Attorney rates, legal market data, and specialty cost breakdowns for Washington (WA). Average hourly rate is 20% above the national average.
| # | Specialty | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Case Cost | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entertainment Law | $451/hr | $43,376 | 6.10x |
| 2 | Intellectual Property | $438/hr | $29,173 | 9.50x |
| 3 | Securities Law | $434/hr | $105,790 | -3.60x |
| 4 | Tax Law | $427/hr | $20,003 | 22.00x |
| 5 | Medical Malpractice | $422/hr | $126,093 | 20.60x |
| 6 | Environmental Law | $411/hr | $61,198 | 9.60x |
| 7 | Civil Litigation | $407/hr | $49,487 | 25.20x |
| 8 | Business Law | $400/hr | $55,533 | 6.70x |
| 9 | Employment Law | $389/hr | $32,823 | 19.70x |
| 10 | Family Law | $376/hr | $34,060 | 25.30x |
| 11 | Personal Injury | $371/hr | $61,031 | 15.90x |
| 12 | Construction Law | $368/hr | $32,594 | 18.70x |
| 13 | Military Law | $367/hr | $18,233 | 22.30x |
| 14 | Estate Planning | $364/hr | $6,215 | 21.30x |
| 15 | Bankruptcy Law | $353/hr | $5,909 | 26.10x |
| 16 | Criminal Defense | $350/hr | $31,322 | 12.90x |
| 17 | Consumer Protection | $347/hr | $16,811 | 26.20x |
| 18 | Real Estate Law | $343/hr | $3,390 | 24.70x |
| 19 | Elder Law | $321/hr | $9,807 | 14.60x |
| 20 | Immigration Law | $309/hr | $9,246 | 6.60x |
| 21 | Workers' Compensation | $305/hr | $10,293 | 22.00x |
| 22 | Landlord-Tenant Law | $300/hr | $3,290 | 20.00x |
| 23 | DUI Defense | $296/hr | $9,602 | 7.60x |
| 24 | Social Security Disability | $277/hr | $4,583 | 23.10x |
| 25 | Traffic Violations | $210/hr | $1,613 | 20.00x |
Washington attorneys charge an average of $361 per hour, which is 20% higher than the national average of $300. The state has 28,000 licensed attorneys, with a density of 353.8 lawyers per 1,000 residents.
The bar exam pass rate in Washington is 72%, and the median household income is $155,000. 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 Washington, 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 Washington is $361, which is 20% above the national average of $300. Rates vary significantly by specialty and attorney experience.
Washington has approximately 28,000 licensed attorneys, with a lawyers-per-capita rate of 353.8 per 1,000 residents. The bar exam pass rate is 72%.
The most affordable legal specialty in Washington is Traffic Violations at $210/hr. The most expensive is Entertainment Law at $451/hr.
The bar exam pass rate in Washington is 72%. The median household income is $155,000, which provides context for how legal costs relate to local affordability.
Washington attorney rates average $361/hr, 20% higher than the national average. This is influenced by factors including cost of living, lawyer density (353.8 per 1,000 residents), and local market demand.
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