Job Description

Legal assistants perform many of the same tasks as other assistants, such as answering telephones and typing letters. Many of the documents they prepare must follow strict guidelines, so legal assistants need to know the specialized formats for legal documents. They also perform many critical office functions, including maintaining supplies and equipment, receiving, preparing and transmitting communications, planning conferences, receiving clients and instructing staff.

Legal assistants prepare correspondence and legal papers such as summonses, complaints, motions, responses and subpoenas under the supervision of an attorney or a paralegal. They also may review legal journals and assist with legal research —for example, by verifying quotes and citations in legal briefs.

All administrative work takes a great deal of dedication, motivation and tact. It also calls for a comfort with technology and openness to training. When figuring out if becoming a legal assistant is the best fit for you, ask and answer the following questions:

• Do you like the environment of a law office or court?

• Does working under pressure and with a deadline excite you?

• Do you like greeting and helping people? In person and over the phone?

• Can you keep close track of confidential information?

Median Salary

$41,226

Education Requirements

A Legal Assistant must have a high school degree or equivalent certification. More than ever, however, employers are demanding advanced degrees from potential Legal Assistants. Two options are earning either your Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree. The most popular tracks are Legal Studies, Paralegal Certification or Legal Office Administration.

Job Outlook

In 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that there were 275,000 legal assistants in the U.S. By 2016, this number is projected to grow by 12% or 32,000 jobs to 308,000 legal assistants. This is faster than the average for all jobs in the U.S., which means the opportunities in this field are plentiful.