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For many attorneys—whether fresh graduates, laterals in transition, or those navigating a shifting market—contract and temporary positions can serve as both opportunity and challenge. These roles have become increasingly common in the modern legal industry, particularly as law firms and corporations adjust to fluctuating demand, cost pressures, and the growing influence of alternative legal service providers. While contract work may not align with the traditional partnership track vision many lawyers carry into law school, it can offer valuable professional experience and even serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment. Understanding the advantages, drawbacks, and strategies for leveraging these roles is critical for attorneys considering this path. There are two versions of this article; this one is for practicing attorneys who are either currently out of work or looking for a change.
Why Contract Roles Are Rising in Legal Employment
The prevalence of contract positions is not accidental. Industry analysts have noted that law firms and in-house legal departments are increasingly turning to flexible staffing to handle spikes in workload or to cover discrete projects like e-discovery, due diligence, or compliance reviews. A 2023 report by Robert Half found that 62% of legal employers planned to use contract or project-based professionals in the coming year to meet staffing needs. This reflects both economic realities—clients’ growing resistance to high hourly billing for routine tasks—and structural changes in how legal work is delivered.
For attorneys, this shift means contract opportunities are plentiful across litigation, regulatory, and transactional practices. In markets like Washington, D.C., and New York, contract attorneys have become a core labor force supporting document-heavy matters. But opportunities also exist in regional markets, often attached to boutique firms or corporate legal departments managing cost-conscious projects.
The Benefits of Taking a Contract Position
Contract roles can provide attorneys with meaningful professional benefits, especially during transitional phases of their careers.
Exposure to High-Profile Work: Contract attorneys frequently participate in large-scale litigation or transactions, sometimes working on headline-making cases. This experience can bolster a resume and signal competence in high-pressure environments.
Flexibility: Many attorneys value the work-life balance contract positions offer, as hours are often more predictable than in BigLaw. This flexibility can be appealing for those managing family commitments or pursuing other professional goals.
Income Continuity: In uncertain job markets, a contract position provides a paycheck and keeps legal skills sharp, which can help avoid resume gaps that raise questions for future employers.
Networking Opportunities: Contract roles can bring attorneys into contact with partners, associates, and clients who may later provide references or job leads. As legal recruiter Harrison Barnes notes, “a contract job keeps you in circulation, which is often half the battle in legal hiring.”
The Downsides and Risks
Despite the benefits, attorneys should be clear-eyed about the limitations of contract work.
Limited Advancement Potential: Most contract roles are designed to be temporary; they rarely provide a clear path to partnership or internal advancement. As such, attorneys may need to treat them as bridges rather than destinations.
Lower Compensation and Benefits: Contract attorneys often earn less per hour than permanent associates and may not receive health benefits, retirement contributions, or paid leave. According to Above the Law, many contract positions still hover near $35–$50 per hour, compared to six-figure salaries at full-time firms.
Stigma in Hiring: While the perception of contract work has improved, some employers still question whether attorneys who have spent extended time in temporary roles are “career contractors” rather than long-term hires.
Work Scope: Contract attorneys are often siloed into repetitive tasks—such as document review—which may not provide much substantive legal training or client-facing experience.
Strategies for Transitioning from Contract Work to Full-Time Employment
For attorneys who view contract work as a stepping stone, deliberate strategies can improve the odds of securing full-time positions:
Treat Every Assignment as an Audition: Even if a firm hires you for a three-month project, the attorneys supervising your work may have a say in full-time hiring decisions—or know someone who does. Demonstrating professionalism, responsiveness, and legal acumen in temporary roles can lead to recommendations or direct offers.
Highlight Transferable Skills: When applying for permanent positions, emphasize the substantive skills gained—e.g., expertise in regulatory compliance, familiarity with complex discovery platforms, or exposure to high-stakes litigation. Employers care less about the title and more about how the experience adds value to their practice.
Be Strategic About Contract Choices: Not all contract roles are equal. Positions within AmLaw 100 firms or Fortune 500 legal departments carry more prestige and networking opportunities than small-scale, short-term document review projects. If possible, target contract assignments with reputable employers.
Maintain a Networking Mindset: Use downtime in contract roles to expand professional networks through bar associations, alumni groups, or LinkedIn. According to the National Association for Law Placement (NALP), networking remains the single most effective channel for securing attorney positions, surpassing job boards or recruiters.
Fill Gaps with Continuing Education or Pro Bono: If contract assignments are intermittent, supplement them with CLE courses, certifications (e.g., privacy law, compliance), or pro bono work. These activities show continued commitment to professional development and can offset concerns about employment continuity.
Rethinking the Career Value of Contract Work
The legal industry’s increasing reliance on flexible staffing has blurred the lines between temporary and permanent employment. While few attorneys begin their careers aspiring to be contract lawyers, these roles can serve as practical career strategies in uncertain markets. They provide income, experience, and connections—and for many, they become the bridge to long-term opportunities.
The key is to approach contract work with intentionality: see it not as an endpoint, but as part of a broader trajectory. When used strategically, contract positions can build resilience, expand skills, and even open doors that a more traditional path might not.
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