The legal industry has seen an increasing trend towards freelance or contract work, similar to the broader trend in the gig economy. This shift in the workforce has led to an increase in the use of legal staffing agencies, which are uniquely positioned to help connect legal professionals with freelance or contract work opportunities.
According to a report by the American Bar Association, the use of contract attorneys has increased by nearly 40% over the past decade. This increase is in part due to the changing needs of law firms and corporate legal departments, which may require additional staff for short-term or project-based work. The report also notes that contract attorneys can provide a more cost-effective solution for employers, as they don’t require the same level of benefits or overhead expenses as full-time employees.
The job market in the legal industry, like many other industries, has been unstable in recent years. A report by The American Lawyer found that in 2020, “big law” firms laid off over 6,000 attorneys and staff members. This trend has continued into 2021, with some firms continuing to lay off employees in response to the ongoing economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Legal staffing agencies can provide a lifeline for legal professionals who have been impacted by these layoffs. By working with a staffing agency, job seekers can access a wider range of job opportunities, including short-term or project-based work that may not be advertised elsewhere. Legal staffing agencies can also help job seekers navigate the complex process of finding contract work, including negotiating contracts and determining fair rates of pay.
As one legal recruiter notes, “staffing agencies are seeing an increase in demand for temporary and contract legal talent because of the pandemic.” She goes on to explain that “many law firms and legal departments have been forced to downsize or cut back on hiring, but still need legal support for certain projects or cases.”
Working for oneself can also be beneficial in these unstable times. Freelancers and contract workers have more control over their schedules and can often work from anywhere, which can be particularly valuable for those impacted by the pandemic. Freelance legal work can also provide valuable experience and exposure to different types of legal work, which can be helpful for building a career.
In conclusion, the gig economy is not just a trend in the broader workforce, but is also affecting the legal industry. Legal staffing agencies are playing an increasingly important role in connecting legal professionals with freelance or contract work opportunities, particularly in these unstable times for employment. Whether you’re a recent law school graduate or a seasoned attorney impacted by layoffs, working with a legal staffing agency can help you find the work you need to continue building your legal career.
Sources:
- American Bar Association, “The Rise of Contract Attorneys: Rethinking the Role of Temporary Lawyers in Today’s Legal Market” (2019)
- The American Lawyer, “Big Law Cut More Than 6,000 Jobs in 2020” (2021)
- Law.com, “The Benefits and Challenges of Contracting in the Legal Sector” (2021)