How much should I charge as a lawyer in California ?

Hourly rates in California

Lawyers in California typically charge between $178 and $509 per hour, with the average being $344. For comparison, District of Columbia has the highest average hourly rate at $392 while West Virginia has the lowest average hourly rate at $162.

Hourly rates in California by practice area

Average hourly rates in California vary by practice area. The table below includes the average hourly rate for attorneys in different practice areas.

California's utilization, realization, and collection rates

Key performance indicators (KPIs) offer valuable insights into a firm’s performance. This information helps lawyers understand how they and their employees are contributing to revenue generation, and can be instrumental in identifying areas for continuous improvement.

Lawyers should be familiar with the following KPIs:

1. Utilization rate: How many hours individual lawyers put towards revenue-generating work. The national average utilization rate was 33%.
2. Realization rate: How much revenue–generating work is billed to a client after discounts or canceled fees. The national average realization rate was 86%.
3. Collection rate: How much invoiced work gets paid to a law firm. The national average collection rate was 90%.

California's utilization rate

• Nebraska has the highest utilization rate for law firms at 43%, while Arkansas has the lowest utilization rate for law firms at 26%.

California's realization rate

• Vermont has the highest realization rate for law firms at 95%, while District of Columbia has the lowest realization rate for law firms at 70%.

California's collection rate

• Vermont has the highest collection rate for law firms at 95%, while Rhode Island has the lowest collection rate for law firms at 81%.

California’s hourly rates over the last five reports

Lawyer Hourly Rate/Adjusted Hourly Rate

Law Firm Hourly Rate/Adjusted Hourly Rate

Non-Lawyer Hourly Rate/Adjusted Hourly Rate