LCS Graduate Fellow
GGU 3Ls and alumni often ask us whether they should consider applying for a contract attorney position. Contract attorney positions are becoming more and more common (see all of the job postings offered on LCS Online!), and may be the perfect fit for some people. For example, if you are afraid you will not find long term employment right after graduation and after passing the bar exam, then being a contract attorney might be a great option--you get a paycheck, you won't have a gap on your resume, and you are getting legal experience that will translate well to later legal jobs. Below is some information to help you determine whether being a contract attorney is for you.
What is a Contract Attorney?
"Contract attorneys are usually hired to perform specific tasks or to work on specific cases. When the work is completed, the contract attorney’s services are terminated or the parties enter into a new contract for other services needed by the firm."
Pros of being a Contract Attorney:
- Recent graduates can earn income while establishing a law practice or looking for an attorney position.
- Contract services usually includes basic skills that every new attorney needs to master, such as doing legal research, drafting motions, making special court appearances, and attending depositions.
- Frequent turnover
- Lack of familiarity with the law office or the client matter involved
- Possible disagreement over the contract's terms
Make sure the written contract:
- sets out the roles and responsibilities involved in performing the work, and
- makes clear that payment to the contract attorney isn’t contingent on the client obtaining a recovery in the underlying case.
