Contract Lawyer
A contract lawyer works on legal documents and cases on a contract, or for hire, basis. Work is usually temporary, and is requested as needed. Contract lawyers are often required to perform document review, prepare subpoenas, take depositions, and write up contracts or business agreements.
He or she may also draft legal briefs, conduct legal research, and provide the full range of legal services larger law firms offer. He or she generally works independently and is not a full time employee of any particular business or law firm. A successful contract lawyer must be an individual who is comfortable walking into a new office, meeting with new people, and dealing with new issues. He or she must be able to pick up a case at a moment’s notice, and able to work on an existing case from any given point.
Contract lawyers are compensated as services are rendered. Some businesses will develop long-term relationships with contract lawyers and set up agreements that the firm will only use his or her services when needed. Contract lawyers have the same skills and training as standard attorneys, but may specialize in one particular area of the law.
There are several requirements to becoming a contract lawyer. A law degree is required. In addition to holding a law degree, contract lawyers must be a member of the American Bar Association, or legally authorized to practice law in his or her respective area.
The typical average salary of an experienced contract lawyer is about $67,000 per year.
