A Legal Assistant is crucial in supporting the legal operations of a law firm or legal department within a company. This role includes tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, organizing case files, and assisting attorneys with various aspects of case preparation. They are responsible for maintaining communication with clients, managing legal documentation, and assisting in the coordination of legal cases. Skills in legal writing, document management, and familiarity with legal software are essential.
To be successful as a Legal Assistant, one should have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in legal software and Microsoft Office. They are expected to work closely with legal teams, contribute to case preparation, and support attorneys in a range of legal tasks. Their role is integral in ensuring efficient legal operations and maintaining well-organized legal records.
Legal Assistant salaries vary based on factors such as education, experience, area of law, location, and size of the law firm or legal department.
$55,502
A clear job description is important when hiring a Legal Assistant. Appropriate for both expanding law firms and corporate legal departments, these examples can help define the requirements and expectations for your next Legal Assistant.
Job Description: The Legal Assistant for Litigation Support will assist our legal team in managing the complexities of litigation cases. This role involves providing support during all phases of litigation including pre-trial, trial, and post-trial.
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Job Description: The Legal Assistant in Corporate Law will support attorneys in handling corporate legal processes such as mergers, compliance issues, transactions, partnerships, and lawsuits.
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Job Description: The Legal Assistant in Real Estate will provide support in real estate transactions and disputes. The role involves interaction with real estate clients and professionals, preparing and reviewing real estate documents.
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Job Description: The Legal Assistant for Intellectual Property will assist in managing intellectual property cases, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks. The role requires a detailed understanding of IP law and procedures.
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Continual skill and knowledge development is important for Legal Assistants. Key qualifications for a Legal Assistant include:
This certification, awarded by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), signifies a high level of competence and ethical practices in paralegal duties.
Offered by NALA, the ACP certification provides paralegals with advanced specialization in areas like litigation, business law, or estate planning, demonstrating expertise beyond basic paralegal skills.
Administered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), this certification denotes a paralegal’s commitment to professionalism and mastery of a broad range of legal procedures and ethics.
Awarded by the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS), the PP certification indicates a high level of proficiency in legal terminology, processes, and overall office skills, tailored for experienced paralegals.
PARALEGAL RESUME EXAMPLES
Download our expertly crafted Paralegal resume examples to showcase your skills and experiences in the legal sector.
Hiring a Legal Assistant involves several considerations. Tips for employers include
Clearly defining the role and responsibilities in the job description.
Assessing candidates for legal knowledge and experience in relevant legal areas
Evaluating organizational skills crucial for managing legal documents and case files.
Checking for relevant certifications as indicators of professional development.
Assessing communication skills essential for effective interaction with legal teams and clients.
Considering the cultural fit with your firm’s values and work environment.
Verifying past performance for reliability and teamwork.
On Call Counsel can assist you in finding the right Legal Assistant for your team. Here are three ways to complete your legal team:
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