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Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

CrowdSourceLawyers.com

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.

Sample of reported job titles: Confidential Secretary, Coordinating Legal Practice Assistant, Judicial Administrative Assistant, Legal Administrative Assistant, Legal Administrative Secretary, Legal Coordinator, Legal Office Support Assistant, Legal Secretary, Magistrate Assistant, Secretary

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Tasks  |  Technology Skills  |  Tools Used  |  Knowledge  |  Skills  |  Abilities  |  Work Activities  |  Detailed Work Activities  |  Work Context  |  Job Zone  |  Education  |  Credentials  |  Interests  |  Work Styles  |  Work Values  |  Related Occupations  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks

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  • Prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Receive and place telephone calls.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Schedule and make appointments.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Draft and type office memos.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Complete various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Submit articles and information from searches to attorneys for review and approval for use.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Make travel arrangements for attorneys.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Review legal publications and perform database searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases.See more occupations related to this task.

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Technology Skills

Show fewer All 20 displayed     Show 16 tools used
  • Accounting software — Billing software; Intuit QuickBooks Hot technology ; Sage 50 Accounting; Vertican Technologies Collection Master (see all 8 examples)See more occupations related to this technology.
  • Analytical or scientific software — Litigation management softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Calendar and scheduling software — Aderant CompuLaw; Appointment scheduling softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Cloud-based data access and sharing software — DropboxSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Data base user interface and query software — Database software Hot technology ; Electronic adjudication management systems EAM; LexisNexis Time Matters; Microsoft Access Hot technology (see all 5 examples)See more occupations related to this technology.
  • Desktop publishing softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Document management software — AbacusNext HotDocs; Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat Hot technology ; Filing system software; Microsoft Office SharePoint Server MOSSSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Electronic mail software — Email software; IBM Lotus Notes; Microsoft Outlook Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Expert system software — Legal softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Human resources software — ADP Workforce Now Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Information retrieval or search software — Legal research software; LexisNexis; Public access to electronic court records PACER; Thomson West WestlawPROSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Internet browser software — Web browser softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Office suite software — Microsoft Office Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Process mapping and design software — Microsoft Visio Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Project management software — Case management softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Video conferencing software — Web conferencing softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Web page creation and editing software — Web page design and editing softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Word processing software — Electronic diary software; Microsoft Word Hot technology ; Transcription software; WordPerfectSee more occupations related to this technology.

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

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Knowledge

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  • Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.See more occupations related to this knowledge.

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Skills

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  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.See more occupations related to this skill.

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Abilities

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  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.See more occupations related to this ability.

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Work Activities

Show fewer All 14 displayed
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Detailed Work Activities

Show fewer All 15 displayed
  • Prepare legal documents.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Send information, materials or documentation.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Schedule appointments.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Record information about legal matters.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Operate office equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Obtain personal or financial information about customers or applicants.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Prepare business correspondence.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Provide information to coworkers.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Make travel, accommodations, or entertainment arrangements for others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Record information from meetings or other formal proceedings.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Work Context

Show fewer All 17 displayed
  • Electronic Mail — 99% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Telephone — 96% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 81% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Letters and Memos — 73% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Contact With Others — 60% responded “Constant contact with others.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 90% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Time Pressure — 66% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Sitting — 55% responded “Continually or almost continually.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 70% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 49% responded “A lot of freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With External Customers — 66% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 41% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 40% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 67% responded “Some freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 32% responded “Important results.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 33% responded “Less than half the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Coordinate or Lead Others — 42% responded “Important.”See more occupations related to this work context.

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Job Zone

Title Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.
Related 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.
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.
Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
SVP Range (6.0 to < 7.0)

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Education


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Required
30   Some college, no degree
23   Bachelor’s degree
19   High school diploma or equivalent

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Credentials

Find Training Find Certifications Apprenticeship.gov

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Interests

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Interest code: CE   Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

  • Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.See more occupations related to this interest.

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Work Styles

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  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.See more occupations related to this work style.

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Work Values

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  • Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.See more occupations related to this work value.

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Related Occupations

Show fewer All 10 displayed
23-2011.00 Paralegals and Legal Assistants   Bright Outlook Bright Outlook
23-2093.00 Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
27-3092.00 Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
43-3021.00 Billing and Posting Clerks
43-3031.00 Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Bright Outlook
43-4011.00 Brokerage Clerks
43-4031.00 Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
43-4071.00 File Clerks
43-4161.00 Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
43-6011.00 Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

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Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2020) $23.55 hourly, $48,980 annual
State wages
 
Local wages
  
Employment (2020) 160,400 employees
Projected growth (2020-2030) Decline (-1% or lower) Decline (-1% or lower)
Projected job openings (2020-2030) 12,000
State trends
 
Top industries (2020)
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Government

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data external site and 2020-2030 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information

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Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

  • International Association of Administrative Professionals external site
  • International Virtual Assistants Association external site
  • Legal Secretaries International external site
  • NALS…the association for legal professionals external site
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Secretaries and administrative assistants external site

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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine 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.

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