Why is it so hard for contract attorneys to find permanent attorney positions?
Asked by avocate201
I'm a mid-level attorney in Los Angeles. After working as an associate at a large firm for several years, I quit, traveled, and then began working as a contract attorney a few years ago. While it was never my intention to continue working as a contract attorney for too long, I've had several good temp opportunities in various practice areas at both small and large firms. Most of my positions have been substantive and long-term assignments where I worked on large cases and gained great litigation experience. For the most part, I did the work of an associate, but did not receive benefits. However, I find that many firms won't even consider you for a permanent associate position if you've done contract work (they unfairly assume that you're a flight risk or that you haven't done substantive work). Unfortunately, in this economy, more and more firms are hiring temps because it's a win-win situation for them, and perm positions for mid-levels are getting harder to find. Any advice? P.S. I'm also tired of headhunters contacting me and trying to lure me with "temp-to-perm" opportunities. I find that many of them just want to get insider information about a firm I previously worked at, and most of these so-called temp-to-perm jobs have no realistic chance of becoming permanent.

Best Answer:
This economy has no long-term stability as far as jobs go. What are your long-term goals and what plans do you have in place to achieve these goals? Do you have the experience to branch out on your own, or are you looking to get with a "good" firm so you can have name-recognition in your favor? I guess there are many options you have to consider. Whatever your choice may be, you will never be paid what you are worth as long as you work for someone else. Best wishes.