Let's face it: even 1800 billable hours a year isn't easy. 2000 is harder. 2200 is really a stretch. That is over 6 hours every single day of the year, including weekends and holidays.
Many firms expect attorneys to reach minimum billable hour requirements ranging between 1,700 and 2,300 hours per year. ing to the latest Legal Trends Report, lawyers spend just 2.9 hours each workday on billable work.
As we mentioned, many law firms require their lawyers to work between 1,700 and 2,300 billable hours per year, depending on their situation. This means working between 142 and 192 hours per month, or between seven and ten billable hours per day.
Law firms usually set a standard number of hours for attorneys and paralegals each year. This number typically ranges from 1,400 to 1,700 hours for paralegals. For associates, the range is usually between 1,700 and 2,200 hours. This annual target translates to about 120 to 180 billable hours per month.
Burnout is always one step away And guess what? It still will never be enough. A friend billed 3,000 hours last year, which is insane. This translates to working at least 8.2 hours every day for the year, which includes weekends and holidays.
1500 billable hour requirement translates to an average of approximately 29 billable hours per week over the course of a year (assuming a 52-week work year).
They would likely have more time to spend with friends and family outside of work hours. "Yes, I can make dinner tonight!" 2200 Billable Hours Requirement: A 2200 billable hour requirement equates to an average of approximately 42 billable hours per week over the course of a year.
How to Bill More Hours as a Lawyer Prioritize self-care: Maintaining work-life balance is essential for lawyers to prevent burnout. Batch similar tasks: Organize your day by grouping similar legal tasks, like reviewing case files or drafting related legal documents.
The Goal is Between 1,700 and 2,300 Hours 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.
They also include time spent on research, drafting legal documents, and other non-billable activities that are crucial to case preparation. So, while 1,900-2,000 billable hours might seem like a lot, it's all part of the job description and vital to the successful operation of a law firm.