GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Lawyer Work Hours Statistics

Lawyers typically work long hours, with many working well over 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.

Last Updated: June 17, 2024

How we write

In this post, we will explore the demanding work hours and statistics surrounding the legal profession in the United States. From the average number of hours worked per week to the impact on work-life balance, these statistics shed light on the realities faced by lawyers in today’s fast-paced industry.

Statistic 1

"Lawyers in the U.S. work an average of 50 hours per week, according to a 2008 survey."

Statistic 2

"Only 6% of lawyers were reported to work less than 40 hours per week in 2014."

Statistic 3

"A 2016 study found that lawyers worked an average of 66 hours during the workweek, including the weekend."

Statistic 4

"Only 22% of first-year associates meet their billable hours, according to a 2019 study."

Statistic 5

"The average lawyer spends more than a third of his or her workday on non-billable tasks."

Statistic 6

"A 2014 survey found that 21% of lawyers billed their clients for work completed after regular business hours."

Statistic 7

"Lawyers spend about 2.3 hours per day on billable work according to a 2017 Legal Trends Report."

Statistic 8

"According to a 2019 study, 69% of lawyers reported that they have access to their office remotely and often work outside regular business hours."

Statistic 9

"Big Law associates clock in an average of 66 hours a week according to a 2021 Law.com survey."

Statistic 10

"31% of lawyers miss important family occasions due to work obligations according to a 2020 report by FlexJobs."

Statistic 11

"According to a 2021 ABA study, 52% of lawyers work beyond 40 hours per week."

Statistic 12

"In a 2020 study, lawyers reported an increase in working hours of around 20% since the pandemic started."

Statistic 13

"Globally, 75% of lawyers reported working overtime in 2021."

Statistic 14

"A 2021 Mental Health study found that 28% of lawyers work 60 hours or more per week."

Statistic 15

"According to a 2021 survey, 36% of lawyers reported working of 55-64 hours per week."

The statistics paint a clear picture of the demanding work hours and expectations placed on lawyers in the U.S. and globally. From consistently working over 40 hours per week to dealing with high billable hours targets, working on non-billable tasks, sacrificing personal time, and experiencing increased work hours during the pandemic, it is evident that the legal profession is one that involves significant time commitment and potential impact on work-life balance. As the data shows, a substantial portion of lawyers regularly work long hours, often extending well beyond the traditional workweek, highlighting the need for organizations and individuals in the legal field to prioritize well-being and seek strategies to maintain a healthy work-life integration.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik is the Co-Founder of Gitnux and has been working in the digital space since 2016. He is specialized in content and tech.

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