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Temporary Paralegal Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

... temporary employees on client-related tasks. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in ... Supervise junior paralegals and document clerks during trial preparation and Administrative Tasks

Train and oversee the work of Project Assistants and temporary staff * Effectively manage multiple ... Paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited program * Writing sample submitted with resume Other ...

Paralegal - Specialty Units

VA ยท On-site

$49K - $94K/yr

Paralegal Certification preferred. NOTE: This is an at-will position which serves at the pleasure ... Temporary * Provisional * Seasonal employees Click on the link below to explore our plans and rates ...

Train and oversee the work of Project Assistants and temporary staff * Effectively manage multiple ... Paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited program * Writing sample submitted with resume Other ...

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Temporary Paralegal information

See Washington salary details

$37.9K

$80.8K

$122.9K

How much do temporary paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary paralegal in Washington is $80,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,700.00 and $101,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary paralegal?

Temporary paralegals are legal professionals who are hired for a fixed period or to assist with specific projects, such as large cases, document reviews, or when permanent staff are unavailable. They perform many of the same duties as regular paralegals, including conducting legal research, drafting documents, and supporting attorneys. Temporary paralegals are often employed through staffing agencies or directly by law firms and may work on-site or remotely, depending on the employer's needs.

What does a temporary paralegal do?

As a temporary paralegal, your job is to provide legal services to an attorney or law firm for the duration of an assignment. In this role, you may provide administrative support, research relevant cases or legislation, help answer questions from clients, and perform other tasks as directed by an attorney. A temporary paralegal usually works by contract, though contracts may be extended as needed. Other aspects of this job depend on the specific needs of the attorney or law firm. For example, lawyers may hire you to cover for another paralegal while that staff member is on vacation, or to help them manage an unusually high number of cases.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Paralegal, you need strong legal research, document drafting, and organizational skills, often supported by a paralegal certificate or relevant experience. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and e-filing systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for handling varied tasks in fast-paced legal environments. These skills and qualities ensure efficient case support, accuracy, and the ability to quickly integrate into different legal teams or projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by temporary paralegals when joining a new legal team?

Temporary paralegals often need to quickly adapt to new workflows, software systems, and team dynamics in each assignment. Since they are brought in for immediate needs, they may have limited time for training and must rapidly familiarize themselves with ongoing cases or projects. Building rapport with attorneys and permanent staff is important for effective collaboration, and being flexible and proactive can help overcome these initial hurdles. Strong organizational and communication skills are crucial to ensure seamless integration into the team and successful completion of tasks.

What is the difference between Temporary Paralegal vs Contract Paralegal?

AspectTemporary ParalegalContract Paralegal
CredentialsParalegal certificate or associate degreeParalegal certificate or associate degree
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, temporary staffing agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, staffing agencies
Employment DurationShort-term, project-based or seasonalFixed-term contract, often project-specific
Usage & Search IntentTemporary legal support, short-term staffing needsSpecific contract roles, project-based work

Both Temporary Paralegals and Contract Paralegals typically hold similar credentials and work in similar environments. The main difference lies in terminology and duration; 'Temporary Paralegal' emphasizes short-term staffing, while 'Contract Paralegal' highlights a fixed-term agreement. Both roles serve law firms and legal departments seeking flexible legal support for specific periods.

What are the most commonly searched types of Paralegal jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Paralegal jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Temporary Paralegal jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Temporary Paralegal job openings:

Infographic showing various Temporary Paralegal job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,841 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Managing Criminal Defense Paralegal (Remote)

Price Benowitz LLP

Washington, DC โ€ข Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Price Benowitz LLP is a mid-sized law firm headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices and attorneys throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina. Our practice areas include Criminal Defense, Family Law, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Trusts & Estates, and more.

Guided by our core values of Passion, Integrity, and Excellence, we are committed to delivering exceptional legal services while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and supportive workplace.

Position Summary

Price Benowitz LLP is seeking an experienced Managing Criminal Defense Paralegal to join our Criminal Defense practice. This is a fully remote, hands-on leadership position for an accomplished criminal defense paralegal who combines substantial federal criminal defense experience with demonstrated experience managing and developing legal support staff.

Federal criminal defense experience is required for this position. Candidates must have substantive experience supporting federal criminal matters and a strong working knowledge of federal criminal court procedures, filings, discovery, deadlines, and litigation practices. Washington, DC experience is not required.

We are also specifically seeking a candidate with a strong and stable employment history in permanent paralegal positions and demonstrated progression in responsibility. Candidates whose recent work history consists primarily of contract, temporary, project-based, or short-term assignments will not be considered for this managing-level position.

The successful candidate will be an experienced criminal defense professional who can independently handle sophisticated federal criminal matters while providing leadership, direction, accountability, and support to the Criminal Defense staff team.

Responsibilities
  • Manage and coordinate the Criminal Defense paralegal and support staff team, including workflow, assignments, priorities, performance, and deadlines.
  • Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, mentoring, and accountability to Criminal Defense support staff.
  • Provide hands-on paralegal support to attorneys handling complex federal and other criminal defense matters.
  • Manage criminal cases throughout the litigation lifecycle, from intake and investigation through hearings, trial preparation, sentencing, and post-trial matters.
  • Draft, review, and prepare motions, pleadings, correspondence, subpoenas, discovery-related documents, and other legal filings.
  • Prepare and electronically file documents in federal courts while ensuring compliance with applicable rules, procedures, and deadlines.
  • Coordinate and manage discovery, including reviewing, organizing, summarizing, and maintaining large volumes of records, reports, video, audio, and other evidence.
  • Maintain attorney calendars and track court appearances, filing deadlines, hearings, trials, client meetings, and other critical dates.
  • Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients and their families regarding case status, documentation, scheduling, and other case-related matters.
  • Coordinate with attorneys, investigators, experts, court personnel, government agencies, and other parties as necessary.
  • Prepare hearing and trial materials, exhibits, witness files, attorney notebooks, and other litigation support materials.
  • Monitor case progress and proactively identify outstanding tasks, approaching deadlines, and potential issues.
  • Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date electronic case files.
  • Train, mentor, and support Criminal Defense staff while helping establish consistent processes and high standards across the team.
  • Accurately record billable time and assist with other case management and administrative responsibilities as needed.
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 3 years of substantive criminal defense paralegal experience, with more extensive experience strongly preferred for this managing-level position.
  • Substantive federal criminal defense paralegal experience is required. Candidates without federal criminal defense experience will not be considered.
  • Strong knowledge of federal criminal court procedures, electronic filing requirements, discovery, deadlines, and litigation practices.
  • Prior management experience is required, including experience directly supervising, leading, mentoring, and providing day-to-day direction to paralegals or legal support staff.
  • Strong and stable employment history in permanent paralegal positions, demonstrating sustained responsibility, reliability, professional growth, and commitment to prior employers.
  • Candidates whose recent experience consists primarily of contract, temporary, project-based, or short-term assignments will not be considered.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex criminal matters and anticipate attorney and case needs.
  • Excellent legal drafting, proofreading, organizational, and case management skills.
  • Strong experience managing complex discovery and preparing matters for hearings and trial.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple active cases and competing deadlines in a fast-paced remote environment.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
  • High degree of professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, accountability, and client service.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, legal case management systems, federal electronic court filing systems, and related legal technology.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively manage and communicate with a team in a fully remote environment.
What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a seasoned criminal defense paralegal with substantial federal criminal defense experience, demonstrated management experience, and a strong, stable career history.

This is not an entry-level management opportunity. The successful candidate will have already developed the substantive expertise and leadership skills necessary to oversee legal support staff while remaining actively involved in complex criminal defense casework.

We are specifically seeking someone who has developed their expertise through sustained employment in permanent paralegal roles with increasing levels of responsibility. Professional stability, reliability, and long-term commitment to prior employers will be important considerations in our selection process.

The successful candidate is proactive and takes ownership of their work. They anticipate what attorneys and cases need, identify potential problems before they arise, follow through independently, and ensure matters continue moving forward.

As a manager, this individual must be comfortable leading staff, establishing priorities, delegating work, monitoring performance, mentoring team members, maintaining accountability, and serving as a knowledgeable resource for the Criminal Defense team.

Candidates should understand that the three most important qualifications for this position are:

  1. Substantive federal criminal defense experience
  2. Demonstrated management experience
  3. A strong and stable history of permanent employment

Candidates who do not meet these core requirements will not be considered.

Schedule & Location
  • Fully remote position
  • Full-time
  • Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Eastern Time
  • Candidates must be able to consistently work Eastern Time business hours.
  • Washington, DC experience is not required.
Compensation

$31–$43/hour, depending on experience, qualifications, federal criminal defense background, and management experience.

Additional Information

Price Benowitz LLP offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer-supported medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health support, disability and life insurance, and other benefits available to eligible employees.

Price Benowitz LLP is an equal opportunity employer and values professionals who share our commitment to Passion, Integrity, and Excellence.

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