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Temp Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

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Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Are you working as a volunteer, post-bar law clerk, or temporary attorney while you wait months--or even years--for a permanent public defender position? Quit waiting. We're ready to hire an ...

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

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Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Temecula, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Are you working as a volunteer, post-bar law clerk, or temporary attorney while you wait months--or even years--for a permanent public defender position? Quit waiting. We're ready to hire an ...

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

Be Seen First

Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Are you working as a volunteer, post-bar law clerk, or temporary attorney while you wait months--or even years--for a permanent public defender position? Quit waiting. We're ready to hire an ...

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

Be Seen First

Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Are you working as a volunteer, post-bar law clerk, or temporary attorney while you wait months--or even years--for a permanent public defender position? Quit waiting. We're ready to hire an ...

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

Be Seen First

Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Are you working as a volunteer, post-bar law clerk, or temporary attorney while you wait months--or even years--for a permanent public defender position? Quit waiting. We're ready to hire an ...

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

Be Seen First

Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Are you working as a volunteer, post-bar law clerk, or temporary attorney while you wait months--or even years--for a permanent public defender position? Quit waiting. We're ready to hire an ...

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

Be Seen First

Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Are you working as a volunteer, post-bar law clerk, or temporary attorney while you wait months--or even years--for a permanent public defender position? Quit waiting. We're ready to hire an ...

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

Be Seen First

Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Are you working as a volunteer, post-bar law clerk, or temporary attorney while you wait months--or even years--for a permanent public defender position? Quit waiting. We're ready to hire an ...

CA High Speed Rail Authority

Attorney III

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$10K - $15K/mo

ATTORNEY III $10,852.00 - $15,325.00 A Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. For additional ...

Collabera

Attorney

California City, CA · Remote

Litigation Attorney Editor - Trade Secrets (Temporary Contractor Position) Practical Law is looking for temporary Litigation Attorney Editors with substantial experience in trade secrets litigation.

CA Tahoe Conservancy

Attorney III

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$10K - $15K/mo

The percentage of the temporary salary reduction and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are ... ATTORNEY III $10,852.00 - $15,325.00 A New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum ...

CA High Speed Rail Authority

Attorney IV

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$11K - $16K/mo

ATTORNEY IV $11,993.00 - $16,096.00 A Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. For additional ...

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All JobsAttorney JobsTemp Attorney JobsTemp Attorney Jobs in California

Temp Attorney information

See California salary details

$40K

$97K

$189.5K

How much do temp attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for temp attorney in California is $97,043.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temp attorney?

Temp attorneys, also known as temporary or contract attorneys, are legal professionals hired for a limited period to assist with specific projects or to manage increased workloads. They often work on tasks such as document review, legal research, or supporting litigation teams during peak times. Temp attorneys may be employed directly by law firms, corporations, or through staffing agencies, and their assignments can range from a few days to several months. This role offers flexibility for attorneys and allows employers to efficiently manage fluctuating legal demands.

What are some common challenges temp attorneys face when joining new legal teams on short notice?

Temp Attorneys often encounter the challenge of quickly acclimating to new workplace cultures and workflows. They must rapidly understand ongoing cases, familiarize themselves with firm protocols, and build rapport with permanent staff, all while meeting tight deadlines. Success in this role requires adaptability, excellent communication, and strong organizational skills. Many temp roles offer a dynamic environment with opportunities to gain diverse legal experience and expand professional networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temp attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temp Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, active bar membership, and strong legal research and writing skills. Familiarity with document review platforms (like Relativity or Concordance), e-discovery tools, and case management systems is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for success in temporary legal assignments. These skills and qualifications ensure high-quality legal work, efficient project completion, and the ability to seamlessly integrate with new teams and processes.

What is the difference between Temp Attorney vs Contract Attorney?

AspectTemp AttorneyContract Attorney
CredentialsJ.D. degree, licensed attorneyJ.D. degree, licensed attorney
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments at law firms or corporationsProject-based work, often remote or on-site
Employer UsageLaw firms, legal departments hiring short-term supportLaw firms, corporate legal teams for specific cases
Search IntentTemporary legal staffing, short-term legal workProject-specific legal work, freelance legal assignments

Both Temp Attorneys and Contract Attorneys are licensed lawyers hired for specific legal tasks. Temp Attorneys typically work on short-term assignments through staffing agencies, often filling in for absent staff. Contract Attorneys usually work on specific projects or cases, often remotely, providing specialized legal services. While their roles overlap, Temp Attorneys are more associated with temporary staffing, whereas Contract Attorneys focus on project-based work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in California?

The most popular types of Attorney jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Temp Attorney jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temp Attorney job openings:

Temp Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temp Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,043 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

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After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

STOP WAITING. START YOUR FUTURE TODAY.


Passed the California Bar?


Are you working as a volunteer, post-bar law clerk, or temporary attorney while you wait months—or even years—for a permanent public defender position?


Quit waiting. We're ready to hire an Associate Criminal Defense Attorney right now for our Redding office.


You worked too hard to pass the Bar only to spend months or even years waiting for someone else to decide when your career begins.


At Tully & Weiss Attorneys at Law, we believe talented lawyers should be in the courtroom, gaining real experience, trying cases, and making a difference—not sitting on the sidelines hoping for an opening.


For more than 25 years, our firm has defended clients throughout California in cases ranging from homicide and major felonies to white-collar crime. We don't just practice criminal defense—we live it. If you're ambitious, driven, and want to become an exceptional trial lawyer, we'll help you get there.


Why make the move?


Imagine replacing this:


Hours spent sitting in traffic every week.


Sky-high rent and cost of living.


️Crowded commutes and endless hustle.


With this:


Affordable housing.


Beautiful mountain views.


World-class fishing.


Shasta Lake and Whiskeytown Lake.


Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, and Lassen National Park—all just minutes away.


Time to actually enjoy your life after work.


Your legal career shouldn't require sacrificing your quality of life.


What you'll do


⚖️ Handle serious felony cases.


⚖️ Gain real courtroom experience.


⚖️ Conduct jury trials.


⚖️ Work directly with experienced trial attorneys who are committed to helping you become the best lawyer you can be.


What we're looking for


✔ Active California Bar member (or awaiting admission)


✔ Criminal law experience preferred


✔ Strong writing and courtroom skills


✔ Someone who wants to become an outstanding criminal defense trial attorney


What we offer


✔ Competitive salary plus performance bonuses


✔ Health and dental insurance


✔ 401(k) with employer matching


✔ Paid Bar dues and malpractice insurance


✔ CLE support


✔ Gym membership reimbursement


✔ Generous paid time off


✔ 60-day paid sabbatical after seven years of employment


✔ A genuinely supportive team that enjoys practicing law together


This isn't just another job.


It's an opportunity to build a career, enjoy an exceptional quality of life, and make a meaningful difference for people who need someone willing to stand beside them when it matters most.

Company Description

Tully & Weiss is an extremely innovative criminal defense firm committed to quality representation while maintaining strict ethics. We take care of our clients and the firm is then in turn able to take care of our employees.