Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.
Common Job Titles
- Legal Administrative Assistant (Legal Admin Assistant)
- Legal Office Support Assistant
- Legal Practice Assistant
- Legal Secretary
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate legal documents for completeness and compliance with court procedures using knowledge of legal terminology and filing requirements, working under attorney supervision.Proficient
- KnowledgePrepare summonses, complaints, motions, subpoenas, and legal correspondence applying legal terminology and document formats, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret legal procedures and filing deadlines in court systems and administrative agencies, coordinating document submission timelines.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize case files, correspondence, and legal documentation using case management software and filing systems to maintain attorney accessibility.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate client service principles with confidentiality requirements when communicating with clients, courts, and external parties in sensitive legal matters.Proficient
- MindsetBalance competing priorities and urgent deadlines in fast-paced law office environments with multiple attorney demands.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply Microsoft Office Suite and specialized legal software to create, format, and manage legal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze legal research materials and case documents using LexisNexis and Westlaw databases to support attorney case preparation.Developing
- MindsetRespond to attorney requests and client inquiries with professionalism and attention to detail, maintaining attorney-client privilege.Developing
- Hands-onOperate office technology including document scanners, multi-line phone systems, and legal software following established office protocols to support administrative workflow.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
154,540
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,530. 25th percentile: U.S. $42,720. 50th percentile: U.S. $54,140. 75th percentile: U.S. $72,090. 90th percentile: U.S. $87,660. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $35,530 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $87,660 |
| Workers on average earn | $60,320 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Administrative4.5/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Law and Government4.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- A1-Law
- ADP Workforce Now
- AbacusNext HotDocs
- Accounting software
- Aderant CompuLaw
- Amortization calculation software
- Appointment scheduling software
- Billing software
Tools & Equipment
- Digital audio recorders
- Digital cameras
- Digital duplicating machines
- Document scanners
- Document shredders
- Electric typewriters
- Handheld calculators
- Laptop computers