US law firms set new highs for hourly rates, with 1 firm billing $4K per hour
Elite U.S. law firms have reached record high hourly rates, with top litigators now charging up to $4,000 per hour at one firm. (Image from Shutterstock)
Elite U.S. law firms have reached record high hourly rates, with top litigators now charging up to $4,000 per hour at one firm, according to a story by the JDJournal.
Houston-based litigation firm Susman Godfrey confirmed that Neal Manne and Bill Carmody, two senior partners, will bill at $4,000 per hour in 2026, making them among the most expensive lawyers in the United States.
The new rate surpasses last year’s top hourly figures, which were around $3,000 per hour for a small group of elite partners, according to the story.
The development highlights a broader trend across BigLaw of escalating fees for high-stakes litigation and complex corporate matters, according to the JDJournal.
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