Find the best part time attorney jobs with flexible schedules to further fulfilling legal careers. Ideal to strike a balance between work and life.
I remember, as though it was yesterday, when for the very first time I gave a thought to part time attorney jobs. Similar to most lawyers, I knew I had been running on the hamster wheel of hours and hours, continuous meetings, and deadlines that never seemed to end. The promise of a more balanced way of life in which I would still be able to apply my legal knowledge but also be able to spend quality time with my family and pursue other passions was too attractive an option to pass up. In that case, you must be reading this because you’re probably in a similar boat, wondering if part-time legal work could give you the best of both worlds.
Well, here’s the good news: it can. Whether you’re an experienced attorney looking to scale back, a parent looking for flexibility, or even a new graduate looking to test the waters, part time jobs are a great way to continue in the profession burnout. With remote part-time attorney job opportunities on the rise, the possibilities have never been as accessible.
Throughout this article, I will walk you through almost everything a person needs to know about finding part-time attorney jobs, from where to locate them to the benefits and challenges you may face. You will also get a little bit of the journey so that you can see just how transformative this career path could be.
Table of Contents
Why Consider Part-Time Legal Jobs?
1. Flexibility without having to sacrifice your career
One of the greatest perks of part-time attorney jobs is the ability to sustain a professional identity, creating space for other life priorities. It meant going to kids’ soccer games and handling high-stakes legal projects.
Whether it be juggling family responsibilities, working on a passion project, or simply avoiding burnout, a part-time legal job allows you to continue engaging in a field that means so much to you.
2. Remote Opportunities on the Rise
In recent years, the legal industry has been continuously working remotely. Therefore, this has opened a wide range of perspectives for remote part-time attorney jobs. Just imagine being able to draft contracts from the comfort of your home or even while sipping coffee in that cozy café you like. Those options might be very good for attorneys in smaller cities or rural areas because they want access to big-city cases but don’t want to relocate themselves.
Personally, I have had the opportunity to work on multiple remote part-time jobs with the ability to work with teams across the nation. It’s a game-changer.
3. Diverse Job Options
The interesting thing with attorney part-time work is that they span a broad legal specialty-from corporate law, family law, intellectual property, and real estate, among others. And if you happen to be in a major city, say New York City, then you’ll find ample opportunities in your particular field. With a quick search for part-time attorney works in NYC, you will get various options open within this busy legal metropolis.
Where to find part-time attorney jobs
If ready to plunge in, here are some of the best platforms and strategies in finding part-time jobs for attorneys:
1. Online Job Sites
Dedicated job boards are absolute gold for part-time and remote attorney jobs. Among the leaders in this category are:
2. Niche Legal Platforms
Websites such as FlexJobs and Justia are usually posting flexible attorney jobs and part-time legal jobs. I have been particularly lucky with FlexJobs, especially when I was looking for remote opportunities.
3. Networking
Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to former colleagues, classmates in law school, or local bar associations. Let them know that you may consider part-time attorney jobs. You’d be surprised how much comes through word of mouth.
4. Websites of Law Firms
Several law firms, in particular, the smaller firms, are open to part-time attorneys. Check their career pages directly and send a cold email to firms where you would have an interest in working.
My Journey: How I Found My First Part Time Legal Job
When I first started looking for a part-time legal job, I felt very overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to begin, and I was scared that scaling back my hours would hurt my career. Once I knew what my priorities were, I could focus on the right opportunities.
My first part time attorney job was with a boutique law firm seeking help in drafting and reviewing contracts. Nothing flashy, but it fit my schedule and prepared me to keep sharp in my field. In due time, I segued into more specialized jobs that included part time remote attorney jobs, enabling me to work with clients across the globe.
The key takeaway? Be patient, stay open to different types of work, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
What to Expect from Part Time Attorney Jobs
A Typical Day
One of the things that I love about part-time attorney jobs is the diversity-from any given day, I may be called upon to draft contracts, review legal briefs, or consult with clients. And because many of these jobs are project-based, in most instances you’re able to set your schedule.
Pay and Benefits
While most part-time jobs pay less than their full-time counterparts, the flexibility is often worth it. Part-time lawyer jobs near me have ranged from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the specialty and location.
Remember that benefits associated with part-time jobs do not always include health insurance or retirement plans, so you will need to budget accordingly.
Work-Life Balance
This is the big one. I finally made the switch to part-time work and felt like I had control of my life again: I could focus on my family, pursue hobbies, and even volunteer all while maintaining a fulfilling legal career.
Challenges of Part-Time Legal Work and How to Overcome Them
1. Limited Advancement Opportunities
Some companies view part-time positions as being less committed, which may limit your future opportunities. My advice? Make your ambitions known and prove your worth, even on fewer hours.
2. Managing Client Expectation
Sometimes, clients expect that you should be available for them 24/7, even if you’re hired part-time. You have to set your boundaries. Being upfront about my availability from the beginning is what’s helped me manage my expectations.
3. Staying Connected
Working part-time or remotely remote can be isolating. Make an effort to stay connected with colleagues through regular check-ins or networking events.
Top Cities and Industries for Part Time Attorney Jobs
If you’re in a major metro area, there are a lot of opportunities. Here are my hotspots:
Tips to Get That Perfect Part-time Legal Role
FAQs
1. Part-time attorney jobs-what are they, and how are they different from full-time jobs?
Part-time attorney jobs involve working 20-30 hours weekly, often focusing on specific legal tasks like contract drafting. They typically offer fewer benefits and advancement opportunities but are ideal for those seeking flexibility.
2. What are some valid and legitimate legal part-time job opportunities, including remote?
Check out Indeed, LinkedIn, FlexJobs, and LawCrossing, or general local bar associations. Do a specific search of “part-time attorney jobs” or “remote part-time attorney jobs” using those exact words as keyword searches.
3. What are the most common practice areas for part-time attorney jobs?
Areas include corporate law, family law, real estate law, intellectual property, and nonprofit law. Other emerging remote roles in compliance and consulting also continue to increase.
4. Are part-time attorney jobs well-paying, and how do those compare to full-time positions?
Part-time positions, as a rule, bring in less money annually compared to full-time positions; however, the hourly rates remain quite competitive and usually range from $50 to $150, depending on the region and specialty.
Conclusion: Is Part Time Legal Work Right for You?
Going part-time was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my career. It gave me the freedom to live my life on my terms and at the same time do work that I am passionate about. Whether you searched for part time attorney jobs near me, considered part time attorney jobs NYC, or are looking at remote part-time attorney jobs, the options are unlimited. So take the leap. Start small, stay open-minded, and don’t be afraid to prioritize what matters most to you. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Additional Resources
Here are some great tools and resources to help you on your journey:
