The Benefits of a Temporary Position

By Kayla Britt

The last thing a lawyer may want to hear when they first pass the bar, or when they are between jobs, is to accept a temporary position. The uncertainty surrounding the length of employment, the lack of benefits, and the difference in pay structure are factors that may lead one to decline a temporary position. However, temporary positions have the potential to lead to greater opportunities.

Attorney Hugh Harris provided me with one of the best pieces of advice I have received as a young lawyer. He told me to consider a temporary offer as the chance to audition for the permanent role. At the time, I did not realize that this advice would soon directly impact my career. When my clerkship ended, I began searching for jobs in the middle of a pandemic. I was faced with a market hesitant to hire permanent, full-time employees but received several opportunities to accept temporary positions or “as needed” work. I was tempted to refuse temporary offers until I recalled the advice above. I accepted a temporary job placement, soaked in the opportunity to learn as much as possible and soon after, I received a permanent, full-time offer.

I am sharing this because I was afraid to commit to temporary work. I wanted a permanent full-time job, and I know there are other lawyers who are in a similar position.

When I asked Mr. Harris what advice he may have for others, he responded: “Trust the process. The temporary position will lead to a full-time position. Not only will you make connections and learn the law, but they will get to know you. Even if they do not have an opening at the time, those attorneys can be a future job reference and will refer you to their colleagues.”

This advice spreads across the board from government agencies, private firms and in-house counsel positions. Attorney Alan Parry, owner of Parry Law, PLLC, has hired several contract employees who have transitioned to full-time associates at his firm. He advised that “a contract position can be a great way for both sides to ‘test drive’ the fit for potential longer-term employment. This is particularly true for smaller firms, which do not have the lengthy recruiting processes and summer clerkship programs that the larger firms do. A contract lawyer who seizes the opportunity and does a great job can quickly show herself to be indispensable.”

Ask around. You may be surprised to know how many successful attorneys began as temps. Temporary work is valuable experience that gives you the opportunity to showcase your skills and abilities, to build your resumé and to gain additional references. Temporary work is not “less than” permanent work. It is not a waste of time and it is underappreciated, especially by young lawyers. My suggestion to other young lawyers is to seize the opportunity, get your foot in the door, demonstrate excellence, and your permanent position will follow.