Employment Legal Costs in Pennsylvania: Lawyer Fees

Q: How much does an employment lawyer cost in Pennsylvania?

Employment lawyers in Pennsylvania typically charge $275–$550 per hour , with total case costs ranging from $3,500 to over $25,000 , depending on complexity.

Q: How much does a wrongful termination case cost in Pennsylvania?

Wrongful termination cases often cost $4,000–$20,000 , and significantly more if the case goes to trial.

Q: Is settling an employment dispute cheaper in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Early settlement can reduce legal costs by 40%–70% compared to full litigation.

Q: How long do employment cases last in Pennsylvania?

Simple cases may resolve in 3–6 months , while contested or trial-level cases may last 1–2 years or longer .

Introduction

Employment legal costs in Pennsylvania depend on the type of workplace dispute, attorney experience, case complexity, and whether the matter is resolved through settlement or litigation. Pennsylvania is generally considered a moderate-cost state for employment law, though expenses can rise significantly in complex or prolonged disputes.

This guide explains average employment legal costs in Pennsylvania, including lawyer fees, court expenses, and the key factors that influence total costs.

Average Employment Lawyer Fees in Pennsylvania

Employment attorneys in Pennsylvania typically charge hourly rates, although some employee-side cases—such as wrongful termination or discrimination—may be handled on a contingency basis.

Typical employment lawyer fees in Pennsylvania:

Case Type	Typical Cost Range
Hourly rate	$275 – $550 per hour
Wrongful termination	$4,000 – $20,000+
Discrimination / retaliation	$6,000 – $25,000+
Wage and hour disputes	$3,500 – $14,000
Trial-level litigation	$18,000 – $40,000+

Costs increase if the case involves extensive discovery, expert witnesses, or trial proceedings.

For a nationwide comparison, see: How Much Do Lawyers Cost in the United States?

Pennsylvania Employment Court Costs

In addition to attorney fees, employment disputes in Pennsylvania involve court filing fees and litigation-related expenses.

Common employment-related court costs in Pennsylvania:

Expense	Estimated Cost
Civil filing fee	$300 – $400
Motion / hearing fees	Varies by case
Depositions	$1,000 – $4,000+
Expert witnesses	$3,000 – $12,000+
Trial preparation	$6,000 – $18,000+

Extended litigation significantly increases overall legal expenses.

Related guide: Court Costs in the United States

Factors That Increase Employment Legal Costs in Pennsylvania

Employment legal costs in Pennsylvania often rise due to:

Multiple legal claims in a single lawsuit
Extensive discovery and depositions
Use of expert witnesses
Prolonged settlement negotiations
Trial proceedings

Cases involving retaliation, class actions, or multiple employees tend to be especially expensive.

Settlement vs Trial Costs

Resolution Type	Cost Level	Typical Timeline
Settlement	Lower	3–6 months
Mediation	Moderate	4–8 months
Trial	High	1–2+ years

Most employment disputes in Pennsylvania settle before trial to avoid high litigation costs.

How Pennsylvania Employment Costs Compare to Other States

Employment legal costs in Pennsylvania are generally:

Lower than New York and California
Comparable to Illinois and Ohio
Higher than states with lower attorney rates such as Georgia

Compare employment costs by state here: Legal Costs by State

How to Reduce Employment Legal Costs in Pennsylvania

Ways to manage employment expenses in Pennsylvania include:

Exploring settlement options early
Organizing employment records and documentation in advance
Limiting unnecessary motions and discovery
Hiring an experienced employment attorney
Maintaining a focused litigation strategy

Early case assessment is the most effective way to control costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an employment lawyer cost in Pennsylvania?

Employment lawyers in Pennsylvania typically charge $275–$550 per hour, with total case costs ranging from $3,500 to over $25,000, depending on complexity.

Are employment lawyers in Pennsylvania paid on contingency?

Some employee-side cases, such as discrimination or retaliation claims, may be handled on contingency, usually 30%–40% of any recovery.

How much does a wrongful termination case cost in Pennsylvania?

Wrongful termination cases often cost $4,000–$20,000, and significantly more if the case goes to trial.

Is settling an employment dispute cheaper in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Early settlement can reduce legal costs by 40%–70% compared to full litigation.

Who pays legal fees in Pennsylvania employment cases?

Each party usually pays their own legal fees, but certain employment laws allow fee-shifting if the employee prevails.

How long do employment cases last in Pennsylvania?

Simple cases may resolve in 3–6 months, while contested or trial-level cases may last 1–2 years or longer.

External Resources

Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Department of Labor

Conclusion

Employment legal costs in Pennsylvania can range from a few thousand dollars for simple disputes to $25,000+ for complex or trial-level cases. Attorney fees, court costs, and case complexity all play major roles in determining total expenses.

Understanding these costs helps employees and employers plan strategically when resolving workplace disputes in Pennsylvania.