1

Temporary Contract Attorney Jobs in Riverside, CA

Attorneys handle a broad spectrum of civil litigation matters, including premises liability ... We specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any ...

Civilian Investigator - TPT

Hemet, CA · On-site

$26 - $34.84/hr

The City of Hemet is accepting continuous applications for Civilian Investigator - Temporary ... District Attorney for filing and provides courtroom testimony. 11. Conducts follow-up ...

Lease Administrator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$70K - $87K/yr

... lawyers, paralegals, and office staff. Moreover, able to self-monitor progress according to the ... Required qualifications: 1. Understanding of contracts within leasing and property management ...

Temporary Contract Attorney information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$54.3K

$124.3K

$208.7K

How much do temporary contract attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary contract attorney in Riverside, CA is $124,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,400.00 and $145,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 80 20 rule for lawyers?

The 80/20 rule for lawyers suggests that approximately 80% of a lawyer's results come from 20% of their efforts, emphasizing the importance of focusing on high-impact tasks. In practice, this means prioritizing cases, clients, or activities that generate the most value or success in a legal practice or contract work. Effective time management and identifying key priorities are essential for maximizing productivity as a temporary contract attorney.

What is a Temporary Contract Attorney?

A Temporary Contract Attorney is a licensed lawyer who is hired on a short-term or project-specific basis to assist with legal work. These attorneys often handle document review, legal research, drafting motions, or supporting litigation teams during periods of high workload. Their assignments may last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the needs of the law firm or organization. Temporary contract attorneys provide flexibility for employers and can gain experience in various legal fields through multiple assignments.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

A temporary contract attorney can earn $500,000 by working in high-demand legal areas such as corporate law or intellectual property, often through specialized skills, experience, and working for large firms or corporations. Achieving this income level typically requires a combination of extensive experience, a strong professional network, and possibly working overtime or on high-value cases.

What is the difference between Temporary Contract Attorney vs Contract Attorney?

AspectTemporary Contract AttorneyContract Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments, flexible locationsProject-based, often remote or client-site
Employer UsageLegal staffing agencies, law firmsLaw firms, corporate legal departments
Search & Comparison IntentTemporary legal work, staffingProject-specific legal work

Temporary Contract Attorneys are typically hired for short-term legal projects through staffing agencies, offering flexibility and quick deployment. Contract Attorneys may work on longer-term projects directly for law firms or corporations. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in duration and employment setup.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Contract Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Contract Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, an active law license, and expertise in legal research, drafting, and review. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, e-discovery platforms, and document management systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, time management, and adaptability are important soft skills for excelling in varied and fast-paced assignments. These skills and qualities are essential for efficiently handling complex legal work, meeting deadlines, and maintaining high-quality results in temporary roles.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary contract attorneys, and how can they be managed effectively?

Temporary contract attorneys often work on short-term assignments with tight deadlines and varying case types, which can make adapting to new teams and workflows challenging. Managing these demands typically involves quickly familiarizing oneself with firm protocols, establishing clear communication with supervising attorneys, and staying organized despite shifting priorities. Building strong relationships with colleagues and being proactive about clarifying expectations can help ensure successful project completion and future opportunities. Flexibility and a willingness to learn are key assets in this dynamic environment.

Is $900 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

For a Temporary Contract Attorney, earning $900 an hour is considered very high compared to typical rates, which often range from a few hundred dollars to around $1,000 per hour depending on experience, specialization, and location. Such rates are usually associated with highly specialized or senior-level attorneys working on complex or urgent cases.

Are contract lawyers in demand?

Contract lawyers are in steady demand due to the need for legal expertise in temporary projects, compliance, and regulatory matters. They often work in law firms, corporations, or government agencies, requiring strong negotiation and drafting skills, and may be hired through staffing agencies or freelance platforms.
What are popular job titles related to Temporary Contract Attorney jobs in Riverside, CA? For Temporary Contract Attorney jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Contract Attorney jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Contract Attorney jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Temporary Contract Attorney jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Temporary Contract Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Temporary Contract Attorney job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 61% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,345 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Temporary Deputy County Counsel I/ II/ III/ IV

Riverside County, CA

Riverside, CA • On-site

$89K - $214K/yr

Temporary

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Salary : $89,980.80 - $214,947.20 Annually
Location : Riverside
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 26-78514-01TBA
Department: County Counsel
Division: County Counsel
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: 6/17/2026 12:00 AM Pacific
For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The County of Riverside's Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is seeking to fill a Temporary Deputy County Counsel I/ II/ III/ IV to support the Health and Adult Welfare Division of the County Counsel's Office located in Riverside.
The position provides guidance and advice to Riverside University Health Systems (RUHS) County employees and representatives of outside agencies in matters of law, preparation of contracts and other legal instruments, legal research, preparation of legal briefs and opinions. Additionally, legal services related to health privacy laws, data protection and privacy, and confidentiality laws is essential.
The level at which this position is offered is at the department's discretion.
Deputy County Counsel I: $90,000.00- $114,599.00 Annually
Deputy County Counsel II: $107,048.00- $ 138,938.00 Annually

Deputy County Counsel III: $137,000.00 - $179,579.00 Annually
Deputy County Counsel IV: $144,125.00- $214,964.00 Annually
Meet the Team!The is a full-service law office that provides advisory and litigation support on issues of vital concern to the County and its residents such as health care, public safety, child welfare, land development, environmental protection, public finance, taxation and elections.
About TAP
The Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) recruits and hires temporary employees for all County departments. TAP assignments are a great way to learn about working for the County while working on a temporary, at-will basis.
Click here to learn more about TAP:
TAP Benefits:
jfc:23101100
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Provide guidance and advice to Deputy County Counsel attorneys in matters of law and trial tactics, ordinance drafting and interpretation, preparation of contracts and other legal instruments, legal research and preparation of legal briefs and opinions.
• Provide responsive, high-quality service to County employees and representatives of outside agencies by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information in a courteous, efficient and timely manner, and may interact with members of the public.
• Consult with subordinate deputies on points of law, evidence, legal procedures and policies, and practices of the County Counsel's Office; counsel and provide recommendations to subordinate deputies on the more difficult and complex legal problems.
• Attend meetings of various boards and commissions as legal advisor; confer with and advise County and district officers and employees on legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, functions, and obligations; represent the County in all state and federal courts.
• Study and interpret laws, court decisions, ordinances, and other legal authorities.
• Draft contracts, deeds, leases, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal instruments; prepare written opinions and render informal opinions on legal questions.
• Analyze, research and resolve difficult and complex legal problems.
• May be required to perform the functions of the lower-level Deputy County Counsel classifications.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Deputy County Counsel I
Experience: None
Deputy County Counsel II
OPTION I
Experience: One year at the Deputy County Counsel I level with the County of Riverside's Office of County Counsel, or as a county counsel attorney or city attorney at an equivalent level with another California county or city.
OPTION II
Experience: Two years in the practice of civil law providing professional legal counsel to governmental agencies or departments.
OPTION III
Experience: Two years in the practice of civil law in one of the following areas: eminent domain; labor and employment; civil litigation; business transactional; environmental; finance; healthcare; probate and conservatorships; bankruptcy; juvenile dependency or delinquency; land use; Native American gaming and land use; public works; real estate; or utilities.
OPTION IV
Experience: Two years in the practice of criminal law.
Deputy County Counsel III
OPTION I
Experience: One year at the Deputy County Counsel II level with the County of Riverside's Office of County Counsel, or as a county counsel attorney or city attorney at an equivalent level with another California county or city.
OPTION II
Experience: Three years in the practice of civil law providing professional legal counsel to governmental agencies or departments.
OPTION III
Experience: Three years in the practice of civil law in one of the following areas: eminent domain; labor and employment; civil litigation; business transactional; environmental; finance; healthcare; probate and conservatorships; bankruptcy; juvenile dependency or delinquency; land use; Native American gaming and land use; public works; real estate; or utilities.
OPTION IV
Experience: Three years in the practice of criminal law.
Deputy County Counsel IV
OPTION I
Experience: One year at the Deputy County Counsel III level with the County of Riverside's Office of County Counsel, or as a county counsel attorney or city attorney at an equivalent level with another California county or city.OPTION II
Experience: Four years in the practice of civil law providing professional legal counsel to governmental agencies or departments.OPTION III
Experience: Four years in the practice of civil law in one of the following areas: eminent domain; labor and employment; civil litigation; business transactional; environmental; finance; healthcare; probate and conservatorships; bankruptcy; juvenile dependency or delinquency; land use; Native American gaming and land use; public works; real estate; or utilities.OPTION IV
Experience: Four years in the practice of criminal law.
ALL OPTIONSKnowledge of: Legal principles, legal research and trial techniques; rules of evidence and the conduct of court proceedings; current case law, legislation and trends in the areas of practice; state and federal statutory and case law applicable to public entities in California; rules and procedures for California and federal courts; principles, practices, methods, and techniques of leadership and training; Riverside County policies, ordinances and related authorities; telephone, office and online etiquette; County customer service objectives and strategies; basic computer operation and software programs (e.g., legal research, word processing and electronic mail).
Ability to: Read, understand, interpret, and communicate legal issues to both attorneys and lay people; advocate the interests of the County and other clients in meetings, and court and administrative hearings; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, in a clear, concise, sound, logical, and thorough manner when preparing opinions, briefs, reports, ordinances, correspondence, or other written communications of a legal nature; communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds; function calmly in stressful situations that require a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy; thoroughly analyze and research legal issues and take all facts and findings into consideration; interpret and apply cases, statutes, regulations, legal principles, and government policies and practices; prioritize and organize workload and complete a large number of work assignments that have strict timelines; treat County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public with courtesy and respect; assess the customer's immediate needs and ensure customer's receipt of needed services through personal service or making appropriate referral; provide responsive, high quality service to County employees and representatives of outside agencies by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information in a courteous, efficient and timely manner, and may interact with members of the public; exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations; establish effective working relationships with management, employees, employee representatives, and the public.
Job Competencies/Desirable Traits:
• Leadership qualities that promote team building, coaching and developing of resources.
• Make sound and accurate decisions under pressure.
• Maintain an environment of teamwork and collaboration conducive to expanding knowledge and expertise.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal forms.
• Persuasively communicate your findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Possess superior negotiation skills.
• Successfully prioritize conflicting timelines, ensuring each project receives appropriate time and consideration.
• Effectively maintain expertise in all areas of responsibility and seek opportunities to increase personal knowledge in areas of responsibility.
• Take independent actions after carefully analyzing and interpreting the associated risks.
• Customer focused, meeting obligations and commitments.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and integrity even when challenged with highly stressful or crisis situations.
• Skillfully gain and maintain credibility with superiors, co-workers, public, and managers.
• Exhibit values and respect of others in all undertakings.
• Encourage creative problem solving, collaboration and analysis techniques.
• Driven to excel, supportive of change and seeks continuous learning.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Other Requirements
License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment.
Active membership in the State Bar of California.
What's Next?
Open to All Applicants
This recruitment is open to all applicants.
For questions regarding this recruitment:
Please contact Brian Arcinas at barcinas@rivco.org or (951) 955- 5897. For general inquiries, please allow up to 2 business days to receive a response.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here:
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in t...