How Much Do Associates Work? Most Firms Do Not Require 2,000 Billable Hours (NALP Bulletin, April 2009)— Analyses show that a requirement of 2,000 billable hours per year is not typical.

How Much Do Associate Work? Not All Law Firms Require 2,000 Billable Hours (NALP Bulletin, April 2008) — Analyses show that a requirement of 2,000 billable hours per year is not typical, and although it is not possible to track changes at individual firms and offices, a requirement of 2,000 hours has become only slightly more common on an aggregate basis, accounting for 12% of reported minimums, up from 9% for 2004. But overall, the distribution has moved to the right. For example, 10 years ago the most commonly reported figure was 1,800 hours, reported by about 30% of offices. Today, 17% of offices report an 1,800 hour minimum.

How Much Do Associates Have to Work? (NALP Bulletin, April 2007) — Analyses of total and billable hours worked, billable hours requirements, and pro bono hours.

Billable Hour Requirements at Law Firms (NALP Bulletin, May 2006) — One of the most sought after law firm measures, after salaries, is the billable hours requirement. For a law firm, the requirement says a great deal not only about standards but also about law firm culture.