Attorney rates, legal market data, and specialty cost breakdowns for Wisconsin (WI). Average hourly rate is 8% below the national average.
| # | Specialty | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Case Cost | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Environmental Law | $376/hr | $53,776 | 0.30x |
| 2 | Entertainment Law | $372/hr | $35,052 | -12.50x |
| 3 | Securities Law | $356/hr | $84,878 | -20.90x |
| 4 | Business Law | $355/hr | $47,604 | -5.30x |
| 5 | Personal Injury | $323/hr | $51,631 | 0.90x |
| 6 | Intellectual Property | $305/hr | $21,613 | -23.80x |
| 7 | Construction Law | $296/hr | $25,821 | -4.50x |
| 8 | Criminal Defense | $294/hr | $25,734 | -5.20x |
| 9 | Employment Law | $292/hr | $24,609 | -10.20x |
| 10 | Tax Law | $281/hr | $13,498 | -19.70x |
| 11 | Estate Planning | $277/hr | $4,716 | -7.70x |
| 12 | Medical Malpractice | $275/hr | $84,583 | -21.40x |
| 13 | Civil Litigation | $274/hr | $34,008 | -15.70x |
| 14 | Military Law | $272/hr | $13,531 | -9.30x |
| 15 | Bankruptcy Law | $263/hr | $4,411 | -6.10x |
| 16 | Family Law | $253/hr | $23,417 | -15.70x |
| 17 | Elder Law | $253/hr | $7,652 | -9.60x |
| 18 | Consumer Protection | $252/hr | $12,282 | -8.40x |
| 19 | Real Estate Law | $240/hr | $2,404 | -12.70x |
| 20 | Landlord-Tenant Law | $236/hr | $2,562 | -5.60x |
| 21 | Immigration Law | $235/hr | $7,008 | -19.00x |
| 22 | DUI Defense | $232/hr | $7,440 | -15.60x |
| 23 | Workers' Compensation | $212/hr | $7,270 | -15.20x |
| 24 | Social Security Disability | $207/hr | $3,413 | -8.00x |
| 25 | Traffic Violations | $163/hr | $1,244 | -6.90x |
Wisconsin attorneys charge an average of $276 per hour, which is 8% lower than the national average of $300. The state has 16,500 licensed attorneys, with a density of 280.0 lawyers per 1,000 residents.
The bar exam pass rate in Wisconsin is 78%, and the median household income is $120,000. 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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin is $276, which is 8% below the national average of $300. Rates vary significantly by specialty and attorney experience.
Wisconsin has approximately 16,500 licensed attorneys, with a lawyers-per-capita rate of 280.0 per 1,000 residents. The bar exam pass rate is 78%.
The most affordable legal specialty in Wisconsin is Traffic Violations at $163/hr. The most expensive is Environmental Law at $376/hr.
The bar exam pass rate in Wisconsin is 78%. The median household income is $120,000, which provides context for how legal costs relate to local affordability.
Wisconsin attorney rates average $276/hr, 8% lower than the national average. This is influenced by factors including cost of living, lawyer density (280.0 per 1,000 residents), and local market demand.
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