Usually in these situations, lawyers give high rates expecting the judge to knock it down. Judges always (rightly or wrongly) think lawyers are being paid too

Usually in these situations, lawyers give high rates expecting the judge to knock it down. Judges always (rightly or wrongly) think lawyers are being paid too much, and often just halve the rate or whatever. This is often true regardless of what number is given. So if you don't want to end up being ordered by a court to work at 25% of your actual market rate, you often have to give exorbitant numbers.