What are attorneys hourly rates? What is reasonable and customary?
A. Lawyers’ hourly fee rates are not set by law, but there are a few limitations imposed by law. Hourly rates is a matter of contract between the parties. The State Bar has little to do with the amount charged except that in the event of a fee dispute, an attorney may not recover fees that are considered unconscionable or unfair. Attorneys can be ordered to return fees. Lawyers set the price for their services. Market forces should determine what people will pay. For instance, lawyers with many years of experience (fifteen or more), or who have special certifications or expertise, or who passionately attend continuing education seminars, ought charge a higher hourly fee. These lawyers invest considerable time, energy, and money in staying abreast of family law and related fields. There is value added to the quality of the services they perform over those of some less skilled colleaque. For instance, I recently passed the State Bar family law specialist’s exam which required some 250 ho
