Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

People in this career perform secretarial tasks that require a strong understanding of law, government, and administrative procedures. On a daily basis, they prepare legal papers such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas, and they may assist with legal research. Their work is highly conventional, focusing on organizing, planning, prioritizing tasks, and processing information. They spend significant time working with computers, documenting information, and communicating with supervisors and peers.

To succeed in this role, individuals need strong skills in active listening, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking. They must coordinate tasks efficiently and manage their time well. Important work styles for this job include a high attention to detail, dependability, integrity, and cooperation. Because legal environments can be fast-paced, stress tolerance, self-control, and perseverance are also crucial. These professionals must maintain excellent interpersonal relationships while delivering strong customer and personal service.

To enter this career, the typical educational requirement is a high school diploma. However, many people prepare for the role through vocational training, an associate degree, or related work experience, which aligns with the medium preparation level typical of this field. Students interested in this path often choose college majors in legal support services.

While not always mandatory, obtaining professional credentials can help candidates stand out to employers. Relevant certifications available for this career include the Accredited Legal Professional credential, offered by the National Association for Legal Support Professionals, and the Administrative Assisting certification from NOCTI. Job titles in this field vary and include legal administrative assistant, law office assistant, legal coordinator, and law secretary.

In 2025, the median annual pay for legal secretaries and administrative assistants was $55,570. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location; the lowest 10% of workers earn less than $36,500, while the highest 10% earn more than $91,730.

There are 156,280 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to decline by -5.2%. Despite this projected decrease in total jobs, there are still 18,100 job openings expected each year to replace workers who leave the field.