Court-approved attorney hourly rates: S.D. Texas | LegalTime AI

Court-approved attorney hourly rates: District Court, S.D. Texas

83 approved rates from 28 fee rulings since October 20, 2024. Latest ruling Sep 23, 2026. Data as of October 20, 2026.

RoleMedianMiddle halfRangeRates
Partner $425 $270 to $611 $240 to $1,475 14
Associate $250 $220 to $300 8
Attorney $400 $275 to $660 $215 to $1,025 41
Paralegal $115 $103 to $176 $90 to $650 19

Approved rates by year

YearPartnerAssociateParalegal
2026 $270 (11)$250 (8)$110 (15)
2024 $600 (7)$415 (7)$235 (7)

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.

The court approved a lower rate than requested for 0 of 83 timekeepers (0%).

Cite these rates

$425/hr

In S.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved partner rate was $425 an hour (14 rates).

Based on 14 rates. Rates approved in S.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, checked against each opinion. Statutory rates are left out.

$250/hr

In S.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved associate rate was $250 an hour (8 rates).

Based on 8 rates. Rates approved in S.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, checked against each opinion. Statutory rates are left out.

$400/hr

In S.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved attorney rate was $400 an hour (41 rates).

Based on 41 rates. Rates approved in S.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, checked against each opinion. Statutory rates are left out.

$115/hr

In S.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved paralegal rate was $115 an hour (19 rates).

Based on 19 rates. Rates approved in S.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, checked against each opinion. Statutory rates are left out.

Copy these rulings as citations

Recent S.D. Texas rulings with the rates they approved, formatted for a fee petition. Check each ruling before citing it.

20100 Eastex, LLC v. Saltgrass, Inc., No. 4:20-cv-01347 (S.D. Tex. Sept. 23, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $695 to $830 for attorneys); Kashmir Blue Energy, LLC v. TR Offshore, LLC, No. 2:26-cv-00049 (S.D. Tex. Aug. 19, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $250 for an attorney; $100 for a paralegal); Urban Oaks Builders LLC v. Gemini Insurance Company, No. 4:19-cv-04211 (S.D. Tex. Aug. 19, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $465 to $775 for partners); Mortgage Research Center, LLC v. Halstead, No. 2:25-cv-00082 (S.D. Tex. Aug. 6, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $215 for attorneys; $110 for paralegals); Employers Insurance Company of Wausau v. Texcon Holdings, Inc., No. 4:25-cv-00849 (S.D. Tex. July 27, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $225 to $275 for attorneys; $105 for a paralegal); Martinez v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., No. 4:25-cv-04948 (S.D. Tex. July 21, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $432 to $651 for attorneys); Reser v. Martin, No. 2:25-cv-00123 (S.D. Tex. June 5, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $400 for an attorney); Luxury Lease Partners v. Austin, No. 4:25-cv-02476 (S.D. Tex. May 20, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $360 for an attorney); Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Barra Brava 290 Sports & Grill LLC, No. 4:25-cv-03756 (S.D. Tex. May 19, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $250 for an attorney); Wright v. ASI Lloyds, No. 3:22-cv-00357 (S.D. Tex. May 11, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $90 to $115 for paralegals; $240 to $270 for partners; $220 to $250 for associates); Saavedra Orozco v. SBX Logistics, LLC, No. 7:24-cv-00283 (S.D. Tex. Mar. 31, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $225 to $550 for attorneys); L.A. Public Insurance Adjusters, Inc. v. Nelson, No. 4:18-cv-00950 (S.D. Tex. Mar. 30, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $500 for an attorney with 28 years' experience; $100 for a paralegal with 20 years' experience).

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.

  • 20100 Eastex, LLC v. Saltgrass, Inc.

    Sep 23, 2026 · Commercial · Fee cut details

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $1,025
    Attorney $830 $830
    Attorney $785 $785
    Attorney $695 $695
    Paralegal $320
    Paralegal $260
    The court's words
    Saltgrass seeks attorneys’ fees based on the following hourly rates: $1,025 for attorney John Zavitsanos
    Jane Robinson 43.8 $830.00 $36,354.00
    Sammy Ford IV 2.0 $785.00 $1,570.00
    Nicholas Petree 0.7 $695.00 $486.50
    $320 for paralegal Lynette Peter
    $260 for paralegal Alejandra Ramos

  • Hardin v. Bisignano Do not docket. Case remanded under the fourth sentence of 42 USC 405(g) to the Commissioner of Social Security.

    Sep 9, 2026 · Social Security · Statutory rate, not in medians

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $259 $243
    Attorney $259 $247
    The court's words
    Plaintiff seeks recovery for 33 attorney hours from 2025 and .1 hour worked in 2026, at a rate of $258.60/hour.
    Applying the local CPI-adjusted rates ($243.29 for 2025 and $247.13 for 2026) to the number of attorney-hours worked (33 hours in 2025 and .1 hour in 2026) yields a total of $8,053.28.

  • Kashmir Blue Energy, LLC v. TR Offshore, LLC

    Aug 19, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $250 $250
    Paralegal $100 $100
    The court's words
    (1) twenty-nine and nine-tenths (29.9) hours of attorney hours at $250/hr. totaling $7,475.00; (2) three and seven tenths (3.7) hours of paralegal hours at $100/hr. totaling $370.00
    (2) three and seven tenths (3.7) hours of paralegal hours at $100/hr. totaling $370.00

  • Urban Oaks Builders LLC et al v. Gemini Insurance Company et al

    Aug 19, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Partner $465 $465
    Partner $775 $775
    The court's words
    Perkins testified that UOB and Carlton Fields agreed to an hourly billing arrangement. He testified that Carlton Fields gave UOB a 10% discount off their standard rates, with Perkins' rate being $465/hour.
    Rebak stated that his hourly rate was $775/hour at the time, but he gave Hines a reduced rate.

  • Welch v. Commissioner Social Security

    Aug 12, 2026 · Social Security · Statutory rate, not in medians

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $247 $247
    The court's words
    Counsel submitted evidence supporting an hourly rate of $247.06 for 33.4 attorney hours worked in 2026.

  • Mortgage Research Center, LLC v. Halstead et al

    Aug 6, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $215 $215
    Attorney $215 $215
    Paralegal $110 $110
    Paralegal $110 $110
    Paralegal $110 $110
    The court's words
    senior attorney Crystal G. Gibson expended 18.70 hours at a rate of $215.00 per hour
    senior attorney John R. Osborne, Jr. expended 0.30 hours at a rate of $215.00 per hour
    paralegal Rebecca Lnehan expended 15.20 hours at a rate of $110.00 per hour
    paralegal Susan Talpin expended 1.60 hours at a rate of $110.00 per hour
    paralegal Jack Wagner expended 2.60 hours at a rate of $110.00 per hour

  • Employers Insurance Company of Wausau v. Texcon Holdings, Inc.

    Jul 27, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $275 $275
    Attorney $275 $275
    Attorney $250 $250
    Paralegal $105 $105
    Attorney $225 $225
    The court's words
    Hanna attests that the hourly rates for herself ($275), attorneys Sheila S. Tan ($275) and Emily K. Bloom ($250), and paralegal Elina Lupin ($105) are reasonable.
    Hanna attests that the hourly rates for herself ($275), attorneys Sheila S. Tan ($275) and Emily K. Bloom ($250), and paralegal Elina Lupin ($105) are reasonable.
    Hanna attests that the hourly rates for herself ($275), attorneys Sheila S. Tan ($275) and Emily K. Bloom ($250), and paralegal Elina Lupin ($105) are reasonable.
    Hanna attests that the hourly rates for herself ($275), attorneys Sheila S. Tan ($275) and Emily K. Bloom ($250), and paralegal Elina Lupin ($105) are reasonable.
    The attached invoices also reflect attorney Jessica L. Bigbie’s hourly rate of $225.

  • Martinez v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

    Jul 21, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $432 $432
    Attorney $571 $571
    Attorney $651 $651
    The court's words
    The Turner Declaration indicates that Attorney Turner billed 56.6 hours at an hourly rate of $432.
    Attorney David L. Foster billed 18.4 hours at an hourly rate of $571
    Attorney Robert T. Mowrey billed 3.2 hours at an hourly rate of$651.

  • Granados v. Commissioner of Social Security

    Jun 8, 2026 · Social Security · Statutory rate, not in medians

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $256
    The court's words
    Plaintiff seeks fees for 45.3 hours of attorney work at a rate of $255.90 per hour.

  • Reser v. Martin et al

    Jun 5, 2026 · Civil rights

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $400 $400
    The court's words
    Gamache requests an award of $14,160.00, representing attorney's fees for 35.4 hours at a rate of $400.00 per hour

  • Luxury Lease Partners v. Austin et al

    May 20, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $360 $360
    The court's words
    In a sworn affidavit, counsel for Luxury Lease asserts that he worked 3.60 hours at a reasonable hourly rate of $360.00. (Cersonsky Aff., Doc. No. 15-9). The Court finds that this rate is reasonable.

  • Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Barra Brava 290 Sports & Grill LLC et al

    May 19, 2026 · Other

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $250 $250
    The court's words
    counsel for JHP asserts that he worked 11.60 hours at an hourly rate of $250.00. (King Decl., Doc. No. 15-11). The Court finds that this rate is reasonable.

  • Wright v. ASI Lloyds

    May 11, 2026 · Other · Fee cut details

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Paralegal $90 $90
    Paralegal $115 $115
    Paralegal $115 $115
    Partner $270 $270
    Associate $250 $250
    Associate $250 $250
    Associate $250 $250
    Paralegal $115 $115
    Associate $220 $220
    Associate $250 $250
    Partner $270 $270
    Paralegal $115 $115
    Partner $240 $240
    Partner $270 $270
    The court's words
    Baccari (paralegal) 9/1/22-9/30/22 3 0.9 2.1 $90 $189
    Baccari (paralegal) 10/1/22-8/31/25 8.5 2.7 5.8 $115 $667
    Beltran (paralegal) 10/1/22-8/31/25 28.1 4.9 23.2 $115 $2,668
    Elliot (partner) 10/1/22-8/31/25 1.7 1.7 0 $270 $0
    Flynt (associate) 10/1/22-8/31/25 1.3 1.3 0 $250 $0
    Hancock (associate) 10/1/22-8/31/25 10.9 0.4 10.5 $250 $2,625
    Laurie (associate) 10/1/22-8/31/25 2.7 2.3 .4 $250 $100
    Leiva (paralegal) 10/1/22-8/31/25 5 0 5 $115 $575
    Marcussen (associate) 9/1/22-9/30/22 8.6 0 8.6 $220 $1,892
    Marcussen (associate) 10/1/22-1/31/24 264.2 47.8 216.2 $250 $54,050
    Marcussen (partner) 2/1/24-8/31/25 143.5 131.4 12.1 $270 $3,267
    Marks (paralegal) 10/1/22-8/31/25 29 6.5 22.5 $115 $2,587.50
    Schexnyder (partner) 9/1/22-9/30/22 1.5 0.2 1.3 $240 $312
    Schexnyder (partner) 10/1/22-8/31/25 34 22.2 11.8 $270 $3,186

  • Newby et al v. Treyled Life Settlements LLC

    Apr 27, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $2,245
    Attorney $945
    Paralegal $785
    Paralegal $495
    The court's words
    Treyled seeks fees based on attorney hourly rates of $945-$2,245 per hour and paralegal hourly rates of $495 to $785 per hour, rates which include multiple fee increases during the course of litigation.
    Treyled seeks fees based on attorney hourly rates of $945-$2,245 per hour and paralegal hourly rates of $495 to $785 per hour, rates which include multiple fee increases during the course of litigation.
    Treyled seeks fees based on attorney hourly rates of $945-$2,245 per hour and paralegal hourly rates of $495 to $785 per hour, rates which include multiple fee increases during the course of litigation.
    Treyled seeks fees based on attorney hourly rates of $945-$2,245 per hour and paralegal hourly rates of $495 to $785 per hour, rates which include multiple fee increases during the course of litigation.

  • Newby et al v. Treyled Life Settlements LLC

    Apr 7, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $945
    Attorney $2,245
    Paralegal $495
    Paralegal $785
    The court's words
    Treyled seeks fees based on attorney hourly rates of $945-$2,245 per hour and paralegal hourly rates of $495 to $785 per hour, rates which include multiple fee increases during the course of litigation.
    Treyled seeks fees based on attorney hourly rates of $945-$2,245 per hour and paralegal hourly rates of $495 to $785 per hour, rates which include multiple fee increases during the course of litigation.
    Treyled seeks fees based on attorney hourly rates of $945-$2,245 per hour and paralegal hourly rates of $495 to $785 per hour, rates which include multiple fee increases during the course of litigation.
    Treyled seeks fees based on attorney hourly rates of $945-$2,245 per hour and paralegal hourly rates of $495 to $785 per hour, rates which include multiple fee increases during the course of litigation.

Earlier rulings

CaseDateApproved rates
Saavedra Orozco v. SBX Logistics, LLC et al Mar 31, 2026 Attorney $550, Attorney $225
L.A. Public Insurance Adjusters, Inc. v. Nelson Mar 30, 2026 Attorney $500, Paralegal $100
Rincon v. Prieto Case remanded to 247th District Court, Harris County Texas. Mar 25, 2026 Attorney $300
Reser v. Martin et al Mar 19, 2026 Attorney $400
Rentokil North America, Inc. v. Z&H Foods, Inc. et al Mar 19, 2026 Partner $495, Associate $300, other $225, Paralegal $255
BB Fly Trucking LLC v. Regions Bank Mar 5, 2026 Attorney $500
Wright v. ASI Lloyds Feb 25, 2026 Paralegal $90, Paralegal $115, Associate $220, Associate $250, Partner $240, Partner $270
MP2 Energy, LLC v. DownUnder Geosolutions (America) LLC Feb 20, 2026 Partner $1,475, Partner $1,250, Paralegal $650
20100 Eastex, LLC v. Saltgrass, Inc. Nov 7, 2025 Attorney $1,025, Attorney $830, Attorney $785, Attorney $695, Paralegal $320, Paralegal $260
Jones v. Commissioner of Social Security Do not docket. Case remanded. Nov 7, 2025 Attorney $242, Paralegal $100
Elizondo v. Spring Branch Independent School District et al Oct 27, 2025 Attorney $874, Attorney $874, Attorney $769, Attorney $660, Paralegal $236, Attorney $480
Hernandez v. Davis et al Sep 29, 2025 Attorney $233, Attorney $237, Attorney $246, Attorney $258, Paralegal $125
Sepolio v. Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration DO NOT DOCKET. CASE HAS BEEN REMANDED. Sep 19, 2025 Attorney $234, Attorney $240
Simmons v. O'Malley Sep 4, 2025 Attorney $250
Higgins v. Commissioner Of Social Security Sep 3, 2025 Attorney $240, Attorney $242
Simmons v. O'Malley Aug 20, 2025 Attorney $250
Hancock Whitney Bank v. M.Y.R.T.A Inc. et al Aug 20, 2025 Attorney $295
Jones v. Kijakazi Do not docket. Case remanded under the fourth sentence of 42 USC 405(g) to the Commissioner of Social Security. Aug 15, 2025 Attorney $245
Mills v. Colvin Aug 12, 2025 Attorney $250
J.A. Masters Investments et al v. Beltramini Jul 21, 2025 Attorney $350
Jones v. Kijakazi Do not docket. Case remanded under the fourth sentence of 42 USC 405(g) to the Commissioner of Social Security. Jul 21, 2025 Attorney $232, Attorney $240, Attorney $245
PHH Mortgage Corporation v. Atkins Jul 15, 2025 Attorney $270, Attorney $330, Attorney $330, Paralegal $100
Gardner v. O'Malley, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Jul 9, 2025 Attorney $240
Fletcher v. Kijakazi Case remanded for further administrative proceedings. Jun 30, 2025 Attorney $234, Attorney $240
Sena v. O'Malley DO NOT DOCKET IN THIS CASE. CASE HAS BEEN REMANDED. May 30, 2025 Attorney $236
G&G Closed Circuit Events, LLC v. Lima May 27, 2025 Attorney $300
Fuller v. Commissioner of Social Security May 22, 2025 Attorney $240, Attorney $241, Paralegal $100
Sena v. O'Malley DO NOT DOCKET IN THIS CASE. CASE HAS BEEN REMANDED. May 7, 2025 Attorney $236
Fuller v. Commissioner of Social Security May 6, 2025 Paralegal $100
Green v. O'Malley Mar 28, 2025 Attorney $242
Salmeron v. Alliance for Multicultural Community Services Mar 14, 2025 Attorney $500
Garcia Andre v. Kijakazi DO NOT DOCKET. CASE HAS BEEN REMANDED. Feb 26, 2025 Attorney $225
The Estate of Terry Gentry v. Hamilton-Ryker IT Solutions, LLC Feb 18, 2025 Partner $650, Partner $450, Partner $400
Wallace v. O'Malley, et al Feb 6, 2025 Attorney $240
The Estate of Terry Gentry v. Hamilton-Ryker IT Solutions, LLC Jan 31, 2025 Attorney $650, Attorney $400
Garcia v. Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Dec 20, 2024 Attorney $236
Jones v. Commissioner of SSA Dec 9, 2024 Attorney $239, Paralegal $100
Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Omarise Bar & Grill Inc. et al Oct 28, 2024 Attorney $250
Garcia Andre v. Kijakazi DO NOT DOCKET. CASE HAS BEEN REMANDED. Oct 18, 2024 Attorney $225
Vanderzwet v. Kijakazi Oct 7, 2024 Paralegal $100
Mikush v. O'Malley Oct 4, 2024 Paralegal $120
Hernandez v. Davis et al Sep 30, 2024 Attorney $233, Attorney $237, Attorney $246, Attorney $258, Paralegal $125
Morrison v. Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Sep 25, 2024 Attorney $240, Paralegal $100
Healtheon, Inc v. Clean Air Solutions, Inc. Sep 25, 2024 Attorney $345
Thomas v. 5860 San Felipe Ltd Sep 6, 2024 Attorney $355, Attorney $550, Paralegal $110
Gulf Coast Limestone Inc v. Pontchartrain Partners, LLC Aug 29, 2024 Partner $572, Associate $535, Associate $483
Miller v. Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Aug 8, 2024 Attorney $234, Attorney $227
SS Charter Marine Corp et al v. Unico Marine Services LLC Jun 25, 2024 Attorney $300
Clark et al v. Employee Funding of America, LLC Jun 4, 2024 Partner $950, Attorney $650, Paralegal $235
Frey et al v. Health Management Systems, Inc. et al May 23, 2024 Partner $500, Partner $575, Associate $415, Associate $395, Paralegal $235, Partner $600, Partner $600, Of counsel $450, Associate $400, Partner $600, Associate $450, Associate $400, Paralegal $235
Clark et al v. Employee Funding of America, LLC May 20, 2024 Attorney $650, Paralegal $235
Gerard v. Kijakazi May 15, 2024 Attorney $234, Attorney $239
Tierra De Los Lagos, LLC d/b/a Bee Sand Company v. Pontchartrain Partners, LLC Apr 23, 2024 Attorney $475, Attorney $425, Attorney $400, Attorney $250, Paralegal $175, Paralegal $175
Robles v. Kijakazi Mar 18, 2024 Attorney $227, Attorney $234
Robles v. Kijakazi Mar 1, 2024 Attorney $234
Kelsey v. Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Feb 14, 2024 Attorney $227, Attorney $234
Molina Construction, Inc. v. Westchester Surplus Lines Feb 14, 2024 Attorney $290

FAQ

What hourly rate does the S.D. Texas approve for partners?

A median of $425 an hour across 14 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024, with the middle half from $270 to $611.

What hourly rate does the S.D. Texas approve for associates?

A median of $250 an hour across 8 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024.

What hourly rate does the S.D. Texas approve for attorneys?

A median of $400 an hour across 41 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024, with the middle half from $275 to $660.

How often does the S.D. Texas cut a requested hourly rate?

For 0 of 83 timekeepers (0%) in recent fee rulings.

How do I prove a reasonable hourly rate in the S.D. Texas?

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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