Attorney Neal Katyal, now a partner at Milbank, speaks to the press in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., in December 2022. (Photo by Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)
Milbank partner Neal Katyal usually charges $3,250 per hour, but he is giving quite a break to two New Jersey cities that he will help defend in Trump administration lawsuits challenging their immigration policies.
Katyal, who was also an acting U.S. solicitor general, and other Milbank lawyers will charge $300 per hour, Reuters reports.
Another partner usually charges $2,475 per hour, according to a July 11 contract obtained by Reuters. Billing rates have been lowered because the nonprofit Goodnation Foundation is paying some of the bills, the article explains.
At least two other law firms have billing rates that sometimes surpass $3,000 an hour, the article reports. They are Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan and Susman Godfrey.
The two clients being represented by Milbank, Newark and Hoboken, are among four New Jersey cities being sued for alleged sanctuary policies said to hinder immigration enforcement.
Milbank’s decision to oppose the Trump administration follows an April deal in which it agreed to provide at least $100 million in pro bono services on issues supported by the firm and President Donald Trump. The deal helped the firm avoid a punitive executive order that could put at risk the firm’s client contracts with the government.
High-profile legal cases often draw attention to the staggering billing rates in BigLaw, but they also highlight opportunities for firms to demonstrate flexibility and commitment to public service. By adjusting fees or offering pro bono support in cases of public importance, law firms can strengthen community trust, enhance their reputation, and contribute to meaningful causes without compromising professional excellence. Don’t wait to explore how your firm can align legal expertise with impactful service—contact The Computer Center today at 608‑755‑1524 for expert guidance on implementing strategies and tools that help your team deliver exceptional results while making a difference.
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BigLaw partner’s hourly billing rate of nearly $2,500 draws objection from bankruptcy trustee
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