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Per Diem Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Date 05/06/26 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Pay Range Per Diem - $39.75 What We ... Routinely interacts and corresponds with private sector litigants, attorneys, support staff ...

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Per Diem Attorney information

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$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do per diem attorney jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for per diem attorney in the United States is $98,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Per Diem Attorney job?

A Per Diem Attorney is a freelance lawyer who handles court appearances, depositions, motion hearings, and other legal tasks on behalf of law firms or solo practitioners on a temporary, as-needed basis. These attorneys provide flexibility and cost savings for firms that need extra legal support without hiring full-time staff. They are typically experienced in litigation and local court procedures, making them valuable for busy law practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Per Diem Attorney position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Per Diem Attorney, you need a solid legal background with admission to the state bar, strong research and writing skills, and the ability to quickly assess and handle diverse legal matters. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), electronic court filing systems, and case management software is often required. Flexibility, strong communication, and time management are essential soft skills for adapting to varied case assignments and courtroom settings. These competencies enable effective representation of clients on an as-needed basis and allow for successful integration into different legal teams or environments.

What kind of assignments and work schedule can I expect as a Per Diem Attorney?

As a Per Diem Attorney, your assignments typically vary depending on the needs of the hiring firm or organization and may include court appearances, depositions, client consultations, or legal drafting. Schedules are generally flexible and project-based, meaning you may be called upon for same-day assignments, multi-day hearings, or periodic support during busy litigation periods. You may work independently or with different teams, often stepping in to provide coverage for staff attorneys or to manage overflow work. This setup offers valuable exposure to various types of law and can help build your legal network and experience. However, it also requires adaptability and the ability to manage shifting priorities efficiently.
What cities are hiring for Per Diem Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Per Diem Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Per Diem Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Per Diem Attorney jobs include:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Attorney job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% As Needed. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Conciliation Court Referee (Per Diem, Remote), 10th Judicial District

Conciliation Court Referee (Per Diem, Remote), 10th Judicial District

Minnesota Judicial Branch

Ramsey, MN โ€ข On-site, Remote

$75/day

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Description
The Tenth District is seeking attorneys to serve as per diem Conciliation Court referees. Conciliation Court, also known as "small claim courts", is a division of District Court and handles claims for money and property that do not exceed $15,000 and consumer credit transactions that do not exceed $4,000. Conciliation Court referees preside over a general and collection calendars of 12 to 50 cases per half day session.
Conciliation hearings are presumptively heard remotely, unless exceptional circumstances exist to deviate to an in-person setting.
Please note that these are contractor positions with the Tenth Judicial District. Candidates contracted for these opportunities will not be employees of the Minnesota Judicial Branch. They will be compensated on a contractual, per diem basis, at the rate of $75.00 per half day, and they are excluded from eligibility of benefits available to MJB employees. The engagement of Conciliation Court Referees is governed by Minnesota Statute 491A.03.
This role offers a flexible schedule. Referee's provide their availability to the scheduling department. Assignments typically include one morning or one afternoon calendar, with the possibility of both in the same day. Service is required at least once every three months.
EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES:
  • Serves at the pleasure of the Chief Judge or designee.
  • Exercises all the duties and powers granted to a Conciliation Court Referee by M.S.A. 491A.03, Subdivision 1.
  • Familiarity with M.S.A. 491A.01 through 491.03.
  • Compliance with the Code of Judicial Conduct as adopted by the MN Supreme Court.
  • Refrains from making any extra-judicial public statements about pending proceedings.
  • Prohibits broadcasting, televising, recording, or taking photographs in the courtroom or virtual hearing during sessions of Conciliation Court or recesses.
  • Prioritizes assignments and disposes promptly of the business of Conciliation Court.
  • Affords every party in a proceeding the full right to be heard according to law and maintains compliance with Rule 2.9 of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
  • Presides over assigned hearings; reviews court calendars before scheduled sessions of court; grants continuances; reads or listens to allegations and determines if action is supported by facts; hears and evaluates evidence of witnesses and technical experts; listens to presentation of case; and rules on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
  • Prepares orders that meet Judicial Branch standards.
  • Carries out work assignments with a substantial degree of discretion and independent judgement in accordance with applicable state laws, rules of court and local practices.
  • Maintains order and decorum in all proceedings and treats all parties with courtesy and respect.
  • Advises litigants that they will be notified by mail of the Conciliation Court Referee's decision
  • Perform legal research if needed.
  • Ability to learn, adapt, and utilize technology in operation of electronic devices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Minnesota.
  • Must have at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney.
  • Must be in good standing and have no disciplinary actions within the past five years.
  • May not have a client base that would create a frequent conflict in the type of cases most commonly heard in the conciliation court (e.g. credit card debt, landlord-tenant).
  • Must pass criminal background and Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility disciplinary history checks.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Civil litigation experience.
  • Possesses experience, knowledge, and comfort with technology and electronic records.
  • Work well under pressure with demonstrated time management and problem-solving efficiencies.
  • Attention to detail and ability to foster cooperation with effective interpersonal skills.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
  • Must not cancel a scheduled assignment more than twice in a twelve-month period.
  • Must have access to a computer and webcam with reliable, high-speed internet allowing for video and document sharing.
  • Work will include hearings across multiple counties of the Tenth Judicial District.
  • Typical scheduling is one morning calendar or one afternoon calendar, with a potential for both in the same day.
  • Must serve at least once every three months.
  • Time to complete a calendar depends upon the number of cases assigned, but typically, it should not exceed three hours.
  • Orders from the hearing must be produced to Court Administration within 48 hours of the hearing.

This posting will be accepting applications until the roles are filled.
About Us
Why Work for Us?
Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another's growth.
Employee Benefits
The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family's wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at 10thDistrictHumanResources@courts.state.mn.us. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
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If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities.