Does Doing Contract Work Doom Your Legal Career?

 

Harrison Barnes

I have been unable to secure a permanent position since I passed the bar last year, and I have been considering taking temp opportunities until I can find something, but everyone has been telling me that taking on contract work can doom your career. Is this true?

We often hear from attorneys with whom we are working that they are contemplating doing contract work while they look for permanent employment. Generally, these are attorneys who have worked for a while at a law firm, but have been laid off or have relocated. They are thinking about doing contract work for one or more of the following reasons:
 

• They need the money that contract work will provide to support themselves during their job search;
• They believe that contract work will allow them to keep up their skills; and/or
• They believe that firms will view their contract work favorably, or at least neutrally, when evaluating their application for permanent employment.

Many of these attorneys are surprised to learn that we advise our candidates to avoid doing contract work if at all possible.

Why do we advise against contract work for our candidates? Because it makes them less marketable.

The attorneys with whom we work are not average; they are highly qualified, with strong academic credentials and excellent law firm experience. They are not seeking average positions with average firms; they are looking to take their careers to the highest level with a top law firm. The positions to which they aspire are highly competitive. The firms receive scores of resumes from stellar candidates, and are able to be very selective in deciding whom to interview and hire. Therefore, a candidate’s resume should be as “clean” and compelling as possible.

Unfortunately, top law firms tend to look down on contract work simply because it is contract work. This is true even if a firm hires contract attorneys; partners and hiring coordinators generally view the contract attorneys they hire as not up to par for permanent hiring. Moreover, firms know that, with rare exceptions, contract work does not provide the kind of stimulating work that will allow an attorney to maintain or upgrade his or her legal skills; the work often is rote and unchallenging.
 

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

Thus, if a hiring contact at a prestigious law firm to which you are applying sees that you are doing, or have done, contract work, they are less likely to be interested in you. This may not be fair, but it is the reality.

Another problem with contract work is that it increases the likelihood that you will have a conflict with the firm to which you have applied for a permanent position. Conflicts checks are a routine and a necessary part of any law firm hiring decision. While each firm’s conflicts check procedure varies somewhat, you generally should be prepared to provide a list of all clients for whom you have performed legal work in the past three to five years. This includes contract work. How unfortunate it would be if a firm was unable to make you an offer because you did some temporary contract work for a client that has a conflict with one of the firm’s clients! (Obviously, the chances of contract work causing a conflict increase exponentially if you work as a contract attorney for more than one firm.)

Of course, we understand that in certain circumstances, highly qualified attorneys have no choice but to do contract work while they look for a permanent position; financial realities may dictate it. But if you have the means to avoid contract work, you will increase your chances of making a lateral move to a top firm. Moreover, if you must do contract work, try to limit the number of firms and projects with which you become involved. This will lessen the likelihood of conflicts with the firm that you hope to join on a permanent basis.

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
• To Temp or Not to Temp
• Will contract work hurt chances of landing a full-time job?
• Law Job Opportunities in Contracts
• What's Hot? Today's Legal Specialties

Click here to contact Harrison

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

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.