Updated June 01, 2022
A legal assistant supports a lawyer or lawyers by doing such administrative work as creating and maintaining legal files, conducting research, and preparing documents. This person handles many of the tasks associated with preparing for trial in addition to other clerical duties.
Salary (Median Pay)
For paralegals and legal assistants.
- Salary: $52,920/yr
- Hourly Rate: $25.44/hr
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Duties and Responsibilities
- Managing correspondence;
- Scheduling meetings;
- Maintaining legal files;
- Writing drafts of contracts, letters, and legal documents;
- Preparing subpoenas;
- Conducting research;
- Organizing evidence and exhibits for trial;
- Scheduling witnesses;
- Taking courtroom notes;
- Referencing law libraries; and
- Assisting with accounting and billing.
Qualifications
- Computer skills;
- Research skills;
- Competency in using legal software;
- Critical thinking skills;
- Strong written and spoken communication skills;
- Some legal knowledge; and
- Associate’s degree preferred.