Here are the situations where it makes the most sense:

1. When You Need Speed and Not a Six-Week Recruitment Cycle

Urgent support needs happen constantly: a paralegal resigns mid-project, a legal secretary goes on unexpected leave, or a new client win drops 200 hours of admin work onto an already-stretched team. Permanent hiring rarely solves these problems fast enough. Contingent hiring does.

2. When You Need Flexibility During Unpredictable Workflows

Certain practice areas experience inherently volatile demand such litigation surges, regulatory filing windows, and intensive due-diligence engagements. Contingent staffing provides the flexibility to scale capacity on a temporary basis without incurring permanent headcount obligations or delays associated with budget approvals.

3. When You Want to Trial Fit Before You Commit

A bad permanent hire in legal support is costly. It can lead to cultural misfit, poor accuracy, poor tech skill and it happens more than firms admit.
Contingent hiring lets you test real-world performance before offering anything permanent.

4. When Internal Teams Are at Capacity (Or Overwhelmed)

HR teams in NW firms are chronically stretched.
Contingent recruiters handle the entire search, screening, and compliance process to give your internal teams breathing room while ensuring continuity.

5. When Budget Approval for Permanent Roles Is Slow

A contingent solution can get someone through the door tomorrow, bypassing lengthy approval cycles and helping teams stay productive.

The Bottom Line

Contingent recruitment isn’t a second-choice approach, it’s a strategic, flexible and often essential hiring method that keeps legal support functions running smoothly under pressure.

About Us

At HST Hiring Group, we specialise in delivering fast, reliable contingent recruitment for NW law firms. When you need quality support staff quickly, we’re ready to step in.