita rate of 266.6 per 1,000 residents. The bar exam pass rate is 71%.
The most affordable legal specialty in Tennessee is Traffic Violations at $159/hr. The most expensive is Securities Law at $465/hr.
The bar exam pass rate in Tennessee is 71%. The median household income is $118,000, which provides context for how legal costs relate to local affordability.
Tennessee attorney rates average $261/hr, 13% lower than the national average. This is influenced by factors including cost of living, lawyer density (266.6 per 1,000 residents), and local market demand.
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