Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Also called: Accredited Legal Secretary, Certified Legal Secretary Specialist, Confidential Secretary, Coordinating Legal Practice Assistant, Judicial Administrative Assistant

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Varies

estimated salary

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.

  • Prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.
  • Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
  • Receive and place telephone calls.
  • Schedule and make appointments.
  • Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.
  • Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.
  • Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
  • Draft and type office memos.
  • Complete various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients.
  • Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.
  • Submit articles and information from searches to attorneys for review and approval for use.
  • Make travel arrangements for attorneys.
  • Review legal publications and perform database searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases.
  • Attend legal meetings, such as client interviews, hearings, or depositions, and take notes.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 99% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 97% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 81% responded "Every day".
  • Letters and Memos — 73% responded "Every day".
  • Time Pressure — 67% responded "Every day".
  • Contact With Others — 61% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 90% responded "Every day".
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Work Activities
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
  • Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
  • Prepare legal documents.
  • Make travel, accommodations, or entertainment arrangements for others.
  • Send information, materials or documentation.
  • Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
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Knowledge

Clerical
  • Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Law and Government
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • LexisNexis Time Matters
  • Database software
  • Electronic adjudication management systems EAM
  • A1-Law
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
  • Word processing software
  • Transcription software
  • WordPerfect
  • Electronic diary software
Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Microsoft Visio Hot Technology
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