Legal Assistant

Full-time

No

## Overview of Legal Assistant Role

A Legal Assistant, or Paralegal, is responsible for helping Lawyers and other legal professionals prepare for trials or court cases. They provide administrative support to Lawyers and their clients, assisting with clerical tasks such as making copies, sending emails, maintaining appointment schedules, processing client payments and organizing filing systems. They may also contact witnesses, record interviews with witnesses, review police reports and compose legal documents. The specific duties of a Legal Assistant will often depend on the needs of the law firm or the Lawyer they assist.

## Qualifications and Skills for Legal Assistant Role

Legal Assistants will typically have certain prerequisite qualifications and skills, which include:

* Computer skills
* Research skills
* Ability to maintain confidentiality
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Organizational skills

A minimum of an associate degree in paralegal studies is often required to work as a Legal Assistant. Some Legal Assistants may have a bachelor’s degree and some may be working toward entrance to law school. Many aspiring Lawyers or Paralegals will pursue employment as a Legal Assistant in preparation for a career as a Lawyer or Paralegal. Some hiring managers may prefer to hire a candidate without prior experience and then train them on the individual needs of the law firm while encouraging them to become certified as a Legal Assistant.

## Salary Expectations for Legal Assistant Role

Legal Assistants make an average of per hour nationally. Brandon Legal Group pays a competitive rate. Pay rate may vary depending on the education, experience level and geographical location of the Legal Assistant. The specific duties of the Legal Assistant and the type of legal work they do may also determine the pay rate. For example, an entry-level Legal Assistant who works for a smaller law firm that specializes in auto accidents can usually expect to earn less than an experienced Legal Assistant who works for a law firm with high-profile legal cases.

## Summary

Legal Assistants, or Paralegals, are responsible for helping Lawyers and other legal professionals prepare for trials or court cases. They provide administrative support to Lawyers and their clients, assisting with clerical tasks such as making copies, sending emails, maintaining appointment schedules, processing client payments and organizing filing systems. They may also contact witnesses, record interviews with witnesses, review police reports and compose legal documents. In order to work as a Legal Assistant, a minimum of an associate degree in paralegal studies is often required. Legal Assistants make an average of per hour nationally, and the pay rate may vary depending on the education, experience level and geographical location of the Legal Assistant.

Varies

Varies

Varies

Computer skills, Research skills, Ability to maintain confidentiality, Strong written and verbal communication skills, Organizational skills

Associate degree in paralegal studies

Varies

Qualification and Experience Associate degree in paralegal studies

Legal