According to the Federal Bureau of Labor statistics, the legal profession is now a significant component of the nearly 2.4 million workers who comprise the temporary work force nationwide

Temp attorney hiring has increased fastest in New York, Washington D.C. and other major metros because of the concentration of document intensive securities and regulatory litigation and the need for diversity at work place.

In a 2006 survey conducted by the 'American Lawyer' magazine of the nations largest 200 law firms - 57% reported using temps, more that 3 quarters said they relied on temporary attorneys for more matters in 2005 than in the year 2004. The 'National Law Journal' surveyed nations largest 250 law firms and found that the number of temps reported doubled between 2002 and 2003, then increased 48% from 2003 to 2004 and 13% between 2004 and 2005.

The advantage of temp-hiring are manifold, the hiring law firm usually saves the burden of withholding taxes, paying workers compensation, and full-time employment benefits, such as health insurance. Additional expenses for professional employees such as Bar Association dues and fee for CLE credits are also avoided. And when that one-time voluminous litigation is done, temps or contract professionals can be terminated as per the contract without the emotional or financial price, which typically mark the termination of the full time employee.

Corporate legal departments and law firms are beginning to explore outsourcing both domestically and abroad to cut costs and improve business productivity. The opportunity exists for law firms and corporate legal departments to begin to reap benefits of outsourcing to