Court-approved attorney hourly rates: District Court, District of Columbia
60 approved rates from 15 fee rulings since October 20, 2024. Latest ruling Oct 1, 2026. Data as of October 20, 2026.
| Role | Median | Middle half | Range | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partner | $1,057 | $490 to $1,375 | 6 | |
| Associate | $538 | $290 to $785 | 7 | |
| Attorney | $402 | $363 to $558 | $315 to $838 | 34 |
| Paralegal | $210 | $160 to $239 | 6 | |
| Law clerk | $186 | $100 to $236 | 6 |
Approved rates by year
| Year | Partner | Associate | Paralegal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $538 (5) | $236 (5) |
Median approved rate by the year of the ruling (number of rates in brackets). A year shows a median at 5 or more rates. Not adjusted for inflation.
Attorney rates by years of experience
| Experience | Median | Middle half | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20+ years | $375 | 7 |
Only rates where the opinion states the attorney's years of experience.
The court approved a lower rate than requested for 0 of 59 timekeepers (0%).
Cite these rates
$1,057/hr
In District of Columbia fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved partner rate was $1,057 an hour (6 rates).
$538/hr
In District of Columbia fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved associate rate was $538 an hour (7 rates).
$402/hr
In District of Columbia fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved attorney rate was $402 an hour (34 rates).
$210/hr
In District of Columbia fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved paralegal rate was $210 an hour (6 rates).
$186/hr
In District of Columbia fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved law clerk rate was $186 an hour (6 rates).
Copy these rulings as citations
Recent District of Columbia rulings with the rates they approved, formatted for a fee petition. Check each ruling before citing it.
Ezekwesili v. Proctor, No. Civil Action No. 2024-2132 (D.D.C. Oct. 1, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $375 for an attorney with 47 years' experience); EZEKWESILI v. PROCTOR, No. 1:24-cv-02132 (D.D.C. Oct. 1, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $375 for attorneys with 47 years' experience); BLAYLOCK v. STARKE, No. 1:23-cv-03606 (D.D.C. Aug. 19, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $1,355 to $1,375 for partners with 30 years' experience; $785 for an associate with 2 years' experience); TEAMSTERS LOCAL 639-EMPLOYERS HEALTH TRUST FUND v. COUPLIN, No. 1:25-cv-01835 (D.D.C. Aug. 6, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $336 for an associate; $183 for a paralegal; $100 for a law clerk); HILADO v. MEDSTAR GEORGETOWN MEDICAL CENTER, INC., No. 1:24-cv-00007 (D.D.C. Mar. 5, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $745 for an attorney with 37 years' experience; $675 for an attorney with 14 years' experience); I.A.M. NATIONAL PENSION FUND v. KM ENTERTAINMENT CONSULTANTS, No. 1:25-cv-00146 (D.D.C. Nov. 14, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $538 for an attorney); SARGENT v. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, No. 1:19-cv-00620 (D.D.C. Sept. 12, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $490 for a partner; $290 for an associate; $165 for a law clerk); AMERICAN WILD HORSE CAMPAIGN v. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, No. 1:22-cv-02972 (D.D.C. July 25, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $538 for an attorney); CABRERA v. MOGOO, INC., No. 1:22-cv-01816 (D.D.C. July 2, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $1,057 for a partner; $538 to $777 for associates; $239 for a paralegal); INOVA HEALTH CARE SERVICES, FOR INOVA FAIRFAX HOSPITAL AND ITS DEPARTMENT, LIFE WITH CANCER v. OMNI SHOREHAM CORPORATION, No. 1:20-cv-00784 (D.D.C. June 15, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $625 for a partner); CABRERA v. MOGOO, INC., No. 1:22-cv-01816 (D.D.C. May 8, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $1,057 for a partner; $538 to $777 for associates; $239 for a paralegal); CALLIHAM v. PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF WASHINGTON, DC, LLC, No. 1:23-cv-00638 (D.D.C. Mar. 14, 2025) (approving hourly rates of $500 to $838 for attorneys; $236 for a paralegal).
Rulings
Rates turn on experience, practice area, and the work done. Use these as a starting point and cite the rulings, not this page, in a fee petition.
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Rivas v. United American Security, LLC
Oct 19, 2026 · Wage and hour · Statutory rate, not in medians
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $1,100 $1,100 Paralegal $299 $299 The court's words
The Plaintiffs therefore requested $1,100 per hour consistent with the 2026–2027 LSI Laffey Matrix rate for attorneys with 11–19 years’ experience at the time of filing.
In addition, the Plaintiffs requested $299 per hour for their counsel’s legal assistants and paralegals, consistent with the same updated matrix.
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Oct 1, 2026 · Commercial
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney 47 years $375 $375 The court's words
the Plaintiff seeks attorney fees for "three (3) hours of [her] attorney's time" on the trial date of May 18, 2026, "at the hourly rate . . . of $375," for a total of $1,125.00.
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Oct 1, 2026 · Commercial · Rates from a fee matrix
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney 47 years $375 $375 Attorney 47 years $375 $375 The court's words
the Plaintiff seeks attorney fees for "three (3) hours of [her] attorney's time" on the trial date of May 18, 2026, "at the hourly rate . . . of $375," for a total of $1,125.00.
the Court finds that five hours of attorney fees at the previously established rate of $375 per hour represent the reasonable expenses incurred for the prosecution of the Plaintiff's motion
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Aug 19, 2026 · Other
Role Experience Requested Approved Partner 30 years $1,375 $1,375 Partner 30 years $1,355 $1,355 Associate 2 years $785 $785 The court's words
Jessie F. Beeber ($1,375 per hour) is a partner and chair of the firm’s New York commercial litigation group with nearly 30 years of experience
William J. Briggs, II ($1,355 per hour) is a Los Angeles partner who has spent more than 30 years litigating
Sarika Andavolu ($785 per hour) is a second-year associate in Venable’s New York commercial litigation practice.
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TEAMSTERS LOCAL 639-EMPLOYERS HEALTH TRUST FUND et al v. COUPLIN
Aug 6, 2026 · ERISA benefits
Role Experience Requested Approved Associate $336 $336 Paralegal $183 $183 Law clerk $100 $100 The court's words
16.8 hours of professional services rendered by Mooney Green associates at a rate of $336 per hour
7.6 hours of paralegal work at $183 per hour
7.1 hours of work by law clerks at $100 per hour
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HILADO v. MEDSTAR GEORGETOWN MEDICAL CENTER, INC.
Mar 5, 2026 · Employment · Rates from a fee matrix
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney 37 years $745 $745 Attorney 14 years $675 $675 The court's words
Hilado proposes an hourly rate of $745 for Stephen Swift and $675 for Charity Swift, which are lower than those in the rate table.
Hilado proposes an hourly rate of $745 for Stephen Swift and $675 for Charity Swift, which are lower than those in the rate table.
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I.A.M. NATIONAL PENSION FUND et al v. KM ENTERTAINMENT CONSULTANTS
Nov 14, 2025 · ERISA benefits · Rates from a fee matrix
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $538 $538 The court's words
I.A.M. has provided documentation reflecting 4.6 hours of work by its attorney, billed at a rate of $538 per hour.
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SARGENT v. DEPARTMENT OF STATE et al
Sep 12, 2025 · Employment · Fee cut details
Role Experience Requested Approved Partner $490 $490 Associate $290 $290 Law clerk $165 $165 The court's words
Counsel’s hourly rate was $490 for partners; $290 for associates; and $165 for law clerks.
Counsel’s hourly rate was $490 for partners; $290 for associates; and $165 for law clerks.
Counsel’s hourly rate was $490 for partners; $290 for associates; and $165 for law clerks.
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AMERICAN WILD HORSE CAMPAIGN v. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Jul 25, 2025 · FOIA · Rates from a fee matrix
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $538 $538 The court's words
it is appropriate to reduce Plaintiff’s award to approximately seven attorney hours using a rate of $538 per hour (the rate of Thomas Herbert Housel, the primary timekeeper), which equals $3,766.00.
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Jul 2, 2025 · Wage and hour · Rates from a fee matrix
Role Experience Requested Approved Partner $1,057 $1,057 Associate $777 $777 Associate $538 $538 Paralegal $239 $239 The court's words
the Court finds the hourly rates requested by Cabrera’s counsel to be reasonable and appropriate, specifically (see Pl.’s Mem. at 8): $1,057 for both Omar Melehy and Suvita Melehy
$777 for Andrew Balashov, $538 for Alexandre Todorov, and $239 for the firm’s paralegals.
$777 for Andrew Balashov, $538 for Alexandre Todorov, and $239 for the firm’s paralegals.
$777 for Andrew Balashov, $538 for Alexandre Todorov, and $239 for the firm’s paralegals.
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Jun 15, 2025 · Commercial · Rates from a fee matrix · Fee cut details
Role Experience Requested Approved Partner $625 The court's words
partners (and Mahoney specifically) did virtually all the work in this litigation and billed the same $625+ hourly rates regardless of the skill the task required.
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May 8, 2025 · Wage and hour · Rates from a fee matrix
Role Experience Requested Approved Partner $1,057 $1,057 Associate $777 $777 Associate $538 $538 Paralegal $239 $239 The court's words
$1,057 for both Omar Melehy and Suvita Melehy
$777 for Andrew Balashov
$538 for Alexandre Todorov
$239 for the firm’s paralegals
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CALLIHAM v. PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF WASHINGTON, DC, LLC et al
Mar 14, 2025 · Other · Rates from a fee matrix
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $500 $500 Attorney $838 $838 Paralegal $236 $236 The court's words
the requested hourly rates—which range from $500 to $838 per hour depending on the lawyer, as well as $236 per hour for paralegals—are right in line with the Fitzpatrick Matrix.
the requested hourly rates—which range from $500 to $838 per hour depending on the lawyer, as well as $236 per hour for paralegals—are right in line with the Fitzpatrick Matrix.
the requested hourly rates—which range from $500 to $838 per hour depending on the lawyer, as well as $236 per hour for paralegals—are right in line with the Fitzpatrick Matrix.
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BRICKLAYERS & TROWEL TRADES INTERNATIONAL PENSION FUND v. ATCO MASONRY LLC
Feb 12, 2025 · ERISA benefits
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney 40 years $355 $355 Attorney 8 years $355 $355 The court's words
The attorneys who performed work for this case were Charles W. Gilligan, with nearly 40 years of experience, and Daniel Keenan, with eight years of experience. Id. at 38. Both charged Plaintiff a billing rate of $355.00 per hour.
The attorneys who performed work for this case were Charles W. Gilligan, with nearly 40 years of experience, and Daniel Keenan, with eight years of experience. Id. at 38. Both charged Plaintiff a billing rate of $355.00 per hour.
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Feb 3, 2025 · Civil rights · Rates from a fee matrix
Role Experience Requested Approved Attorney $658 $658 Attorney $684 $684 Law clerk $207 $207 Law clerk $236 $236 Law clerk $207 $207 other $189 $189 Attorney $315 $315 Attorney $580 $580 Attorney $499 $499 Attorney $375 $375 Attorney $416 $416 Attorney $538 $564 Attorney $328 $328 Attorney $416 $416 Attorney $331 $331 Attorney $471 $471 Attorney $416 $416 Attorney $387 $387 Attorney $359 $359 Attorney $328 $328 Attorney $359 $359 Attorney $371 $371 Attorney $360 $360 Attorney $374 $374 Attorney $388 $388 Law clerk $160 $160 Paralegal $160 $160 Paralegal $160 $160 The court's words
Attorney Morris Fischer billed 21.3 hours at an hourly rate of $658 in 2019; 44.85 hours at an hourly rate of $693 in 2020; 23.2 hours at an hourly rate of $703 in 2021; 45.6 hours at an hourly rate of $731 in 2022; 34.2 hours at an hourly rate of $782 in 2023; and 16.9 hours at an hourly rate of $843 in 2024.
Attorney Matthew Fornaro billed 8 hours at an hourly rate of $684 in 2022, resulting in a sum of $5,472.
Law clerk Mark Dooley billed 5.5 hours at an hourly rate of $207 in 2022, resulting in a sum of $1,138.50.
Law clerk Nathan Harding billed 6.48 hours at an hourly rate of $236 in 2024, resulting in a sum of $1,529.28.
Law clerk Benjamin Alpert billed 9 hours at an hourly rate of $207 in 2022 and billed 7.2 hours at an hourly rate of $220 in 2023.
secretary Gloria Victor-Dorr billed 1.1 hours at an hourly rate of $189 in 2019; billed 3.2 hours at an hourly rate of $199 in 2020; and billed 0.2 hours at an hourly rate of $200 in 2021.
the Court will apply Shoikhetbrod’s 2015 Fitzpatrick Matrix rate of $315 per hour to all billed hours to calculate his fees.
the Court will apply Cannon’s 2015 Fitzpatrick Matrix rate of $580 per hour to all billed time to calculate her fees.
Attorney Graig Zappia billed 0.8 hours at an hourly rate of $499 in 2016, resulting in a sum of $399.20.
the Court will apply Macomber’s 2015 Fitzpatrick Matrix rate of $375 per hour to all billed time to calculate his fees.
Attorney Courtney Mickman billed 0.4 hours at an hourly rate of $416 in 2017, resulting in a sum of $166.40.
Attorney Stephen M. Jewell billed 0.1 hours at an hourly rate of $538 in 2019, resulting in a sum of $53.80.
Attorney Amelia Nicoletti billed 2.3 hours at an hourly rate of $328 in 2016, resulting in a sum of $754.40.
Attorney Erik Kraemer billed 17.3 hours at an hourly rate of $416 in 2017, resulting in a sum of $7,196.80.
Attorney Jennifer Aronson billed 4.8 hours at an hourly rate of $331 in 2015, resulting in a sum of $1,588.80.
Attorney Joseph Bergh billed 17 hours at an hourly rate of $471 in 2015, resulting in a sum of $8,007.00.
Attorney Giancarlo Facciponte billed 6.2 hours at an hourly rate of $416 in 2017, resulting in a sum of $2,579.20.
Attorney Melissa Mummery billed 27 hours at an hourly rate of $387 in 2017, resulting in a sum of $10,449.00.
Attorney Nicholas Devyatkin billed 10 hours at an hourly rate of $359 in 2016, resulting in a sum of $3,590.00.
Attorney Nicholas Pederson billed 11 hours at an hourly rate of $328 in 2016, resulting in a sum of $3,608.00.
Attorney Nicholas Narchus billed 21.4 hours at an hourly rate of $359 in 2016, resulting in a sum of $7,682.60.
Attorney Patrick Tyler billed 1.6 hours at an hourly rate of $371 in 2017, resulting in a sum of $593.60.
Attorney Sarah McKinin billed 4 hours at an hourly rate of $360 in 2015, resulting in a sum of $1,440.00.
the Court will apply Rapp-Tully’s 2016 Fitzpatrick Matrix rate of $374 per hour to all billed time to calculate her fees.
Attorney Tyler Patterson billed 25.3 hours at an hourly rate of $388 in 2016, resulting in a sum of $9,816.40.
Law clerk Neelofar Nawab billed 0.5 hours at an hourly rate of $160 in 2016, resulting in a sum of $80.
the Court will apply O’Leary’s 2016 Fitzpatrick Matrix rate of $160 per hour to all billed time to calculate her fees.
Paralegal Mary Jane Kemnitz billed 0.5 hours at an hourly rate of $160 in 2016, resulting in a sum of $80.
Earlier rulings
| Case | Date | Approved rates |
|---|---|---|
| VAUGHAN v. CAPITAL CITY PROTECTIVE SERVICES, II LLC | Oct 24, 2024 | Attorney $800, Attorney $568 |
| SEO et al v. OH et al | Oct 3, 2024 | Attorney $948, Attorney $948 |
| TRUSTEES OF THE IAM NATIONAL PENSION FUND v. M & K EMPLOYEE SOLUTIONS, LLC et al | Sep 30, 2024 | |
| SEGAR, et al v. ASHCROFT, et al., | Sep 27, 2024 | Partner $940 |
| LOUISE TRAUMA CENTER LLC v. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE | Sep 18, 2024 | Attorney $807, Attorney $731, Attorney $736, Attorney $760 |
| LOUISE TRAUMA CENTER LLC v. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY | Jul 1, 2024 | |
| CABRERA v. MOGOO, INC. et al | Mar 31, 2024 | Attorney $508, Paralegal $225 |
| BLACK ROCK CITY LLC v. BERNHARDT et al | Mar 28, 2024 | Attorney $231 |
| KIGHT et al v. CRUNCHY TOBACCO, INC. | Feb 14, 2024 | Attorney $250 |
FAQ
What hourly rate does the District of Columbia approve for partners?
A median of $1,057 an hour across 6 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024.
What hourly rate does the District of Columbia approve for associates?
A median of $538 an hour across 7 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024.
What hourly rate does the District of Columbia approve for attorneys?
A median of $402 an hour across 34 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024, with the middle half from $363 to $558.
How often does the District of Columbia cut a requested hourly rate?
For 0 of 59 timekeepers (0%) in recent fee rulings.
How do I prove a reasonable hourly rate in the District of Columbia?
With evidence beyond your own declaration, usually recent awards in the same district for lawyers of similar experience. The rulings on this page can be cited directly; use the citation block to copy them.
The data is free to use under CC BY 4.0. Please credit "LegalTime Fee Cut Tracker" with a link to this page. Spot an error? Email team@legaltime.ai with the case name and we will correct it. Summaries of public court opinions. Not legal advice.
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