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Wolters Kluwer LegalVIEW data shows partner rate pressure concentrating in IP, health care and Am Law 26-50
Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions' LegalVIEW Insights 2026 Q4 report, drawn from more than $230 billion in invoice data, finds outside counsel rate pressure increasingly concentrated. So far in 2026, intellectual property partner rates rose 13.9%, health care partner rates 10.0% and Am Law 26-50 partner rates 9.1%, all above historical trends. The report also finds staffing mix and billing compliance materially shape the true cost of outside counsel.
Key points
- Intellectual property partner rates rose 13.9% year to date, above their historical trend.Wolters Kluwer
- Health care partner rates increased 10.0% and Am Law 26-50 partner rates increased 9.1%.Wolters Kluwer
- Partners perform 30.4% of hours at Am Law 1-25 firms versus 48.2% at Am Law 151-200 firms.Wolters Kluwer
- Associates account for 54.8% of hours at Am Law 1-25 firms and 33.7% at Am Law 151-200 firms.Wolters Kluwer
- Five of six Am Law segments are at or above historical non-compliance rates; vague detail is 38% of non-compliant lines at Am Law 1-25.Wolters Kluwer