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

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

64 approved rates from 28 fee rulings since October 20, 2024. Latest ruling Aug 17, 2026. Data as of October 20, 2026.

RoleMedianMiddle halfRangeRates
Partner $628 $200 to $900 5
Associate $425 $180 to $470 5
Attorney $375 $300 to $500 $120 to $900 45
Paralegal $125 $80 to $230 8

Approved rates by year

YearPartnerAssociateParalegal
2026 $200 (5)
2024 $300 (7)$125 (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

ExperienceMedianMiddle halfRates
20+ years$355$350 to $38811

Only rates where the opinion states the attorney's years of experience.

The court approved a lower rate than requested for 2 of 64 timekeepers (3%).

Cite these rates

$628/hr

In W.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved partner rate was $628 an hour (5 rates).

Based on 5 rates. Rates approved in W.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, checked against each opinion. Statutory rates are left out.

$425/hr

In W.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved associate rate was $425 an hour (5 rates).

Based on 5 rates. Rates approved in W.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, checked against each opinion. Statutory rates are left out.

$375/hr

In W.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved attorney rate was $375 an hour (45 rates).

Based on 45 rates. Rates approved in W.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, checked against each opinion. Statutory rates are left out.

$125/hr

In W.D. Texas fee rulings since October 20, 2024, the median court-approved paralegal rate was $125 an hour (8 rates).

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

Copy these rulings as citations

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

North East Independent School District v. I.M. b/n/f Bianca R., No. 5:23-cv-00769 (W.D. Tex. Aug. 17, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $350 to $400 for attorneys with 26 years' experience; $350 for an attorney with 35 years' experience); North East Independent School District v. I.M. b/n/f Bianca R., No. 5:23-cv-00769 (W.D. Tex. July 13, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $350 to $400 for attorneys with 26 years' experience); Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC v. Acosta, No. 7:25-cv-00132 (W.D. Tex. May 5, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $225 for an attorney; $85 for a paralegal); Penders v. Main Street Renewal, LLC, No. 1:23-cv-00900 (W.D. Tex. May 1, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $600 for an attorney); Penders v. Main Street Renewal, LLC, No. 1:23-cv-00900 (W.D. Tex. Apr. 24, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $400 to $675 for attorneys; $200 for a paralegal); Midfirst Bank v. Magallanes, No. 7:25-cv-00272 (W.D. Tex. Apr. 17, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $220 for an attorney; $95 for a paralegal); Vivint, LLC v. Premier Aesthetix Installation and Construction LLC, No. 7:25-cv-00332 (W.D. Tex. Apr. 6, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $470 for a partner; $470 for associates; $230 for a paralegal); S.T. by next friend of Sarah J. v. District, No. 1:24-cv-00780 (W.D. Tex. Mar. 26, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $350 for an attorney); Nelson v. Lowe, No. 5:24-cv-00995 (W.D. Tex. Mar. 6, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $300 to $355 for attorneys with 40 years' experience); AFCO Credit Corporation v. Logan Transportation Inc., No. 7:25-cv-00503 (W.D. Tex. Mar. 6, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $425 for an attorney; $425 for an associate; $215 for a paralegal); Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC v. Escajeda, No. 7:25-cv-00071 (W.D. Tex. Feb. 23, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $330 for an attorney); Dwyer v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, No. 1:17-cv-00439 (W.D. Tex. Feb. 9, 2026) (approving hourly rates of $500 to $900 for attorneys).

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.

  • North East Independent School District v. I.M. b/n/f Bianca R.

    Aug 17, 2026 · Special education

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney 26 years $350 $350
    Attorney 26 years $375 $375
    Attorney 26 years $400 $400
    Attorney 35 years $350 $350
    The court's words
    Ms. Muñiz submitted a declaration to the Court indicating that she billed I.M. at the hourly rate of $350 for her work on this case at the district court level as co-counsel
    at the hourly rate of $375 once she became Lead Attorney. (Muñiz Decl. [#73-1], at ¶ 9.)
    She billed I.M. at the hourly rate of $400 at the appellate level. (Id. at ¶ 12.)
    Mr. Atwood submitted a declaration to the Court indicating that he billed I.M. at the hourly rate of $350. (Atwood Decl. [#73-1], at ¶ 3.)

  • North East Independent School District v. I.M. b/n/f Bianca R.

    Jul 13, 2026 · Special education

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney 26 years $350 $350
    Attorney 26 years $375 $375
    Attorney 26 years $400 $400
    The court's words
    Ms. Muñiz submitted a declaration to the Court indicating that she billed I.M. at the hourly rate of $350 for her work on this case at the district court level as co-counsel and at the hourly rate of $375 once she became Lead Attorney.
    Ms. Muñiz submitted a declaration to the Court indicating that she billed I.M. at the hourly rate of $350 for her work on this case at the district court level as co-counsel and at the hourly rate of $375 once she became Lead Attorney.
    She billed I.M. at the hourly rate of $400 at the appellate level.

  • Nejtek v. Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security

    May 18, 2026 · Social Security · Statutory rate, not in medians

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $215 $215
    The court's words
    The rate that the Plaintiff’s attorney is requesting is $214.65—$90 over the statutory maximum.

  • Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC v. Acosta et al

    May 5, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $225 $225
    Paralegal $85 $85
    The court's words
    Plaintiff agreed to compensate her at an hourly rate of $225.00 for attorney work and $85.00 for work performed by paralegals and legal assistants
    Plaintiff agreed to compensate her at an hourly rate of $225.00 for attorney work and $85.00 for work performed by paralegals and legal assistants

  • Penders v. Main Street Renewal, LLC, et al

    May 1, 2026 · Civil rights

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $600 $600
    The court's words
    Amherst does not object to Nesbitt’s hourly rate of $600. Nor does Amherst object to Penders’s recovery of the additional costs.

  • Penders v. Main Street Renewal, LLC, et al

    Apr 24, 2026 · Civil rights

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $600 $600
    Attorney $675 $675
    Attorney $500 $500
    Attorney $400 $400
    Paralegal $200 $200
    The court's words
    Penders seeks the following hourly rates for his counsel: Tom Nesbitt, $600; Butch Hayes, $675; Scott DeShazo, $500; Will Palmer, $400; and $200 for legal assistant Diane Hayes.
    Penders seeks the following hourly rates for his counsel: Tom Nesbitt, $600; Butch Hayes, $675; Scott DeShazo, $500; Will Palmer, $400; and $200 for legal assistant Diane Hayes.
    Penders seeks the following hourly rates for his counsel: Tom Nesbitt, $600; Butch Hayes, $675; Scott DeShazo, $500; Will Palmer, $400; and $200 for legal assistant Diane Hayes.
    Penders seeks the following hourly rates for his counsel: Tom Nesbitt, $600; Butch Hayes, $675; Scott DeShazo, $500; Will Palmer, $400; and $200 for legal assistant Diane Hayes.
    Penders seeks the following hourly rates for his counsel: Tom Nesbitt, $600; Butch Hayes, $675; Scott DeShazo, $500; Will Palmer, $400; and $200 for legal assistant Diane Hayes.

  • Midfirst Bank v. Magallanes et al

    Apr 17, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $220 $220
    Paralegal $95 $95
    The court's words
    Ms. Gibson billed 2.7 hours and senior attorney John R. Osborne Jr. billed 13.1 hours, each at an hourly rate of $220, for a total of $3,476.00 in attorney time
    MWZM paralegals billed an additional 11.5 hours at $95 per hour, for a total of $1,092.50.

  • Vivint, LLC v. Premier Aesthetix Installation and Construction LLC

    Apr 6, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Partner $470 $470
    Associate $470 $470
    Associate $470 $470
    Paralegal $230 $230
    The court's words
    two partners, a managing associate, a senior associate, and a paralegal performed a collective 49.9 hours on this case and billed hourly rates of $394–$470, $470, $470, $300–$470, and $230, respectively.
    two partners, a managing associate, a senior associate, and a paralegal performed a collective 49.9 hours on this case and billed hourly rates of $394–$470, $470, $470, $300–$470, and $230, respectively.
    two partners, a managing associate, a senior associate, and a paralegal performed a collective 49.9 hours on this case and billed hourly rates of $394–$470, $470, $470, $300–$470, and $230, respectively.
    two partners, a managing associate, a senior associate, and a paralegal performed a collective 49.9 hours on this case and billed hourly rates of $394–$470, $470, $470, $300–$470, and $230, respectively.

  • S.T. by next friend of Sarah J. v. District

    Mar 26, 2026 · Special education

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $350 $350
    The court's words
    The lodestar is based on an hourly rate of $350 per hour for 198.6 hours of work.

  • Nelson v. Lowe

    Mar 6, 2026 · Other

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney 40 years $355 $355
    Attorney 40 years $300 $300
    The court's words
    For his legal services, Michael Flume billed at a rate of $355.00 per hour, and Shelley Flume billed at a rate of $300.00 per hour.
    For his legal services, Michael Flume billed at a rate of $355.00 per hour, and Shelley Flume billed at a rate of $300.00 per hour.

  • AFCO Credit Corporation v. Logan Transportation Inc.

    Mar 6, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $425 $425
    Associate $425 $425
    Paralegal $215 $215
    Of counsel $645 $645
    The court's words
    a staff attorney, associate, paralegal, and counsel performed a collective 10.40 hours on this case and billed hourly rates of $425, $425, $215, and $645, respectively. Id. at 2. Having reviewed Ms. Willer's affidavit, the Court finds these hourly rates are reasonable.
    a staff attorney, associate, paralegal, and counsel performed a collective 10.40 hours on this case and billed hourly rates of $425, $425, $215, and $645, respectively. Id. at 2. Having reviewed Ms. Willer's affidavit, the Court finds these hourly rates are reasonable.
    a staff attorney, associate, paralegal, and counsel performed a collective 10.40 hours on this case and billed hourly rates of $425, $425, $215, and $645, respectively. Id. at 2. Having reviewed Ms. Willer's affidavit, the Court finds these hourly rates are reasonable.
    a staff attorney, associate, paralegal, and counsel performed a collective 10.40 hours on this case and billed hourly rates of $425, $425, $215, and $645, respectively. Id. at 2. Having reviewed Ms. Willer's affidavit, the Court finds these hourly rates are reasonable.

  • Burden v. Bisignano

    Mar 4, 2026 · Social Security · Statutory rate, not in medians

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $251 $251
    The court's words
    He requests $7,065.46 in attorney’s fees for 28.10 hours of services rendered on his behalf at a rate of $251.44 per hour.

  • Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC v. Escajeda et al

    Feb 23, 2026 · Commercial

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $330 $330
    The court's words
    According to the time records submitted, Mr. Johnson performed 48 hours at an hourly rate of $330. Id. Having reviewed Mr. Johnson's declaration, the Court finds this hourly rate is reasonable

  • Burden v. Bisignano

    Feb 13, 2026 · Social Security · Statutory rate, not in medians

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $251 $251
    The court's words
    He requests $7,065.46 in attorney’s fees for 28.10 hours of services rendered on his behalf at a rate of $251.44 per hour.

  • Dwyer v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company

    Feb 9, 2026 · ERISA benefits · Fee cut details

    RoleExperienceRequestedApproved
    Attorney $900 $900
    Attorney $800 $800
    Attorney $500 $500
    The court's words
    Dwyer seeks the following hourly rates for his counsel: Glenn R. Kantor, $900; Lisa S. Kantor, $900; Elizabeth K. Green, $800; Peter S. Sessions, $800; and Amar Raval, $500.
    Dwyer seeks the following hourly rates for his counsel: Glenn R. Kantor, $900; Lisa S. Kantor, $900; Elizabeth K. Green, $800; Peter S. Sessions, $800; and Amar Raval, $500.
    Dwyer seeks the following hourly rates for his counsel: Glenn R. Kantor, $900; Lisa S. Kantor, $900; Elizabeth K. Green, $800; Peter S. Sessions, $800; and Amar Raval, $500.

Earlier rulings

CaseDateApproved rates
Dwyer v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company Jan 21, 2026 Partner $900, Partner $900, Attorney $800, Attorney $800, Attorney $500
Oggs v. Bisignano Dec 18, 2025 Attorney $255, Paralegal $100
Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America v. Wibracht et al Dec 10, 2025 Attorney $350
Koch v. The Law Firm of Derek Williams, LLC Dec 9, 2025
WeGrow AG LLC v. MAVCO Energy et al Oct 14, 2025 Associate $200, Partner $628
Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Serna's Backyard Sports Bar, LLC et al Aug 19, 2025 Attorney $250
Doe v. Midland County et al Aug 19, 2025 Attorney $450
Preciado v. Recon Security Corp. Aug 13, 2025 Attorney $285, Attorney $285
Caraway LeBlanc LLC v. Inmedex LLC et al Aug 4, 2025 Partner $200, Associate $180, Paralegal $80
O'Dowd v. Geske et al Jul 16, 2025 Attorney $400
Interstate National Dealer Services, Inc. et al v. MSRV Repair LLC et al Jun 20, 2025 Attorney $400, Attorney $120
LABREE v. MARTIN J. O'MALLEY, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Jun 11, 2025 Attorney $244, Attorney $251, Attorney $251, Paralegal $100
The Ohio Casualty Insurance Company v. CJI Piping and Fabrication, LLC et al May 23, 2025 Attorney $300, Paralegal $150
Galan Huezo v. DJR, Inc. et al May 16, 2025 Attorney $400
Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. City Slickers Limited Liability Company et al May 2, 2025 Attorney $250
Lozano v. Baylor University et al Mar 28, 2025 Attorney $650, Attorney $650, Attorney $800, Paralegal $100
FREDS FISH FRY, INC. v. Galvan et al Mar 11, 2025 Attorney $280, Attorney $300
Ricks v. DMA Companies et al Jan 30, 2025 Attorney $172
Turner v. U.S. Bank National Association Jan 20, 2025 Attorney $215, Attorney $275, Attorney $330
Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Buster's Bar and Grill LLC et al Oct 30, 2024 Attorney $250
Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Buster's Bar and Grill LLC et al Oct 10, 2024 Attorney $250
Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company v. EWS Global, Inc. Oct 3, 2024 Attorney $225, Attorney $275, Paralegal $100
Flores v. O'Malley Oct 2, 2024 Attorney $239
Martinez v. O'Malley Sep 16, 2024 Attorney $215
Quintanilla v. Commissioner of Social Security Sep 11, 2024 Attorney $243, Attorney $249, Paralegal $100
Flores v. O'Malley Sep 9, 2024 Attorney $239
PGM of Texas, LLC v. Great Glory Cores, Inc. et al Aug 30, 2024 Partner $535
Innovative Sports Management, Inc. v. Trampsports, LLC et al Aug 5, 2024 Attorney $300
Bautista Mora v. DJR, Inc. et al Aug 2, 2024 Attorney $400
Bee Creek Photography v. Fronks LLC Aug 2, 2024 Attorney $700
Bean v. Step 1 Credit, LLC Jul 22, 2024 Attorney $375, Paralegal $125
Stross v. Morris Glass Company, Inc. et al Jul 9, 2024 Associate $290
Villanueva v. Commissioner of Social Security May 3, 2024 Attorney $243, Paralegal $100
Deacon v. Kilolo Kijakazi, Commissioner of Social Security May 3, 2024 Attorney $220
Ballesteros v. Commissioner of Social Security May 3, 2024 Attorney $243, Paralegal $100
Cecil Kenton Carolus, Trustee of the Bertha Carolus v. Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Apr 24, 2024 Attorney $325
Coventry First LLC v. Equitable Holdings, Inc. et al Apr 11, 2024 Partner $500, Partner $500, Associate $500, Associate $500, Attorney $500, Paralegal $500
Thomas v. Commissioner of Social Security Apr 9, 2024 Attorney $220
Segovia et al v. Fuelco Energy LLC Mar 18, 2024 Partner $350, Associate $300, Associate $275, Associate $255
Johnson et al v. Callanen et al Mar 18, 2024 Attorney $285, Paralegal $120, Law clerk $120
Howell v. Commissioner of Social Security Mar 15, 2024 Attorney $243, Paralegal $100
Mojica v. Kilolo Kijakazi, Commissioner of Social Security Mar 12, 2024 Attorney $220
Alvarez v. Kijakazi Mar 4, 2024 Attorney $230, Paralegal $230
Dominguez v. Municipal Credit Service Corp Feb 13, 2024 Attorney $375, Paralegal $125
Motionware Enterprises Inc. v. The Individuals, Business Entities, And Unincorporated Associations Identified on Exhibit 1 Feb 1, 2024 Attorney $500, Attorney $325
Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. v. Abbott et al Jan 12, 2024 Associate $400, Attorney $400, Attorney $425
Polite v. Kijakazi Jan 8, 2024 Attorney $230, Paralegal $75

FAQ

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

A median of $628 an hour across 5 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024.

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

A median of $425 an hour across 5 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024.

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

A median of $375 an hour across 45 approved rates in fee rulings since October 20, 2024, with the middle half from $300 to $500.

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

For 2 of 64 timekeepers (3%) in recent fee rulings.

How do I prove a reasonable hourly rate in the W.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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