The role of legal assistant is crucial in supporting the organization's legal department processes and daily tasks. Legal assistant responsibilities include:
- Assisting lawyers with legal research and document preparation
- Managing and organizing case files and documents
- Coordinating appointments, hearings, and court dates
- Communicating with clients and external parties on behalf of the legal team
- Providing administrative support to legal professionals
Below is a job description template built specifically for the legal assistant. Feel free to use it and adapt it to your specific needs.
About [Company]
This section convinces candidates to apply for a role at your Company instead of another. Include practical information about the Company, as well as details about its culture and values.
[Company] helps [Target] do [x].
[Company] consists of over [x] employees spanning over [x] countries. Our unified yet diverse culture keeps us continually learning and innovating ourselves and our products while maintaining compliance in a global working environment.
Our market-leading technology, expertise, and global team are crucial to our success and customer satisfaction, so we deliver the best products on the market.
Why should you be part of [Company] success story?
We envision a world of [x].
We offer [Target] all the tools they need.
There’s never been a more exciting time to join [Company]
About the legal assistant role
Consider whether you need a description of the role or prefer to list duties and responsibilities directly as a bullet-point list.
As our legal assistant, you’ll support team lawyers by conducting research, drafting legal documents, organizing case files, and assisting with client communication. You understand the impact you’ll create on the Company’s legal standing, playing one of the most vital roles in the Company.
Your job duties as a legal assistant will include:
- Conducting legal research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal precedents to support attorneys in preparing cases, drafting legal documents, and providing legal advice
- Providing administrative support in the preparation and drafting of various legal documents, such as contracts, briefs, affidavits, pleadings, and agreements, ensuring that the documents comply with legal requirements and accurately reflect the client’s intentions
- Organizing and maintaining case files and court documents, ensuring that they are properly organized, updated, and easily accessible for attorneys and other team members
- Performing an assistant role and acting as a liaison between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, answering client inquiries, and maintaining regular communication to provide updates on case progress
- Scheduling appointments and coordinating meetings, depositions, and court hearings, ensuring that all parties involved are notified of the date, time, and location of the meeting
- Performing various administrative tasks, such as preparing invoices, managing billing records, maintaining office supplies, handling routine correspondence, maintaining the filing system, and other administrative duties
About compensation
The more openly you talk about compensation and benefits, the more honest and attractive your job listing will be. We suggest a brief introduction about the values behind your compensation package, followed by a bullet-point list with the details of what is offered.
- Salary
- Bonuses
- Equity
- Perks
- PTO
- Personal development budget
- Health and wellness budget
- Pension plan
- Insurance contribution
- Off-sites or events
Use Deel's Employee Cost Calculator to instantly compare employment costs.
Legal Assistant Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as law, legal studies, or paralegal studies, is preferred, but an associate degree or high school diploma (or GED) may be accepted with the right work experience
- [X] years of experience working in a legal role, such as a legal secretary, or working as an administrative assistant in a legal setting, such as a [law firm, corporate legal department, government agency], is valued
- Proficiency in legal software and tools, including case management systems, document management software, legal research databases, and e-discovery tools
- A strong understanding of legal procedures, such as court filing requirements, legal document formatting, and general knowledge of various legal documents is valued
- Knowledge of [X niche, such as real estate] legal practices to better understand and address the specific needs of the Company
Legal Assistant Skills
List the soft skills and personal qualities you are looking for in the perfect candidate.- Strong communication and interpersonal skills - you have excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with attorneys, clients, and other professionals in a clear and concise manner
- Attention to detail - legal work demands a high level of precision and accuracy, and your detail-oriented work ethic is used for proofreading and reviewing documents, spotting errors, and ensuring that all necessary information is included in the paperwork
- Time management and organizational skills - you can prioritize tasks, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines while maintaining the efficient workflow of legal services
- Analytical thinking - your strong analytical skills are used to evaluate complex legal information, identify relevant details, and draw logical conclusions that assist attorneys in developing legal strategies
- Discretion and confidentiality - you will work with sensitive and confidential information, and so you must maintain the highest level of professionalism and integrity when handling client matters or transcribing confidential information
- Teamwork and collaboration - legal assistants work closely with attorneys, paralegals, and other legal professionals to share responsibilities and support colleagues
- Research skills - you can effectively gather and analyze relevant information, compiling helpful information from various sources such as legal databases, online resources, and other reference materials
How much does a Legal Assistant make?
The exact salary of a Legal Assistant can vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and the size of the law firm or legal department. Below is a general overview of median salaries for Legal Assistants in different regions.
- North America: In North America, particularly the United States and Canada, Legal Assistants typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $60,000 or more.
- Europe: In Europe, salaries for Legal Assistants vary across countries. In Western European countries, median salaries can range from €30,000 to €50,000 or more annually.
- Middle East and North Africa: In the MENA region, Legal Assistant roles may have varying salary levels. Median salaries in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia may range from $40,000 to $60,000.
- Asia-Pacific: Legal Assistant salaries in the Asia-Pacific region can vary widely. In countries like Australia, Singapore, or Japan, median wages range from $50,000 to $70,000 or more.
Additional salary-related considerations
While these figures provide a general indication, consider other factors when assessing Legal Assistant salaries:
- Geographic location: Cost of living in different regions can significantly impact the real value of a salary.
- Law firm size: Salaries may vary based on the law firm's or legal department's size and prestige. Larger firms may offer higher salaries.
- Specialization: Legal Assistants with expertise in specific legal areas, such as litigation or corporate law, may command higher compensation.
- Experience level: More experienced Legal Assistants or those with specialized skills may receive higher salaries.
Individuals considering a career as a Legal Assistant should conduct thorough research, gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions, and stay informed about industry trends to position themselves for success in the legal support profession.
How to become a Legal Assistant
While there isn’t a strict, standardized path to becoming a Legal Assistant, several common steps can guide individuals aspiring to this role.
Common pathways to becoming a Legal Assistant
Education
Many legal assistants hold associate or bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies, legal assisting, or a similar discipline. Some legal assistants may also have a background in liberal arts with additional certifications in legal assisting.
Legal Assistant certification
While not always required, obtaining certification as a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) can enhance your professional credentials. These certifications are typically offered by professional organizations and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in the field.
Practical experience
Gaining hands-on experience through internships, externships, or entry-level positions is crucial for aspiring Legal Assistants. Practical experience provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge, develop practical skills, and familiarize oneself with legal processes.
Legal Assistant education
Degree
While a specific degree is not always mandatory for becoming a legal assistant, having a relevant educational background can enhance your qualifications. Many legal assistants hold a bachelor's degree in areas such as:
- Legal studies
- Paralegal studies
- Criminal justice
- Business administration
Legal research and writing skills
Legal assistants frequently engage in legal research and drafting documents, making proficiency in legal research databases and writing essential. Consider taking courses or workshops focused on legal research methods and writing skills to enhance your capabilities in these key areas.
Alternative career paths
In some cases, individuals transition into the role of Legal Assistant from different professional backgrounds. Understanding which roles align well with a transition to legal assisting can help plan a successful career switch.
Administrative support
Individuals with administrative or secretarial experience may find their skills transferable to legal assisting. Experience with document management, scheduling, and client communication can be valuable in a legal assistant role.
Legal secretary
Legal secretaries often transition into legal assisting roles due to their familiarity with legal procedures, terminology, and document preparation.
Records management
Individuals with a background in records management, particularly those with experience in maintaining legal records, can contribute valuable skills to the role of a legal assistant. Their understanding of document retention policies, indexing, and maintaining organized filing systems align well with the need for meticulous record-keeping in legal settings.
Customer service
Professionals with a background in customer service can successfully transition into the role of a legal assistant. Their interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage client interactions align well with the client-focused aspects of legal support.
What is a legal assistant?
A legal assistant, also known as a legal secretary or legal administrative assistant, provides administrative and clerical support to lawyers, law firms, legal departments, or legal professionals. They assist in various tasks to help ensure the smooth operation of legal practices.
What does a legal assistant do?
Legal assistants perform tasks such as:
- Drafting legal documents and correspondence
- Organizing and maintaining case files
- Conducting legal research and gathering information
- Scheduling appointments and court dates
- Assisting with client communications
- Managing administrative tasks like billing and record-keeping
- Preparing trial exhibits and documents
- Coordinating communication with clients, courts, and other parties
How much does a legal assistant make?
Legal assistant salaries can vary based on location, years of experience, education, and the law firm or organization size. In the United States, the annual salary for a Legal assistant can range from $35,000 to $65,000 or more, depending on these factors.
What skills do great legal assistants have?
Critical skills for great legal assistants include:
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Proficiency in legal software and office tools
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Research skills and familiarity with legal terminology
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information
What is a typical day for a legal assistant?
A typical day for a legal assistant might involve managing emails, scheduling appointments, drafting legal documents, conducting research, communicating with clients, and assisting lawyers with administrative and case-related tasks.
Is a paralegal the same as a legal assistant
No, while the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there can be distinctions between a paralegal and a legal assistant depending on jurisdiction and specific job roles. Generally, paralegals have more specialized legal education and may assist lawyers with more substantive legal tasks, such as legal research and case preparation. Legal assistants may focus more on administrative and clerical functions within a legal setting. The roles can overlap, and the terminology can vary by region and employer.
