Legal Assistant Job Description

Are you considering a career as a legal assistant?  Legal assistants work for qualified attorneys doing a wide range of legal and administrative tasks.  This is an excellent career choice for people who are interested in law and who seek varied and interesting employment.  While legal assistants cannot by law give legal advice, they are an important component of law teams that seek justice for individuals and companies.

Paralegal Legal Assistant Job Description

The job description for a paralegal legal assistant depends on experience and place of employment.  For instance, a legal assistant who has just graduated and has no real work experience will probably find him or herself performing administrative duties.  It is important to remember that, while you might not be interviewing witnesses or investigating case facts right away, you are still learning valuable skills that will serve you well as you advance in your career.  Attorneys at large and prestigious law firms look for legal assistants that have experience in every aspect of the paralegal profession.

There are many tasks that fit the job description for a legal assistant.  If you go to work for a corporate law firm, you will probably become an expert in things such as trademark infringement, tax codes, and even sexual harassment.  You could also go to work for a private lawyer who deals in divorce and child custody issues, which means your job duties will revolve around those kinds of cases.  Where and who you work for has a large bearing on the job functions you will most likely perform.

If you work as a litigation legal assistant, your job description is going to be quite different from one working in the bankruptcy profession.  You will work longer hours and more weekends but you could also earn a lot more money.

Excellent Job Outlook For Legal Assistants

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the job growth for legal assistants will be faster than average.  This is excellent news for anyone considering this rewarding career.  There is competition for jobs in this popular field, which is why obtaining a professional degree or certificate is in your best interest.  The more education you have, the more likely you are to land the job of your dreams.

The earnings of a legal assistant varies depending on experience, education, and industry.  The highest paid jobs are usually in large, urban law firms, as well as in corporate law firms.  Legal assistants can also make bonuses, and when working full time can usually expect the full range of employee benefits including sick and vacation time, 401k savings plans, and tuition reimbursement.  Many law firms located in cities will also reimburse parking fees for their legal assistants.

Training To Become A Legal Assistant

While some law firms will train someone to become a legal assistant, the vast majority of job opportunities are available for people who have formal training.  With an associate’s degree in legal assisting, you can expect to be offered a higher salary than someone with no formal training.  It is possible to obtain your associate’s degree by attending school in the evening, or even online.  Just make sure the program you are considering is certified by the American Bar Association.

The quickest way to complete your legal assistant training is online.  Online schools offer the most flexibility for students who work full or part-time, or who have family to care for.  Online schools are also excellent for people who already have a degree in a different field.