How many hours a week does a law partner work?
Asked by: Miss Linda Waelchi | Last update: October 23, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (24 votes)
Let's check the stats. A Clio 2022 Legal Trends Report mentioned that lawyers work 9-10 hours more than people working a standard, full-time position. In fact, over 25% of lawyers work 50-59 hours per week, and another 25% work 60 hours or more.
Is it possible to work 40 hours a week as a lawyer?
Also, depending on the particular demands of their cases, some lawyers offer their clients on-call access for 24 hours a day, each day of the week. Although most lawyers have a regular 40-hour week, a significant percentage of them work more frequently.
Do law firm partners have billable hours?
Both associate attorneys and partners are assigned billable hour targets that contribute to the firm's financial success.
How many hours do you work at a law firm?
If you work at a smaller law firm, you'll probably wind up working between 45 and 55 hours a week. And if you work at a larger firm, you'll probably be required to work between 65 and 80 hours a week. It may also come as no surprise that young lawyers tend to work more hours than their older colleagues.
How many hours a week do prosecutors work?
A prosecutor is hired by the government and works in a government legal office and typically work full-time 40 hours a week. They may work extended hours when preparing a case for trial.
Big Law's Big Paychecks: Partner Compensation, Explained
Are prosecutors paid more than lawyers?
Salary. Prosecutors and defense attorneys make comparable salaries, with the caveat that jobs in the private sector typically pay more than those in the public sector.
How many hours a week do judges work?
Most judges and hearing officers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Some courthouses have evening and weekend hours. In addition, judges may have to be on call during nights or weekends to issue emergency orders, such as search warrants or restraining orders.
How many hours do big law partners work?
Big law attorneys are known for working as much as 80 hours per week. This can be both physically and mentally grueling. Almost 50% of lawyers working that many hours claim it is so demanding that it has a negative impact on their life.
Is 1700 billable hours a lot?
Most law firms set a yearly billable hour target for their associates. This figure typically ranges between 1,700 and 2,300 hours, forming the average billable hour requirement.
Do lawyers have work-life balance?
The legal industry is so focused on billable hours and the partner track that it can be difficult to feel like work-life balance is possible. Particularly for lawyers at the beginning of their careers, there is an expectation of working overtime and vying to work on big cases.
How much do big law partners make?
Average compensation for partners in larger law firms is $1.4 million, a record high that represents a 26% increase since 2022, according to a new survey by legal recruiting firm Major, Lindsey & Africa.
Do law firm partners get fired?
Partners and senior attorneys who lack a significant book of business may be let go. Those who fail to meet billing targets or work in practice areas with declining profitability may also face termination.
How often do law firm partners get paid?
Equity partners are paid in either a monthly or quarterly “draw” which is a distribution of the firm's profits over a certain period of time. This draw can be determined by a compensation committee, agreed to by fellow partners, or may be based on the performance of billable hours.
Do lawyers work 100 hours a week?
According to surveys, most lawyers work between 50 and 80 hours per week, far exceeding the standard 40-hour workweek. For those in Big Law or high-pressure specialties such as corporate litigation or mergers and acquisitions, the hours can be even longer, especially during critical periods of a case or deal.
Do lawyers have time for family?
According to the National Association for Law Placement, more than 70 percent of those surveyed reported having a significant problem finding time for family and leisure, as well as personal and health needs.
What is the average billable hours for an attorney?
In Philadelphia, Orange County, CA, San Diego, and the San Jose area, most offices required either 1,900 or 1,950 hours; in Miami, most firms required either 1,900 or 2,000 hours.
Why do lawyers bill in 6 minute increments?
There are numerous methods and techniques lawyers can use for time tracking and billing. Some are more laborious and time-consuming than others. Among them, 6-minute increments are a great way to keep track of your time and tasks. A chart with 6-minute increments also helps with calculating and invoicing.
Are billable hours on top of salary?
In order to be profitable to your firm, you must make enough money from your billable hours not only to cover your salary and overhead, but also to generate revenue for the firm. It's not a complicated equation – the more hours you bill, the more revenue for the firm.
How do law firms make money?
Law firms can generate revenue in many different ways–but for most small to mid-sized firms, the main source of revenue will be through their day-to-day legal services, which can be paid to them in a few different ways with hourly billing, flat fees, and contingency arrangements.
How old is the average big law partner?
The average age to make a partner in a law firm, investment bank, asset management firm, or private wealth management firm is around 35 to 38 years old. However, this can vary depending on the firm and the specific specialty. For example, it may take longer to make a partner in a large law firm than in a smaller firm.
Do big law partners make millions?
How much do partners at big law firms make? When it comes to earning top dollar as a lawyer, nothing beats the earning potential of an equity partner. Astoundingly, the highest-earning equity partners in the most successful law firms make a million a year or more.
How much do law firm partners bill per hour?
Average hourly partner rates have reached $1,114, according to survey of large firms released Thursday by Major, Lindsey & Africa. That's up 36% from the consultancy's last survey in 2022, and up 83% from a decade ago.
Can a law firm pay for law school?
Many firms pay for tuition, but expect you to place practice matters ahead of your course work, while a few firms reduce your hours and place a few layers of protection around you, so you will succeed at law school, as well as, in the practice. A key consideration is your salary once you graduate from law school.
Which state employs the most lawyers?
California took the top ranking, showcasing an impressive 87,000 job vacancies for legal professionals. A bustling hub of economic and cultural activity, California has emerged as a lucrative destination for lawyers, making it the state with the highest demand for this profession.