Legal secretaries and administrative assistants
SOC Code: 43-6012Also known as:
Accredited Legal Secretary, Certified Legal Secretary Specialist, Confidential Secretary, Law Firm Administrator, Law Office Assistant
Median Annual Salary
$54,140
-5.8% growth (2024-2034)
20K
Openings/Year
156K
Current Jobs
What Legal secretaries and administrative assistants Do
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.
💰 Salary
$54,140
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-5.8%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
20K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
156,300
Projected Employment (2034)
147,300
Related Careers
Paralegals and legal assistants
$61,010 •
+0.2% growth
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners
$67,310 •
-0.3% growth
Court, municipal, and license clerks
$47,700 •
+3.0% growth
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
$74,260 •
-1.6% growth
Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive
$46,290 •
-1.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Time Management
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.
- Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.
- Prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.
- Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.
- Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
- Complete various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients.
- Receive and place telephone calls.
- Schedule and make appointments.
- Draft and type office memos.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Legal secretaries and administrative assistants
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a legal secretaries and administrative assistants:
Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary
403 degrees awarded •
47 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Legal secretaries and administrative assistants
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become legal secretaries and administrative assistants.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 21 | B+ |
| 2 | Tulsa Technology Center | Tulsa, OK | 9 | B |
| 3 | Sheridan Technical College | Hollywood, FL | 9 | C+ |
| 4 | Trinity Valley Community College | Athens, TX | 8 | C+ |
| 5 | Atlantic Technical College | Coconut Creek, FL | 6 | C+ |
| 6 | Renton Technical College | Renton, WA | 5 | C+ |
| 7 | Lorenzo Walker Technical College | Naples, FL | 4 | C+ |
| 8 | Yakima Valley College | Yakima, WA | 3 | C+ |
| 9 | Metro Technology Centers | Oklahoma City, OK | 2 | C+ |
| 10 | South Texas College | McAllen, TX | 1 | C+ |
| 11 | Spokane Community College | Spokane, WA | 1 | C+ |
| 12 | Edmonds College | Lynnwood, WA | 1 | C+ |
| 13 | Lewis-Clark State College | Lewiston, ID | 1 | C+ |
| 14 | Moraine Valley Community College | Palos Hills, IL | 1 | C+ |
| 15 | Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | 1 | C+ |
| 16 | Blinn College District | Brenham, TX | 39 | C |
| 17 | Oxnard College | Oxnard, CA | 30 | C |
| 18 | Fresno City College | Fresno, CA | 19 | C |
| 19 | MTI College | Sacramento, CA | 16 | C |
| 20 | Purdue University Global | West Lafayette, IN | 16 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do legal secretaries and administrative assistants make?
The median annual salary for legal secretaries and administrative assistants is $54,140.
What education do legal secretaries and administrative assistants need?
Most legal secretaries and administrative assistants positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary.
Is becoming legal secretaries and administrative assistants a good career choice?
Legal secretaries and administrative assistants is projected to see -5.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 19,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for legal secretaries and administrative assistants?
Top colleges for aspiring legal secretaries and administrative assistants include
Georgetown University, Tulsa Technology Center, Sheridan Technical College, Trinity Valley Community College, Atlantic Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to legal secretaries and administrative assistants?
Legal secretaries and administrative assistants may also be known as: Accredited Legal Secretary, Certified Legal Secretary Specialist, Confidential Secretary, Law Firm Administrator, Law Office Assistant, Law Secretary, Legal Administrative Assistant (Legal Admin Assistant), Legal Administrator (Legal Admin), Legal Coordinator, Legal Executive Assistant (Legal Exec Assistant), Legal Management Assistant, Legal Office Support Assistant, Legal Practice Assistant, Legal Receptionist, Legal Secretary, Litigation Legal Secretary, Litigation Secretary, Magistrate Assistant, Paralegal Secretary, Secretary.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.