Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Legal secretaries and administrative assistants handle the paperwork and coordination that keeps law offices running. They prepare documents like summonses, complaints, and motions; manage correspondence; and may conduct legal research. These professionals work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and courts.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against legal secretaries and administrative assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves drafting legal documents from attorney notes, filing papers with courts, scheduling depositions and meetings, and managing case files. Legal secretaries answer phones, handle client communications, proofread documents for accuracy, and organize evidence. They may research case law, prepare trial materials, and maintain billing records. The work requires attention to detail and familiarity with legal terminology and court procedures.
Who this work suits
Holland code CES. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd do well in this role if you enjoy organizing information systematically and following established procedures—typical of people with conventional interests. If you also have enterprising interests, you may appreciate client interaction and helping attorneys achieve their goals in a professional setting.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Administrative Assistant · Nuclear Regulatory Commission · Multiple Locations · $59095–$83119
- DRUG TESTING PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT · Air Force District of Washington · Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, District of Columbia · $57736–$75059
- ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (OA) · Naval Education and Training Command · Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois · $45538–$59200
- Administrative Assistant/Officer · Veterans Health Administration · Little Rock, Arkansas · $50460–$80243
- Administrative Assistant (OA) · U.S. Census Bureau · Multiple Locations · $48019–$69565
- MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT · Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command · Niagara Falls, New York · $52766–$68597
- Medical Administrative Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · East Orange, New Jersey · $59465–$77306
- Administrative Assistant (OA) · U.S. Coast Guard · Multiple Locations · $57055–$82007
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $64,670 | $99,280 | $107,690 | 1,940 |
| New York | $52,780 | $72,230 | $97,220 | 9,800 |
| Connecticut | $56,150 | $66,220 | $81,050 | 1,090 |
| Delaware | $59,750 | $66,130 | $80,110 | 980 |
| Minnesota | $54,460 | $63,180 | $79,410 | 2,410 |
| New Jersey | $48,910 | $63,080 | $76,100 | 4,160 |
| Rhode Island | $43,680 | $63,020 | $80,890 | 390 |
| California | $50,040 | $62,860 | $80,650 | 27,470 |
| Massachusetts | $48,040 | $62,120 | $77,420 | 4,020 |
| Maryland | $49,920 | $61,440 | $77,580 | 1,670 |
| Alaska | $50,530 | $61,280 | $62,190 | 660 |
| Oregon | $45,270 | $59,610 | $82,730 | 1,590 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Administrative Assisting — NOCTI
- Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) — National Association for Legal Support Professionals
- Certified Legal Professional (CLP) — National Association for Legal Support Professionals
- Certified Legal Manager (CLM) — Association of Legal Administrators
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against legal secretaries and administrative assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-6012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.