Hiring legal talent in New York City isn’t a casual process. The work is fast, high-stakes, and the margin for error is slim. Whether you’re backfilling a key attorney or need a full litigation support team by Monday, you don’t have time for missed details or ghosted interviews.
The agencies on this list don’t just fill roles, they solve problems. And while you might not recognize every name here, the firms that use them keep coming back for a reason.
What are Legal Staffing Agencies?
Legal staffing agencies help law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices find vetted professionals across the legal field. That includes attorneys, paralegals, legal secretaries, compliance officers, document reviewers, billing staff, and more. They handle sourcing, screening, credentialing, and placement often faster and more reliably than in-house hiring teams.
Why Work with Legal Staffing Agencies?
Finding the right legal hire takes time. These agencies do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the work that matters.
Quick access to talent: Fill gaps fast, even on short notice
Expertise in legal roles: From litigation to compliance, they know what good looks like
Flexible options: Temp, temp-to-perm, or direct hire
Hands-on vetting: They screen thoroughly so you’re not wasting time
Local advantage: These firms understand NYC’s legal market — salaries, work styles, and pace
How We Chose Our Top 5
We didn’t pick the biggest names. We picked the ones who show up when it counts.
They check in. They follow up. They care if someone no-shows. They know that behind every job order is a team trying to meet deadlines and serve clients.
Some of them are small. Some of them fly under the radar. But they all build real relationships and treat your hiring needs like their own.
5 Best Legal Staffing Agencies in NYC
- On Call Counsel
A focused legal staffing partner that works across law firms, courts, nonprofits, and in-house teams. On Call Counsel is known for being responsive, practical, and easy to work with — and their 24/7 support model isn’t just a pitch. From document review teams to full-time placements, they bring real flexibility to legal staffing.
🌐 oncallcounsel.com
- TemPositions
TemPositions has decades of experience and a deep bench of legal talent. They fill roles across litigation, contract law, compliance, and public interest. Clients like them because they’re organized, fast, and never send someone who isn’t ready to go on day one. Think big-firm resources with boutique-style attention.
🌐 tempositions.com
- Admiral Staffing
Admiral brings a calm, competent hand to urgent legal staffing. They work across practice areas and are especially good at placing support staff, legal admins, paralegals, secretaries, and billing pros. Their recruiters are communicative, honest, and genuinely care about both sides of the match.
🌐 admiralstaffinginc.com
- The Custom Group of Companies
With over 30 years in the game, Custom’s legal division has placed professionals at some of the most well-known law firms in NYC. They understand how firms are structured, how hiring really works, and how to align the right person with the right team. If you want someone who just gets it, start here.
- Gainor Staffing
Gainor covers the full spectrum of legal support, from paralegals to executive assistants. They’re especially helpful when you’re hiring for high-volume roles or need someone who can navigate both legal and administrative duties. Their recruiters are consistent, clear, and easy to trust.
🌐 gainor.net
Final Thoughts
Legal staffing in NYC is competitive, fast, and often unpredictable. The agencies on this list aren’t just here to tick boxes, they’re here to make sure your team has what it needs to move forward, without hiring headaches.
They’re professional. They’re personal. And they’re built to get the job done.
