How to Be Legal Administrative Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 5, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The demand for legal administrative assistants has increased significantly over the years due to the growing complexity of legal processes and paperwork. With this increased demand comes a heightened need for competent professionals who are able to manage and complete a variety of tasks, such as setting appointments and filing court documents. The result is that these professionals are now highly sought after, leading to higher salaries and more job opportunities.

the role of a legal administrative assistant has become even more important, as they are often required to provide legal advice and support to lawyers and other legal professionals. As a result, employers are now looking for candidates who have the necessary skills and experience to excel in this position.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require administrative assistants to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Pursue a Certificate in Legal Assisting. A certificate program in legal assisting is the best way to gain the knowledge and skills required to become a legal administrative assistant. These programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and online.
Obtain Certification. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offers certification in the field of legal assisting. To qualify for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) exam, you must have completed either a two-year degree or a four-year degree in paralegal studies. If you have obtained a certificate in legal assisting, you must have completed a minimum of 20 semester hours of coursework in order to be eligible to take the CLA or CP exam.
Obtain On-the-Job Training. Employers often provide on-the-job training to new legal administrative assistants. This training allows the new employee to become familiar with the office procedures, software systems and forms used by the firm.
Maintain Professionalism. Professionalism is key when working as a legal administrative assistant. It is important to be punctual, organized, and detail-oriented in order to ensure that all tasks are completed accurately and on time.

Being a successful administrative assistant requires a range of skills and qualifications. To be successful, an assistant must have strong organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, the ability to multitask, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. They must also be computer literate and have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

it is important to have a good understanding of office protocols and procedures, as well as knowledge of relevant software programs and an understanding of basic accounting principles. Finally, having a good attitude and the ability to work in a team environment are also essential for successful administrative assistants. By possessing all of these qualities, an administrative assistant will be able to provide the necessary support for any organization and help ensure its success.

You may want to check Labor and Employment Law Paralegal, Contract Paralegal, and Probate Paralegal for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers/clients and assist them with inquiries.
Answer phone calls and take messages.
Set up and maintain filing systems.
Prepare legal documents, such as contracts and briefs.
Organize, update and maintain databases and tracking systems.
Create and modify spreadsheets and presentations.
Manage emails, calendars, and schedules.
Provide administrative support, such as typing and filing documents.
Research legal information and documents.
Monitor deadlines and coordinate tasks for lawyers.
Maintain office supplies and order necessary items.
Prepare and submit expense reports.
Process payments and invoices.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent written and oral communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask
Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures
Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Ability to handle confidential documents and information
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Knowledge of court filing systems and procedures
Ability to transcribe dictation
Solid understanding of legal process and rules of procedure
Ability to research legal topics
Excellent customer service skills

Organizational and communication skills are essential for any administrative assistant. Having strong organizational skills helps an administrative assistant prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Communication skills are important to effectively coordinate with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders.

These skills allow the administrative assistant to create and maintain professional relationships while ensuring that tasks are completed on time. having a good knowledge of office software and other computer programs can help the administrative assistant to manage documents, files, and reports efficiently. Other important skills for an administrative assistant include problem solving, time management, and attention to detail.

All these skills serve as the foundation for success in the role of an administrative assistant, enabling them to work productively and provide superior support to the organization.

Legal Assistant, Appeals Paralegal, and Securities Paralegal are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a legal administrative assistant role?
How would you handle a situation where a client has demanded an unreasonable timeline for a project?
What steps would you take to ensure the accuracy of legal documents?
How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment?
How do you handle difficult conversations with clients or coworkers?
What do you think is the most important skill for a successful legal administrative assistant?
Describe a time when you successfully identified a potential legal issue and took steps to address it.
What systems have you used to organize and store legal documents?
How do you stay up to date on changes to the law and relevant regulations?
What strategies do you use to maintain confidentiality of sensitive legal data?

Common Tools in Industry

Word processing software. software used to create, edit, format, and print documents such as letters, reports, and memos (e. g. Microsoft Word).
Calendar software. software used to manage and schedule appointments, meetings, and events (e. g. Google Calendar).
Database software. software used to store, organize, and retrieve information (e. g. Microsoft Access).
Spreadsheet software. software used to create and analyze numerical data in tables and graphs (e. g. Microsoft Excel).
Presentation software. software used to create multimedia presentations (e. g. Microsoft PowerPoint).
Email software. software used to send and receive electronic messages (e. g. Microsoft Outlook).
Legal research software. software used to conduct legal research (e. g. Westlaw or LexisNexis).
Document management software. software used to store, organize, and access digital documents (e. g. Adobe Acrobat).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
American Alliance of Paralegals (AAP)
American Bar Association (ABA)
International Paralegal Management Association (IPMA)
National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS)
National Notary Association (NNA)
Association of Legal Administrators (ALA)
International Association of Legal Administrators (IALA)
National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS)

We also have Personal Injury Paralegal, Research Assistant, and Corporate Paralegal jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Billing. The process of creating an invoice for goods or services rendered and ensuring that payment is received.
Dictation. The practice of taking down spoken words and transcribing them into written form.
Calendaring. The practice of scheduling and organizing meetings, appointments, and other events.
Document Preparation. The process of creating, formatting, and organizing documents such as legal pleadings, contracts, and other legal documents.
Filing. The process of organizing and storing documents in an orderly manner.
Scanning. The process of digitizing hard-copy documents into electronic form.
Correspondence. The practice of managing written communication between parties, such as emails, letters, and memos.
Database Management. The practice of organizing and maintaining data within a computer system.
Record Keeping. The practice of tracking and maintaining records related to financial transactions, legal matters, and other activities.
Legal Research. The process of researching and gathering information relevant to a legal matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Legal Administrative Assistant?

A Legal Administrative Assistant is a professional who provides administrative and clerical support to an attorney or law firm. They may be responsible for organizing legal documents, preparing correspondence, scheduling court hearings, and other administrative duties.

What type of duties does a Legal Administrative Assistant typically perform?

Common duties of a Legal Administrative Assistant include organizing legal documents, preparing correspondence, scheduling court hearings, researching legal issues, and maintaining client files. They may also be responsible for creating and filing legal documents, preparing pleadings and motions, assisting attorneys with trial preparation, and managing office accounts.

What qualifications are needed to become a Legal Administrative Assistant?

To become a Legal Administrative Assistant, individuals typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as specialized training in legal terminology and office practices. In some cases, employers may require additional qualifications such as a certificate in legal studies or an associate's degree in paralegal studies.

What skills are important for a Legal Administrative Assistant?

Important skills for a Legal Administrative Assistant include knowledge of legal terminology and processes, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, and proficiency with computer software and applications.

How much does a Legal Administrative Assistant earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a Legal Administrative Assistant is $37,620 per year. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and other factors.