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.

$47,460
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
0% projected 2024โ€“2034
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Legal secretaries handle the administrative backbone of law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. They prepare and format essential legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, motions, and contracts, ensuring every comma and citation follows precise legal standards. Throughout the day, they manage attorney calendars, schedule court appearances and client meetings, and maintain organized case files with critical deadlines that cannot be missed. They often serve as the primary point of contact for clients, court personnel, and opposing counsel, requiring discretion and professionalism in every interaction.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Legal Support Services(masters)George Washington University, DC
$66,963
Legal Support Services(grad-cert)George Washington University, DC
$61,174
Legal Support Services(postbacc-cert)San Francisco State University, CA
$57,920
Legal Support Services(postbacc-cert)University of San Diego, CA
$53,157
Legal Support Services(masters)Purdue University Global, IN
$52,174
Legal Support Services(bachelors)Roger Williams University, RI
$51,445
Legal Support Services(certificate)Tacoma Community College, WA
$50,681
Legal Support Services(associates)Inver Hills Community College, MN
$49,694
Legal Support Services(associates)Des Moines Area Community College, IA
$49,137
Legal Support Services(associates)North Hennepin Community College, MN
$48,960
Legal Support Services(certificate)Loyola University Chicago, IL
$48,819
Legal Support Services(certificate)North Hennepin Community College, MN
$48,599
Legal Support Services(bachelors)SUNY College of Technology at Canton, NY
$48,269
Legal Support Services(grad-cert)University of San Diego, CA
$47,828
Legal Support Services(associates)MTI College, CA
$47,535
Legal Support Services(bachelors)Stevenson University, MD
$46,661
Legal Support Services(associates)Palm Beach State College, FL
$46,622
Legal Support Services(bachelors)Peirce College, PA
$46,406
Legal Support Services(associates)Austin Community College District, TX
$46,216
Legal Support Services(associates)Northern Virginia Community College, VA
$45,915
Legal Support Services(certificate)Edmonds College, WA
$45,880
Legal Support Services(grad-cert)Texas State University, TX
$45,867
Legal Support Services(associates)Phoenix College, AZ
$45,838
Legal Support Services(masters)Texas State University, TX
$45,778
Legal Support Services(bachelors)University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, OH
$45,549

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