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Temp Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Columbia University

Staff Attorney

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Temporary * End Date if Temporary: Two years from hire * Hours Per Week: 35.0 * Standard Work ... The Institute is seeking to hire a Staff Attorney for a two-year position based at Columbia ...

Columbia University

$150 - $200/hr

Temporary * End Date if Temporary: Two years from hire * Hours Per Week: 35.0 * Standard Work ... The Institute is seeking to hire a Staff Attorney for a two-year position based at Columbia ...

Carpenter & Associates

Be Seen First

Family Law Attorney

Dallas, TX · On-site

$85K - $175K/yr

We Need Lawyers Who Want to Build Something. Carpenter & Associates, P.C. is growing, and our ... Handling temporary orders, contested hearings, bench trials, and, where appropriate, jury trials;

Urgent

State of California

ATTORNEY IV

California, MO · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the ... ATTORNEY IV ATTORNEY IV $11,993.00 - $16,096.00A New to State candidates will be hired into the ...

Carpenter & Associates

Be Seen First

Family Law Attorney

Dallas, TX · On-site

$85K - $175K/yr

We Need Lawyers Who Want to Build Something. Carpenter & Associates, P.C. is growing, and our ... Handling temporary orders, contested hearings, bench trials, and, where appropriate, jury trials;

Urgent

City of New York

ATTORNEY INTERNE

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The Attorney Interne will work towards defending the agency in cases enforcing client responsibility and discontinuing temporary housing assistance. The Office of the General Counsel / Office of ...

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 ...

City of New York

ATTORNEY INTERNE

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Attorney Interne will work towards defending the agency in cases enforcing client responsibility and discontinuing temporary housing assistance. The Office of the General Counsel / Office of ...

Columbia University

Staff Attorney

New York, NY · On-site

$152K - $187K/yr

Temporary * End Date if Temporary: Two years from hire * Hours Per Week: 35.0 * Standard Work ... The Institute is seeking to hire a Staff Attorney for a two-year position based at Columbia ...

Lawyers On Demand Limited

$100 - $125/hr

... temporary basis. The firm's preference is for attorneys who can work onsite or hybrid from its Newark, New Jersey office, though highly qualified remote candidates will also be considered. Project ...

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Temp Attorney information

See salary details

$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do temp attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for temp 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 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.

More about Temp Attorney jobs

What cities are hiring for Temp Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Temp 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 Temp Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Temp Attorney jobs include:

Temp Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temp Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Temporary Immigration Staff Attorney, Special Litigation

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc
See more jobs at Neighborhood Defender Service Incexternal

$84K - $94K/yr

Full-time, Temporary

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Temporary Immigration Staff Attorney, Special Litigation
Department: Immigration Defense Team
Location: NYC
Reports To: Managing Attorney for the Immigration Defense
Position Type: Temporary Full-time
Union Status: Union eligible
FLSA Status: Exempt

About NDS:
Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge the traditional public defense model by centering clients, communities, and interdisciplinary advocacy. Today, NDS operates community-based offices in Harlem; the Bronx; Detroit; and Hays
County, Texas, supported by a unified national infrastructure that allows local teams to deliver high-quality, responsive representation rooted in the communities they serve.


Across all locations, NDS provides client-centered legal representation through interdisciplinary teams composed of attorneys, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. Our approach emphasizes early and ongoing engagement with clients—before arrest where possible, throughout the life of a case, and beyond case resolution—while addressing the legal, social, and
systemic challenges that impact long-term stability. NDS is committed to treating every client with dignity and respect and to advancing justice for individuals and communities that have been historically marginalized and over-policed.

Core Purpose of the Role:
NDS’s immigration team seeks 1-year temporary Staff Attorney, Special Litigation to begin immediately. NDS specifically seeks applicants experienced in special litigation to provide support for motions to reopen/reconsider, appeals, and our habeas practice. This position will also include a small removal defense/affirmative case load for direct representation. The ideal candidate will have had experience in
special litigation, including drafting and arguing in federal district court.

Applicants must demonstrate an interest in immigration advocacy and the holistic defense of noncitizens caught up in the criminal legal system and families facing child removal.

 


  1. Embrace NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence.
  2. Provide vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to clients.
  3. Advise non-citizen clients regarding the full range of immigration consequences associated with contacts with the criminal legal system and consult with the criminal defense attorneys to mitigate potential immigration consequences.
  4. Interview clients and their families, conduct legal research, and write pre-pleading letters, motions, and pre-sentencing memoranda on behalf of clients.
  5. Coordinate work performed by team members (investigators, social workers, legal advocate, team administrators, and interns).
  6. Work with criminal defense attorneys to obtain meaningful, comprehensive legal outcomes for clients.
  7. File federal litigation and appeals including Petitions for Review, habeas petitions, motions, briefs, and other related documents on a frequent and timely basis, developing and advancing novel arguments for relief or release, such as challenging Asylum Cooperative Agreement dismissals, mandatory detention, third-country removals, and violations of due process.
  8. Provide effective oral advocacy in negotiations and arguments in criminal cases.
  9. Engage in community-oriented know-your-rights and other training and outreach as necessary.
  10. Engage in policy work, including attending coalition meetings, based on need.
  11. Be responsive to and communicate clearly with clients who are often under great stress.

  1. A demonstrated commitment to criminal and immigration justice, indigent defense, racial equity, social justice issues, and a substantive understanding of the biases impacting our clients.
  2. An ability to quickly build relationships with people of varying identities, income levels, races, and ethnicities.
  3. 1-5 years experience representing clients in immigration proceedings and knowledge of immigration procedure.
  4. A track record of strategically guiding casework, projects, and/or relationships; applying good and practiced judgment; and routinely pushing through roadblocks to achieve goals.
  5. A high level of organizational and administrative skills to handle a high caseload.
  6. Clear and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
  7. An ability to work cooperatively in a team setting.
  8. A license to practice law in New York or in another state. Attorneys admitted to the New York Bar and with experience in immigration court are strongly encouraged to apply.
  9. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Spanish language fluency is strongly preferred.

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with experience and is in adherence to the NDS compensation scale. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as other benefits, are provided. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325. The position will end one year after the start date of employment. 

SALARY RANGE BASED ON DIRECTLY RELEVANT EXPERIENCE 

1 – 5 Years 

$84,347.74 - $94,201.77

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume in a single PDF through NDS’s website at neighborhood defender careers. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.  Due to the volume of applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about NDS, please visit our website at About NDS.

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NDS we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-confirming, and gender fluid people to apply. 


USD $84,347.74/Yr.
USD $94,201.77/Yr.

Apply