Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.
SOC: 43-6012.00
Common Job Titles
Legal Administrative Assistant (Legal Admin Assistant)Legal Office Support AssistantLegal Practice AssistantLegal Secretary
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate legal documents for completeness and compliance with court procedures using knowledge of legal terminology and filing requirements, working under attorney supervision.Proficient
- KnowledgePrepare summonses, complaints, motions, subpoenas, and legal correspondence applying legal terminology and document formats, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret legal procedures and filing deadlines in court systems and administrative agencies, coordinating document submission timelines.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize case files, correspondence, and legal documentation using case management software and filing systems to maintain attorney accessibility.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate client service principles with confidentiality requirements when communicating with clients, courts, and external parties in sensitive legal matters.Proficient
- MindsetBalance competing priorities and urgent deadlines in fast-paced law office environments with multiple attorney demands.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply Microsoft Office Suite and specialized legal software to create, format, and manage legal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze legal research materials and case documents using LexisNexis and Westlaw databases to support attorney case preparation.Developing
- MindsetRespond to attorney requests and client inquiries with professionalism and attention to detail, maintaining attorney-client privilege.Developing
- Hands-onOperate office technology including document scanners, multi-line phone systems, and legal software following established office protocols to support administrative workflow.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
154,540
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $35,530 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $87,660 |
| Workers on average earn | $60,320 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Administrative4.5/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Law and Government4.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe AcrobatIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Word
Technology Skills
A1-LawADP Workforce NowAbacusNext HotDocsAccounting softwareAderant CompuLawAmortization calculation softwareAppointment scheduling softwareBilling software
Tools & Equipment
Digital audio recordersDigital camerasDigital duplicating machinesDocument scannersDocument shreddersElectric typewritersHandheld calculatorsLaptop computers