Legal Assistant
Job description, Salary, Resume, and Interview Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT DOES A LEGAL ASSISTANT DO?
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.
NATIONAL AVERAGE
LEGAL ASSISTANT SALARY
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
LEGAL ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTIONS
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation of legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, and contracts.
- Coordinate the collection, review, and production of documents; conduct document searches.
- Organize and maintain case files; manage calendars and deadlines.
- Facilitate communication between the legal team, clients, and court officials.
- Prepare exhibits and other supporting materials for trial.
- Conduct legal research and compile data as directed by attorneys.
Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree in Legal Studies, Paralegal Certificate, or related field.
- 2+ years of experience in a litigation support role.
- Strong understanding of legal terminology and procedures.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and research skills.
- Proficiency in legal research software and MS Office Suite.
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in drafting and reviewing legal documents including contracts, agreements, and corporate filings.
- Maintain corporate records and handle corporate governance matters.
- Coordinate and prepare for corporate meetings and proceedings.
- Conduct legal research related to corporate law matters.
- Support the legal team in transactional work including due diligence.
- Liaise with external parties, such as regulatory bodies and corporate clients.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business Administration, or related field.
- 3+ years of experience in a corporate legal setting.
- Familiarity with corporate law and governance.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks.
- Proficiency in legal software and MS Office Suite.
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation of real estate contracts, leases, and deeds.
- Conduct property and title research; coordinate with title companies.
- Manage real estate closing processes, including document preparation and verification.
- Support attorneys in handling real estate disputes and litigation.
- Maintain and update real estate files and databases.
- Liaise with clients, agents, and other parties in real estate transactions.
Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies, with a focus on real estate.
- 2+ years of experience in a real estate legal setting.
- Knowledge of real estate law, practices, and transactional procedures.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Proficiency in legal software relevant to real estate and MS Office Suite.
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation and filing of patent and trademark applications.
- Monitor and manage IP portfolios, including renewals and infringement cases.
- Conduct research on intellectual property rights and related legal matters.
- Prepare legal documentation for IP disputes and litigation.
- Coordinate with clients and IP offices regarding application status and requirements.
- Maintain records of all IP-related activities and correspondences.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies or related field, with a focus on intellectual property.
- 3+ years of experience in an intellectual property legal environment.
- Understanding of IP law and filing procedures.
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in IP management software and MS Office Suite.
Candidate Certifications
to Look For
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.
HOW TO HIRE A LEGAL ASSISTANT
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.
SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
- How do you approach legal research and ensure thoroughness in your findings?
- Can you describe a complex case you assisted with and your role in it?
- How do you manage and organize large volumes of legal documents efficiently?
- Describe your experience with legal software and case management systems.
- How do you maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive legal information?
- Explain your method for prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment.
- Share an instance where you contributed to developing a legal strategy or argument.
- How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple case files simultaneously?
- What strategies do you use to maintain effective communication with legal teams and clients?
- Discuss your experience with any specific area of law or type of legal proceedings.
THREE EASY WAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR LEGAL TEAM
On Call Counsel can assist you in finding the right Legal Assistant for your team. Here are three ways to complete your legal team:
- Use On Call Counsel, a specialized legal staffing agency.
- Post your job on leading legal job boards.
- Leverage your professional network in the legal sector. On Call Counsel offers a network of pre-screened and qualified legal professionals, saving time and ensuring you find the right fit for your team.
NEED HELP HIRING A LEGAL ASSISTANT?
Discover how On Call Counsel can elevate your hiring process with tailored staffing solutions. Contact us today to experience a partnership that transforms your recruitment strategy and connects you with top-tier talent.
