How to become a legal secretaries and administrative assistant
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.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
What legal secretaries and administrative assistants do
- Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.
- Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
- Schedule and make appointments.
- Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.
- Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Is legal secretaries and administrative assistant a good career?
On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 9% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- District of Columbia $99,280
- New York $72,230
- Connecticut $66,220
- Delaware $66,130
- Minnesota $63,180
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.