Becoming A Law Office Assistant: Skills And Steps

A law office assistant is an entry-level position that provides administrative support to lawyers and other legal professionals. They perform a wide range of tasks, including managing legal files, scheduling appointments, drafting legal documents, conducting research, and assisting during trials. While the role requires strong organisational and communication skills, as well as a passion for law, it is a great way to get a foot in the door of the legal profession.

Education and qualifications

An associate's or bachelor's degree is typically required to become a legal office assistant. An associate degree is the most common qualification, with 50.23% of professionals in the field holding one. However, a small number of legal office assistants hold a high school diploma (0.0342%), certificate (0.0725%), bachelor's degree (0.3428%), or master's degree (0.0482%).

The associate's degree is usually in a relevant field, such as legal studies or business administration. A bachelor's degree can be in any subject, but employers often seek candidates with degrees in legal or paralegal studies. These programs provide a thorough background in areas such as legal writing and the different types of law. If your institution doesn't offer legal studies degrees, a degree in almost any subject can still be beneficial.

In addition to a degree, some administrative experience is usually required. This can include tasks such as managing legal files, scheduling appointments, and preparing legal documents.

While certification is not always mandatory, some employers may prefer candidates with a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) certification, which focuses on paralegal duties. To become a CLA, you must have a degree or have taken specific classes in legal or paralegal studies and pass an exam through your state's bar association. This exam will test your knowledge on topics such as legal ethics, communications, legal research, and judgment. Some states require legal assistants to take additional tests before they can work in the legal field.

Experience

Gaining experience in the legal field is crucial for aspiring law office assistants. Here are some steps and opportunities to build the necessary experience:

• Internships: Apply for internship opportunities in law firms, legal departments, government agencies, or any legal setting where administrative duties are required. This will provide valuable on-the-job training and could potentially lead to a job offer.
• Externship: Consider an externship where you receive on-the-job education at an insurance company, bank, law office, or government facility. This will expose you to different legal environments and help you gain practical experience.
• Litigation Support Team: Join a litigation support team and assist with e-discovery. This will give you first-hand experience in the legal process and electronic document management.
• Volunteer Work: Offer your services as a volunteer in a law firm or legal setting. This can be a great way to gain experience and build connections while also giving back to the community.
• Messenger Services: Start as a messenger delivering legal documents. This will allow you to become familiar with the inner workings of a law office and build relationships with legal professionals.
• Paralegal Certification: Although not mandatory, obtaining a paralegal certification can set you apart from other candidates. It demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to the legal field.
• On-the-Job Training: Some law firms provide on-the-job training for recent graduates or individuals without legal experience. This can include training on computer software, legal research, document drafting, and court filing systems.
• Specialized Training: Develop specific skills sought after by law offices, such as proficiency in software applications like Microsoft Office and specialized legal programs. Additionally, gain experience in court-related tasks such as drafting subpoenas and preparing legal documents.
• Build a Network: Utilize your professional network and reach out to companies you're interested in working for. Building relationships with legal professionals can open doors to new opportunities and enhance your chances of gaining relevant experience.

Remember, gaining experience in the legal field will not only make you a stronger candidate for law office assistant positions but will also provide you with valuable skills and insights that will benefit you throughout your career.

Skills

To become a law office assistant, you will need a range of skills, including administrative, technical, and interpersonal abilities.

Communication skills are essential for drafting legal documents, presenting information to lawyers, and interacting with clients, witnesses, and external parties. Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary for phone calls, emails, and memos.

Computer skills are also vital for inputting and organizing information on electronic databases, conducting research, and maintaining detailed electronic calendars. Proficiency in software applications like Microsoft Office and specialized legal programs is advantageous.

Emotional intelligence is another key skill, enabling legal office assistants to understand the needs of others quickly and work efficiently with lawyers, clients, and other professionals.

Organization and time management skills are crucial for managing schedules, conducting research, and handling multiple cases and tasks simultaneously. Legal office assistants must be adept at administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, filing documents, and responding to discovery requests.

Additionally, a strong understanding of legal procedures, terminology, and relevant laws and regulations is essential for conducting legal research, drafting documents, and staying up-to-date with legal developments.

Legal office assistants should also be able to work well under pressure and have excellent attention to detail when handling important and confidential legal documents.

Job applications

When you feel ready to apply for a job as a legal assistant, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success. Firstly, ensure that your resume is tailored to the role and highlights any relevant experience or qualifications you have. You can use an AI resume builder to make this process easier and ensure you include all the information hiring managers will be looking for.

When searching for job postings, consider using websites such as Indeed, which offer a wide range of legal assistant roles. You can also browse job boards, consult your professional network, and reach out directly to companies you are interested in working for. Be wary of job scams when searching.

When applying for roles, it is important to consider how your existing experience aligns with the role of a legal assistant. If you have specialised training or a particular interest, you might want to focus on jobs in that area, such as immigration law or criminal defence. Most companies will want to hear about your experience, so be sure to highlight any transferable skills you have.

Legal assistants are often the entry point for people looking to get into legal professions, so don't be afraid to apply for roles even if you don't have extensive experience. Many companies will provide on-the-job training, and this can be a great way to get your foot in the door.

Salary expectations

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a higher median pay of $59,200 per year or $28.46 per hour for paralegals and legal assistants. However, it is important to note that the BLS does not differentiate between the two roles. Payscale.com, which accounts for the fact that legal assistants typically earn less than paralegals, gives an average wage of $17.26 per hour.

Location plays a significant role in determining the salary of a legal assistant. Salaries tend to be higher in large cities, the Northeast, and on the West Coast. For example, legal assistants working in metropolitan areas can expect to earn higher wages due to the higher cost of living.

Experience is another crucial factor influencing salary. Entry-level legal assistants can expect to earn up to 12% less than the national average salary. In contrast, those with 15 to 20 years of experience in the field may earn 20% to 40% more than their counterparts.

The size and type of the law firm also impact salary expectations. Legal assistants in larger firms may have the opportunity to earn higher wages compared to those in smaller practices. Additionally, the nature of the work and the responsibilities assigned can vary depending on the firm, which can affect salary levels.

While most legal assistants are full-time employees, some may find part-time or contract positions, which can influence their overall earnings.

Frequently asked questions