Legal assistant

About this occupation

Legal assistants work closely together with lawyers and legal representatives in the research and preparation of cases brought to courts. They assist in the paper work of cases and management of the administrative side of court affairs.

• Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
• Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
• Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
• Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
• Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.
• Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.

Typical education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Conventional, Investigative, Enterprising

Top skills: Writing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Learning

US median pay: US$62,890 a year (2025), 392,880 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentExtremely important (4.8)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.4)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.9)
• Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.3)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

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.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.