To Temp or Not to Temp

 

It is an inescapable reality these days that many firms are laying off lawyers at all levels, from junior associates fresh out of law school to partners with 25 years of experience. Many of these newly unemployed lawyers – even those with stellar credentials – may be finding it more difficult than expected to find a new job as quickly as they had hoped. With bills to pay, unemployed lawyers are increasingly turning to contract or “temp” agencies for short-term projects that bring in some income, albeit not BigLaw income. Several candidates have asked me recently if there are any downsides to working as a contract lawyer while job hunting. There are – but there are also many potentially upsides.

 

First, the downsides.

 

• The Stigma: The truth is that some firms simply will not consider hiring a lawyer if her resume reflects one or more stints as a contract lawyer. Whether this is fair or not is beside the point. Some firms and lawyers have this bias. The good news is that – given the sheer number of lawyers out of work and the increase in those turning to contract lawyering as a stop-gap – this view is likely to become less prevalent, at least with respect to the current crop of downsized lawyers. Also, with the rise (and success) of new, more respectable “hybrid” contract lawyer firms (such as Axiom), the traditional stigma that some firms have associated with contract lawyers is likely to diminish as firms evolve.


• The Distraction: Some believe that working as a contract attorney will prevent you from dedicating yourself to what should be your primary focus – finding a new job. The thought is that time “wasted” shuffling papers around in a dark basement for low pay would be better spent making calls and sending out resumes for “real jobs.” While it is true that a contract position may require your full attention for a period of weeks or months, it shouldn’t stop you from continuing your job search. No matter how resourceful you are, you can’t really spend your entire day, every day, searching for a job. Most of your job search can be conducted after hours and on weekends. And contract agencies (and employers) typically are understanding if you need to skip a morning of work for an interview for a permanent job.


• The Boredom: With rare exceptions, contract work is boring. And tedious. And mind numbing. And possibly humiliating. My advice: get over yourself. You are still getting paid more than most skilled laborers on an hourly basis. Further, keep reminding yourself that every hour, every day, every week, gives you some additional financial stability so that you can support yourself in finding a new position.





 
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Now, some of the positives.

 

• The Income: I already mentioned the fact that contract work can help you pay some of your bills, but you may be pleasantly surprised at just how much money you take home. Sure your firm was billing you out at $350/hour, but how much of that did you actually keep? Sadly, probably not a lot more than you’ll receive from your temp job.


• The Brain Activity: Being out of work is not fun. Even if you have a financial cushion, day after day of Oprah re-runs, Mario Kart and Halo marathons, sleeping past noon and trying to find stuff to do will rot your brain. Although contract jobs may not always be the most fascinating legal work, at least they keep your mind in the game.


• The Resume: While some firms disdain contract work on your resume, all firms will question large, unexplained gaps. At a minimum, taking a contract position will ensure that you do not have significant gaps of unemployment. It also shows firms that you are ready, willing and eager to work.


• The Leads: Working a contract job means that you are around lawyers all day. Take advantage and be social, friendly and interactive. Let everyone know that you are looking for a permanent position. Do good work. When one of these lawyers hears about a new job – at his firm or somewhere else – he just might tell you about it!


• The Experience: Contract lawyers typically are hired to fill a desperate and immediate need. Prior subject matter experience usually is not required. Take advantage of the opportunity to beef up your knowledge base and improve your resume by learning as much as you can about the subject matter of the transaction or litigation you are assigned to. It may come in handy for your next position.





 
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Conclusion

 

While contract work may carry a historical stigma with some firms, there are many potential advantages – in addition to garnering some immediate cash flow – that make it an attractive option for those waiting out the current fiscal crisis. Be sure to seek out a reputable contract agency and use the experience to your benefit. It may even lead you directly to your next (permanent) legal position!
 

• See The Challenges and risks involved in Moonlighting for more information.

See the following articles for more information:
 

• Should I Become a Contract Attorney?
• Should I Accept a Contract Attorney Position?
• Is Contract Work the New Normal for Litigators?
• Contract Attorneys Job Profile
• How to Become a Contract Attorney
• Does Contract Work Doom Your Career?
• Will contract work hurt chances of landing a full-time job?
• Law Job Opportunities in Contracts
• What's Hot? Today's Legal Specialties

About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

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This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

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With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

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Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

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With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

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Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

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Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

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About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.