What Does a Legal Assistant Do?
A legal assistant plays a critical role in supporting attorneys and legal teams by handling a wide range of administrative and clerical tasks. They help law offices operate smoothly by managing legal documents, organizing case files, scheduling meetings, and communicating with clients. Legal assistants do not provide legal advice or represent clients but serve as a key point of coordination between attorneys, clients, courts, and outside vendors.
Legal assistants are responsible for preparing and proofreading correspondence, maintaining calendars and deadlines, managing billing entries, and ensuring all documentation is formatted and filed properly. They may assist in legal research, transcription, and trial preparation depending on the size and type of firm. Their accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail directly impact the efficiency and professionalism of the firm’s operations.
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Legal Assistant Core Responsibilities
- Prepare, format, and proofread legal documents and correspondence
- Maintain case files, filing systems, and legal records
- Schedule appointments, hearings, and depositions
- Track deadlines and manage legal calendars
- Communicate with clients, courts, and opposing counsel
- Assist attorneys with billing entry and timekeeping
- Coordinate document delivery, filings, and court submissions
- Support trial prep and organize exhibits or case materials
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal document formatting
- Experience with legal practice management software (e.g., Clio, MyCase, ProLaw)
- Knowledge of court filing procedures and legal terminology
- Typing, transcription, and data entry proficiency
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and organization
- Professionalism and confidentiality in all communications
- Multitasking and time management
- Clear verbal and written communication skills
- Dependability and proactive work ethic
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Associate’s degree or certificate in legal studies preferred
Certifications
- NALS – The Association for Legal Professionals, Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) – preferred, not required
- Legal Assistant Certificate – helpful for specialized firms
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in a law firm or legal department
- Familiarity with litigation or transactional practice areas
- Experience supporting multiple attorneys or legal teams
National Average Salary
Legal assistant salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Legal Assistant is:
$51,825
Sample Job Description Templates for Legal Assistants
Litigation Legal Assistant
Position Overview
We’re seeking a Litigation Legal Assistant to support attorneys through all phases of litigation, including case preparation, document management, and court filings. This role requires strong organizational skills and familiarity with court systems and litigation deadlines.
Responsibilities
- Draft and file pleadings, motions, and legal correspondence
- Maintain litigation calendars and monitor court deadlines
- Organize discovery materials and coordinate document production
- Prepare exhibits, trial binders, and deposition materials
- Communicate with clients, court personnel, and opposing counsel
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with e-filing systems (e.g., PACER, CM/ECF)
- Understanding of litigation processes and legal terminology
- Experience with docketing and case management software
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented with time-sensitive accuracy
- Clear and professional communication
- Ability to manage multiple cases and competing priorities
Education
- Associate’s degree or certificate in legal studies preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of litigation support experience
- Trial preparation and courtroom experience
Corporate Legal Assistant
Position Overview
We are hiring a Corporate Legal Assistant to support attorneys handling entity formation, governance, and corporate transactions. This role involves document drafting, due diligence coordination, and regulatory compliance support.
Responsibilities
- Prepare corporate formation documents, bylaws, and board resolutions
- Maintain corporate minute books and records
- Support M&A transactions and coordinate closings
- Conduct UCC filings and track deadlines for compliance
- Manage communication with clients, auditors, and state agencies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Understanding of corporate structures and entity types
- Proficiency with document management systems
- Familiarity with SEC and state filing requirements
Soft skills
- Accuracy in document creation and version control
- Discretion with sensitive corporate data
- Strong organizational skills under tight deadlines
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in legal studies or business
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years in corporate legal support
- Experience with board meeting coordination or M&A deals
Real Estate Legal Assistant
Position Overview
We are seeking a Real Estate Legal Assistant to support commercial or residential property transactions. This role helps manage closings, prepare title documents, and maintain accurate real estate records.
Responsibilities
- Draft and review purchase agreements, closing checklists, and leases
- Coordinate with title companies, lenders, and escrow agents
- Organize closing documents and prepare HUD/ALTA statements
- Track deadlines for contingencies, inspections, and closings
- Maintain property records and legal files
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with real estate closing software (e.g., SoftPro, Qualia)
- Knowledge of title documentation and recording requirements
- Familiarity with zoning and real property law
Soft skills
- High attention to legal detail
- Client-facing professionalism
- Task management in deadline-heavy environments
Education
- Certificate or associate’s degree in legal or real estate studies
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years supporting real estate attorneys or title agents
Immigration Legal Assistant
Position Overview
We are hiring an Immigration Legal Assistant to support visa, green card, and citizenship processes. This role involves preparing forms, tracking case timelines, and communicating with clients and government agencies.
Responsibilities
- Prepare USCIS, DOS, and DOL forms and applications
- Organize client documentation and case files
- Track deadlines and respond to RFE notices
- Maintain contact with clients regarding case progress
- Manage case status reports and submission timelines
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with immigration law and government filings
- Experience with immigration software (e.g., INSZoom, LawLogix)
- Strong data entry and form management
Soft skills
- Empathy and clarity in client communication
- Excellent attention to legal documentation detail
- Cultural sensitivity and confidentiality
Education
- Associate’s degree in legal studies or related field
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of immigration law firm experience
Family Law Legal Assistant
Position Overview
We are seeking a Family Law Legal Assistant to support attorneys with divorce, custody, and support matters. This role manages sensitive casework and requires compassionate client interaction and precision in legal filing.
Responsibilities
- Draft and file family court documents and pleadings
- Maintain case files and organize discovery documents
- Coordinate hearings, mediations, and client meetings
- Communicate with clients, courts, and opposing counsel
- Assist with billing entries and deadline tracking
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with family court procedures and terminology
- Document drafting and e-filing experience
- Calendar management and legal billing software use
Soft skills
- Discretion and client empathy
- Strong multitasking under pressure
- Emotional intelligence and professionalism
Education
- Associate’s degree in legal or paralegal studies
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years in a family law practice
Criminal Defense Legal Assistant
Position Overview
We’re hiring a Criminal Defense Legal Assistant to support attorneys through pre-trial, trial, and post-conviction phases. The role requires fast-paced coordination with courts, clients, and investigators.
Responsibilities
- Draft motions, subpoenas, and discovery letters
- Manage trial calendars and court filing deadlines
- Track incarceration or bail statuses and case updates
- Organize case files and maintain evidence logs
- Schedule meetings with clients, witnesses, and experts
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with criminal court systems and terminology
- Experience preparing trial exhibits and dockets
- Strong typing and document prep skills
Soft skills
- Confidentiality and discretion under pressure
- Effective communication with diverse clients
- Timeliness and urgency in fast-moving matters
Education
- Legal assistant certificate or associate’s degree in legal studies
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years in criminal defense legal support
Estate Planning Legal Assistant
Position Overview
We are hiring an Estate Planning Legal Assistant to help draft wills, trusts, and related documents while managing client records and timelines. This role supports attorneys in preparing estate packages with care and confidentiality.
Responsibilities
- Draft wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives
- Prepare signing packets and coordinate client appointments
- Maintain estate planning databases and client folders
- Record deeds and other legal instruments as needed
- Assist with probate documentation and filings
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in legal document creation and estate software
- Understanding of estate planning terminology and forms
- Experience managing client assets and schedules
Soft skills
- Discretion and professionalism
- Meticulous attention to legal detail
- Comfort working with elderly or grieving clients
Education
- Associate’s degree or legal assistant certification
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years supporting estate or probate attorneys
Personal Injury Legal Assistant
Position Overview
We’re looking for a Personal Injury Legal Assistant to manage medical records, case documentation, and settlement preparation. This role plays a key part in supporting attorneys and maintaining case momentum from intake to resolution.
Responsibilities
- Collect and organize medical records and bills
- Draft demand letters, complaints, and settlement packets
- Track statute of limitations and case milestones
- Coordinate communication with clients, providers, and insurers
- Support trial prep and file management
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of personal injury process and documentation
- Legal software and case tracking proficiency
- Familiarity with medical record handling
Soft skills
- Empathy and responsive communication
- Ability to manage deadlines and case volume
- Strong organizational habits
Education
- Certificate in legal studies or related associate’s degree
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years in a personal injury or civil litigation firm