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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.

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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.

See why On Call Counsel

is the leader in legal staffing solutions.

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.

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