What Does a Legal Receptionist Do?
A legal receptionist serves as the front-line representative for a law firm, greeting clients and visitors, answering phones, and directing inquiries to the appropriate legal personnel. This role combines strong administrative skills with professionalism and confidentiality, as the receptionist often serves as the first point of contact for clients and legal vendors. Legal receptionists help maintain the firm’s public image by providing a courteous, organized, and efficient front office experience.
In addition to managing phones and greeting guests, legal receptionists may schedule appointments, sort and route incoming mail, manage courier deliveries, and assist with document filing or data entry. They must understand basic legal terminology to route calls accurately and support a smooth client experience. Legal receptionists often work in fast-paced environments and are expected to maintain strict confidentiality while balancing multiple administrative tasks with a calm, composed demeanor.
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Legal Receptionist Core Responsibilities
- Answer and route incoming calls using a multi-line phone system
- Greet clients, vendors, and guests in a professional manner
- Schedule client meetings, consultations, and conference room bookings
- Handle incoming and outgoing mail, deliveries, and court documents
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the front desk and lobby
- Perform basic clerical duties such as filing, scanning, or data entry
- Communicate with attorneys, paralegals, and office staff to relay messages
- Ensure all client and case information remains confidential
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with multi-line phone systems and office scheduling tools
- Familiarity with legal office procedures and terminology
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and office equipment (copiers, scanners)
- Calendar management and front-desk coordination
Soft skills
- Professional demeanor and verbal communication
- Strong multitasking and organizational abilities
- Discretion in handling sensitive information
- Customer service orientation and interpersonal skills
- Punctuality and reliability in a front-facing role
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Administrative or customer service training preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of receptionist or administrative experience in a law firm or legal setting
- Familiarity with legal practice management software (e.g., Clio, MyCase, ProLaw)
- Bilingual skills may be beneficial in client-facing firms
National Average Salary
Legal receptionist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Position is:
$123,456
Sample Job Description Templates for Legal Receptionists
Litigation Receptionist
Position Overview
We are seeking a Litigation Receptionist to support a fast-paced litigation practice by managing front-desk operations and coordinating court-related scheduling. This role requires strong organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to handle high volumes of calls and visitors with professionalism.
Responsibilities
- Answer and direct incoming calls related to litigation cases
- Greet clients, witnesses, and court messengers
- Maintain attorney calendars and track hearing or deposition schedules
- Receive and log court filings and legal correspondence
- Coordinate with litigation support staff on urgent filings or client appointments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with litigation terms and legal document types
- Proficiency in calendar tools and phone systems
- File intake and document routing skills
Soft skills
- Composure in fast-moving environments
- Multitasking under pressure
- Clear, professional communication
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a litigation or court-facing law firm setting
Family Law Receptionist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Family Law Receptionist to serve as the welcoming, discreet first point of contact for clients dealing with divorce, custody, or support matters. Compassion and confidentiality are essential in this client-facing role.
Responsibilities
- Greet clients with empathy and professionalism
- Manage phone inquiries and schedule consultations
- Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive case topics
- Assist in preparing intake forms and collecting initial documentation
- Coordinate meetings, hearings, and mediation appointments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with family law forms and terminology
- Calendar management and basic document handling
- Front-desk phone and visitor management
Soft skills
- Emotional intelligence and active listening
- Discretion in handling personal and legal information
- Warm and calming demeanor
Education
- High school diploma required; customer service background preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 1+ year working in a family law or high-sensitivity client environment
Corporate Law Receptionist
Position Overview
We’re seeking a Corporate Law Receptionist to support attorneys and clients in a professional business law setting. This role involves managing front-office duties with an emphasis on client service, confidentiality, and executive-level communication.
Responsibilities
- Greet corporate clients, executives, and vendors with professionalism
- Schedule meetings and maintain conference room bookings
- Answer and route calls relating to business law, contracts, or compliance
- Handle confidential mail and business-sensitive documents
- Coordinate client intake materials and visitor logs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Calendar management and executive-level phone support
- Understanding of basic business law terms and confidentiality standards
- Office software and phone system proficiency
Soft skills
- Polished and professional front-desk demeanor
- Strong interpersonal and client service skills
- Attention to corporate protocol
Education
- High school diploma required; associate’s degree preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of experience in a corporate or legal office
Bilingual Receptionist
Position Overview
We’re hiring a Bilingual Legal Receptionist to support our diverse client base by providing front-desk services and language assistance in both English and a second language (typically Spanish). This role improves access to legal services and facilitates clear communication.
Responsibilities
- Greet and assist clients in English and their preferred language
- Translate or relay messages between attorneys and non-English speakers
- Schedule bilingual consultations and meetings
- Answer multi-line phones in both languages
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism across cultures
Requirements
Hard skills
- Fluency in English and a second language (e.g., Spanish)
- Legal terminology comprehension in both languages
- Proficiency in office systems and client intake software
Soft skills
- Cultural sensitivity and communication accuracy
- Multitasking across phone, in-person, and translation duties
- Empathetic and inclusive approach
Education
- High school diploma required
Preferred Qualifications
- Legal receptionist or translation experience preferred
Legal Intake Receptionist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Legal Intake Receptionist to manage incoming inquiries, screen potential clients, and gather case details for attorney review. This role serves as the firm’s first point of legal contact and requires strong communication and attention to detail.
Responsibilities
- Answer new client calls and emails with professionalism
- Complete intake forms and schedule initial consultations
- Ask screening questions to identify appropriate legal issues
- Enter client data into CRM or case management systems
- Flag potential conflicts and escalate urgent matters to attorneys
Requirements
Hard skills
- Intake software or CRM familiarity (e.g., Lawmatics, Clio Grow)
- Typing and documentation accuracy
- Understanding of common legal service areas
Soft skills
- Empathy and effective listening
- Attention to detail and confidentiality
- Strong verbal communication
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in legal or healthcare intake roles
Part-Time Legal Receptionist
Position Overview
We’re looking for a Part-Time Legal Receptionist to support our office during peak hours or on designated days. This flexible role is ideal for candidates with prior front-desk or legal experience seeking a reduced schedule.
Responsibilities
- Answer calls and direct inquiries to appropriate legal staff
- Greet visitors and manage daily appointment schedules
- Route mail, deliveries, and court documents
- Maintain front desk cleanliness and office supplies
- Support clerical tasks during attorney absences or overflow
Requirements
Hard skills
- Phone, calendar, and front-desk management
- Familiarity with legal office terminology
- Proficiency with basic office software
Soft skills
- Punctuality and reliability in limited shifts
- Friendly and composed under time pressure
- Ability to work independently
Education
- High school diploma required
Preferred Qualifications
- 1+ year of experience in a legal or administrative setting