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Sample legal assistant job description

At [Organization X], we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled service to clients, so we’re looking for an experienced and passionate legal assistant to help us maintain this high standard. As the newest addition to our team, the legal assistant will play a pivotal role in keeping the office functioning efficiently, from coordinating meetings to maintaining complete and accurate files. This person will build collaborative working relationships with our lawyers — and earn the trust of our clients. The ideal candidate is organized, diligent, and can work both independently and as part of a team. This is a challenging role with varied responsibilities and meaningful opportunities for career advancement.

Objectives of this role

  • Ensure the office is running smoothly at all times
  • Support attorneys in optimizing their billable time
  • Track deadlines to ensure legal documents are filed in a timely manner
  • Represent the organization with professionalism and integrity when dealing with clients and court officials
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of organizational and client information

Responsibilities

  • Communicate with clients in person, over the phone, and via email
  • Draft, proofread, and file or send legal documents, such as motions or letters of intent
  • Perform administrative duties, such as maintaining lawyers’ calendars, scheduling appointments, making photocopies, and compiling complex documentation
  • Create and maintain case files, including producing and editing transcripts
  • Screen, direct, and prioritize incoming calls and emails to lawyers
  • Perform legal and background research when requested

Required skills and qualifications

  • Experience working in a fast-paced legal environment
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Word-processing ability of 50–80 words per minute with high degree of accuracy
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Strong organizational skills

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree, or certification as legal assistant
  • Knowledge of online court filing systems
  • Experience working with multiple lawyers simultaneously
  • Experience using dictation and transcription software