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Job outlook for legal office assistants in the United States
Legal office assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected legal office assistant job growth rate is 14% from 2018-2028.
About 49,900 new jobs for legal office assistants are projected over the next decade.
Legal office assistant salaries have increased 7% for legal office assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 303,830 legal office assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 41,220 active legal office assistant job openings in the US.
The average legal office assistant salary is $34,133.
Are legal office assistant jobs in demand?
Legal office assistant job and salary trends over time
Legal office assistant jobs over time
Legal office assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 303,830 | 0.09% |
| 2020 | 307,064 | 0.09% |
| 2019 | 311,943 | 0.09% |
| 2018 | 309,658 | 0.09% |
| 2017 | 307,792 | 0.09% |
Average legal office assistant salary over time
Legal office assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,133 | $16.41 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $33,372 | $16.04 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $32,856 | $15.80 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $32,514 | $15.63 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $31,927 | $15.35 | +1.4% |
Legal office assistant jobs by state
Most common states for legal office assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 219 | 32% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 115 | 16% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 738 | 11% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 82 | 11% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 130 | 10% |
| 6 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,858 | 9% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 487 | 9% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 476 | 9% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 55 | 9% |
| 10 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 911 | 8% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 639 | 8% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 84 | 8% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 50 | 8% |
| 14 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 913 | 7% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 912 | 7% |
| 16 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 495 | 7% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 277 | 7% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 253 | 7% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 231 | 7% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 121 | 7% |
Most common cities for legal office assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Myers | 2 | 3% | $27,094 |
| 2 | Owings Mills | 1 | 3% | $31,087 |
| 3 | Middletown | 1 | 2% | $39,878 |
| 4 | Orland Park | 1 | 2% | $33,863 |
| 5 | Sarasota | 1 | 2% | $27,087 |
| 6 | West Orange | 1 | 2% | $39,714 |
| 7 | Tallahassee | 1 | 1% | $27,194 |
| 8 | Jacksonville | 2 | 0% | $27,129 |
| 9 | Philadelphia | 2 | 0% | $36,371 |
| 10 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $27,016 |
| 11 | New York | 1 | 0% | $37,027 |
| 12 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $27,055 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $28,783 |
| 14 | Raleigh | 1 | 0% | $24,619 |
Legal Office Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of legal office assistant experts
Catholic University of America
Ferris State University
Texas Tech University
Southern Illinois University
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Illinois State University
Daemen College
Daemen College
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
Indiana University Bloomington
University of Connecticut
Catholic University of America
Stonehill College
University of Baltimore
Kent State University
The Ohio State University
Saint Augustine's University
New College of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Maine at Augusta
What general advice would you give to a Legal Office Assistant?
Cathy Davis ACP: The U.S. Department of Labor lists the paralegal profession is a growing profession in the country. Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 38,000 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. A good paralegal should be able to take at least one-fourth of an attorney's workload everyday. This frees up the attorney to do other tasks for the client which is billed at a higher rate than the paralegal. With the attorney and paralegal both doing billable tasks each day, this increases the bottom line for the firm. In Alabama, there is a growing need for paralegals.
What Legal Office Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cathy Davis ACP: A good paralegal will know what deadlines are coming up and be prepared with a to-do list of things he/she needs to take care of on any given day. In addition to that, they need to be flexible because an emergency may come up or a change of course may occur. A good paralegal will be able to easily switch course and adjust to any kinks in the schedule. For a litigation paralegal, a day may include intake of new cases, calendaring, interviewing clients and witnesses, case review, ordering accident reports, driving abstracts and subpoenaing medical records, review and summarizing of documents, drafting pleadings, discovery or motions. For a corporate paralegal, it may be researching documents, corporate searches, drafting corporate documents, meetings with clients and/or witnesses and attending meetings. A good paralegal is going to be an excellent researcher, detail-oriented and efficient with their time. For a newcomer to the field, being able to switch between tasks easily is a must. A desire to learn is also a must. In litigation, many cases may have similarities, but all cases have their own quirks which makes the law interesting. Knowing the basics of how cases are handled and proceed through court is a must. Being ethical is also crucial. While paralegals are not licensed, they are working under the supervision of an attorney and must understand the ethical rules that guide each attorney. For those changing jobs, do not be afraid to ask to take on new tasks that maybe the attorney hasn't handed over to paralegals in the past. If you want to go to court, ask to go. If you want to draft pleadings and discovery, ask to do so. Once the attorney feels comfortable with the work product, he will wonder why he wasn't letting paralegals draft these documents all along.
What will help Legal Office Assistants increase their earning potential?
Cathy Davis ACP: This might change between corporate or litigation, but a good paralegal will know what deadlines are coming up and be prepared with a to-do list of things he/she needs to take care of on any given day. In addition to that, they need to be flexible because an emergency may come up or a change of course may occur. A good paralegal will be able to easily switch course and adjust to any kinks in the schedule. For a litigation paralegal, a day may include intake of new cases, calendaring, interviewing clients and witnesses, case review, ordering accident reports, driving abstracts and subpoenaing medical records, review and summarizing of documents, drafting pleadings, discovery or motions. For a corporate paralegal, it may be researching documents, corporate searches, drafting corporate documents, meetings with clients and/or witnesses and attending meetings. A good paralegal is going to be an excellent researcher, detail-oriented and efficient with their time.
For a newcomer to the field, being able to switch between tasks easily is a must. A desire to learn is also a must. In litigation, many cases may have similarities, but all cases have their own quirks which makes the law interesting. Knowing the basics of how cases are handled and proceed through court is a must. Being ethical is also crucial. While paralegals are not licensed, they are working under the supervision of an attorney and must understand the ethical rules that guide each attorney.
For those changing jobs, do not be afraid to ask to take on new tasks that maybe the attorney hasn't handed over to paralegals in the past. If you want to go to court, ask to go. If you want to draft pleadings and discovery, ask to do so. Once the attorney feels comfortable with the work product, he will wonder why he wasn't letting paralegals draft these documents all along.
Chad Smith
Director of Legal ProgramsCatholic University of America
Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Chad Smith: I would have to say the biggest trend is working from home, specifically, telecommuting. As we are all well aware, much of the country has turned to working from home, and this has led to a significant increase in the use of video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom and the greater use of Cloud Services (Google Drive, One Drive, etc.), to share documents. In turn, this is leveraging everyone's computer skills. It is more important than ever to be tech-savvy and possess the ability to troubleshoot technology issues.
The second biggest trend is an emphasis on communication. As mentioned, we are more digital than ever, so it is imperative that paralegals have good verbal and written communication skills. These skills need to be multifaceted and adaptable to the need/situation (i.e., email, legal pleading, client letter, Zoom/virtual meetings, etc.)
What skills stand out on Legal Office Assistant resumes?
Chad Smith: Paralegal's skills that stand out in the current market:
-Experience with technology, online platforms, and digital/online research (Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law)
-Telework/telecommuting, e-discovery and cloud computing/services, and document creation and formatting
-Communication/writing skills, specifically, the ability to understand the law and communicate legal matters effectively for court, layman clients, and attorneys
-The ability to write effective legal documents that are clear, concise, and complete
-Organization, efficiency, time management, and case management
I definitely emphasize the requirement of computer skills, as I personally would not hire any paralegal who is not very competent and comfortable working digitally. Additionally, case management and the ability to juggle many cases at a time is extremely important. It definitely stands out when a paralegal has experience managing a large caseload and can produce quality legal pleadings in a very efficient manner.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Legal Office Assistants to find work opportunities?
Chad Smith: Yes. The paralegal job market is growing. The DC/DMV area is in the top five of the country for salary and is the largest paralegal market in the U.S. This is because we have an increased demand for paralegals as we have private firms, federal, state, and local governments. Additionally, there is a major trend in the legal industry with private firms who are transitioning to having fewer attorneys and more paralegals; thus, increasing the demand for competent paralegals.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: Within the Criminal Justice system, the job market has been open despite the pandemic. Those with the master's degree or are working on their degree are being hired quicker than those with just a B.S. Case in point--one student just got hired last week at the Department of Health & Human Services.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Legal Office Assistants?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: In Michigan, to be a police officer you must have MCOLES certification and to be a correctional officer you need the MCOTC certification, which Ferris offers both for the undergraduate. We also have defensive tactics and firearms available for students as well. On the master's level, though, the degree itself works to 1) get on the ground floor of a desired job, 2) get federal employment, 3) prepare for law school, and 4) to apply to a Ph.D. program as well as 5) get promoted within the field. Thus, if an undergraduate has MCOLES certification and the master's degree, they get hired quicker than those who don't have the master's degree.
What's a good job out of college for Legal Office Assistants?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: In our field, policing, probation, jail or prison correctional officer, or social services (whether private or public) are very good jobs, particularly if they are state employed or federally employed.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Legal Office Assistants?
Paula Smith: The answer to this is yes, but it will include both positive and negative impacts. I think the job market for law jobs remains a bit under previous years at this time. It may take more time for a robust rebound to the hiring levels of previous years. We are seeing constant, small steps toward recruiting both upcoming graduates and laterals. On the positive side, our upcoming graduates have proven themselves with resilience and agility to meet the challenges of remote learning and they maintain an expectation of success. I think the grit and determination of this group will be the enduring characteristics of the Class of 2021.
What's a good job out of college for Legal Office Assistants?
Paula Smith: The first professional legal job out of law school covers every area of law and every geography. Every legal job provides opportunity for growth and experience in the profession. Students choose law firms, government agencies, and public interest jobs according to their interest and passion. Some graduates work in civil litigation, others work in criminal prosecution or criminal defense. Some choose a more client-centered practice area including family law, personal injury, or legal aid services.
What technical skills for a Legal Office Assistant stand out to employers?
Paula Smith: Legal employers are seeking young lawyers with a good academic grasp of the law, excellent legal research and writing skills, advocacy abilities including negotiation, trial, and appellate exposure, and personal attributes of integrity, teamwork, diligence, resilience, and an expectation of success.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Jennifer Brobst: Legal job growth often follows political conflict and calls for reform. In this respect, I think there will be an array of health law positions addressing the health insurance market, in both private practice and as counsel for insurance companies or for state and federal government agencies. We also continue to see the fallout from the 2008 economic crisis, where wages for all but the highest earners never seemed to recover, only to be exacerbated by the pandemic and resulting job losses.
This current administration will probably try to address this disparity by increasing government agency middle income positions in housing, employment, and education. Lawyers will be needed to fill those new agency positions and if grant funding increases to nonprofits, then starter positions in legal advocacy nonprofits will be interesting, but lower-paid jobs for new attorneys, particularly for the reform-minded Millennials and Gen Z cadre. The international global market is more important than ever and attorneys able to be mobile may find more opportunities in the larger firms and as corporate counsel if, and when, the pandemic shutdowns finally disappear. An interesting area of increasing need will be in the medical-legal and public health fields, where an Executive Order from President Biden has already put in place a new COVID-19 board to coordinate federal public health efforts and the creation of a national public health surveillance database. Privacy attorneys and those advocating for and against expansion of traditionally local public health law into a federal oversight approach will be needed. I also think that job opportunities will continue to grow for attorneys working for the online legal technology companies like LegalZoom, as cross-jurisdictional practice relaxes, as seen in some of the reform of the Rules of Professional Conduct and related ethics opinions.
Traditional job opportunities in small and medium-sized regional firms engaged, for example, in family law, small business law, and trusts and estates, may be fewer for awhile, as middle-class clients may not be able to afford legal services until their own employment situations recover. Positions in the criminal justice legal fields are more difficult to predict. Crime rates have been declining for decades, but movements against mass incarceration and racial injustice may support better resources for public defender offices that are cash-strapped and under-staffed.
What soft skills should all Legal Office Assistants possess?
Jennifer Brobst: Two soft skills come to mind immediately: kindness and self-restraint. I have noticed that this generation of new attorneys is less accustomed to taking conflict in stride. What I mean is that in a social media world, one can overreact without facing the other person or simply walk away without responding to a text or post that seems confrontational or disrespectful. In person, there is usually no way to walk away without making the situation worse, so we get better and better at figuring out how to respond with kindness, humor, and patience. That is an excellent skill to have with clients who naturally feel stressed, or with overworked or overzealous opposing counsel or judges.
As to self-restraint, many ethics violations occur among attorneys who feel overwhelmed by their workload. Law school is the best place to learn how to figure out how to manage one's time, and to learn self-restraint -- i.e., when to stop and move on to the next task. This quality of self-restraint will not only help to make sure that new attorneys are reliable on behalf of their clients, but that they are happy with their job for the long-haul. There will always be more clients, but an attorney who knows their limits, but still gets the job done, will be glad to be an attorney throughout their career.
Jason Cieslik
Assistant Professor & Academic Advisor of Legal StudiesIllinois State University
Department of Politics & Government
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Jason Cieslik: In terms of trends in specific areas of law, it is expected that the legal field will see an increase in workload in labor and employment, family law, healthcare, bankruptcy, and estate planning. Some general practitioners have been able to sustain a healthy workload where there has been a decrease in one area of law, but an increase in others due to the pandemic, such as family law and bankruptcy.
Since the pandemic began, we are seeing firms realize that much of the workload can be conducted remotely. Thus, firms are downsizing their workspaces and opting for smaller offices. This has allowed some firms to save money on physical space and hire additional personnel. However, some firms are asking their employees to work from the office, at least some days during the week. This requires some legal navigation with employee's health and safety concerns. Thus, management must have a social distancing policy in place, as well as taking into account privacy concerns of each employee.
Obviously, hiring practices have changed dramatically since the pandemic. Traditionally, interviews would take place in-person. However, most interviews are taking place via Zoom or some other interactive online format. Both firms and those seeking jobs in the legal field have had to adjust their advertising and job search methods due to the pandemic. In-person networking is not feasible. Thus, paralegals and attorneys seeking work have been advised to join professional organizations that meet online for the purpose of networking and sharing information. Jobs are available, but employers and future employees need to be creative and adjust to this alternative format of networking. Those seeking work need to be flexible, diligent in their search, and aggressive in following up with leads.
What skills stand out on Legal Office Assistant resumes?
Jason Cieslik: Proofread, proofread, proofread! This is one absolute that the pandemic has not changed. The legal profession places a high value on written communication. Grammatical mistakes are an easy way to guarantee that you will not receive an opportunity to interview.
Since many employers are permitting their employees to work from home, the resume should demonstrate the ability to be a self-starter, ability to resolve a problem on their own, and computer literacy. Legal professionals that have training in specific legal technology platforms should make sure they emphasize those skills on their resume. Most ABA Approved Paralegal Programs require their students to take a course in legal technology. These skills should be emphasized, especially if they are going to be expected to work from home. On the flip side, employers should be as specific as possible in their job advertisements as to what qualities and skills they are seeking in a future employee.
When applying for any legal position, the applicant should modify their resume to the job that they are applying for, emphasizing the skills and qualities that the employer is seeking. Obviously, no applicant should stretch the truth, because those "facts" will eventually become exposed. Thus, if an applicant were applying for a position as a litigation paralegal, the applicant should emphasize the discovery experience they obtained during their internship, as opposed to their familiarity with probate law.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Legal Office Assistants to find work opportunities?
Jason Cieslik: The old saying in the legal profession used to be that 80% of the available legal jobs are not posted. Attorneys communicated their need to hire a legal professional by word of mouth and in-person interaction at social legal functions. It's not certain that this old adage holds true today. Attorneys may be utilizing more traditional methods of posting job opportunities.
Jobs are available, but certain legal specialties may be thriving more than others. However, this cyclical trend tends to hold true regardless of whether the country is experiencing a pandemic or not. Rather than focusing on the specific location of where jobs are located around the country, it appears that legal professionals seeking employment should focus on areas of law that have work and need employees to complete that work. The great aspect of the legal profession is that attorneys and paralegals have always been more than willing to assist one another. Employment is no different. Legal professionals seeking work need to start making as many connections as possible with other legal professionals by phone, email, and other socially distant forms of communication to establish a network.
Marco Cercone
Adjunct Professor of Litigation, Advanced Litigation and Contract LawDaemen College
Paralegal Studies program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Marco Cercone: Flexibility. Clients, law firms, and their staffs all are changing the way business was done. Remote working, Zoom meetings, knowledge of technology will be paramount.
What general advice would you give to a Legal Office Assistant?
Marco Cercone: Be aware that no task is beneath you and the more value you can provide to your law firm, the more invaluable you become to the organization. Sometimes you may not be hired immediately as a paralegal but you can work your way toward becoming one by starting off at the law firm in a support role, like filing, reception, secretarial, etc.
What Legal Office Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marco Cercone: Focus on their writing and communication skills.
Margaret Phillips
Associate Professor, Director of Paralegal StudiesDaemen College
Paralegal Studies program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Margaret Phillips: Given the national and local need for paralegals, I think we will continue to see a high need for well-educated paralegals who can take on a substantial role in a legal office. I expect to see a change in how paralegals work, which mirrors how we as a country have been working for the last year--more hybrid arrangements and working from home.
What Legal Office Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Margaret Phillips: I would suggest a graduate gets certified in Microsoft Word as up-to-date and sophisticated computer skills are invaluable. Any additional law office computer skills would be equally invaluable. There are many online technology courses that are excellent.
What general advice would you give to a Legal Office Assistant?
Margaret Phillips: For graduates beginning their career--I would advise them to strap on their seatbelts and get ready to be a life-long learner. Remember to value principles over personalities, and keep learning everyday through reading, asking questions, and pursuing continuing legal education.
What skills stand out on Legal Office Assistant resumes?
Amy Froide Ph.D.: Volunteer/internship work; foreign languages; computer and web-based skills; project learning.
Employers particularly are intrigued by History majors who combine the major with skills in another field, whether those are web or digital, languages, or art and design skills.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Legal Office Assistants to find work opportunities?
Amy Froide Ph.D.: For History majors we are located in an ideal part of the country. History majors interested in working in government, or in public history sites like archives, museums, and historic homes benefit from opportunities in Maryland and in D.C. Our History students often get internship experiences because we are close to many of these sites and then get hired after graduation.
Eric Sader
Lecturer, Kelley School of BusinessIndiana University Bloomington
Department of Business Law & Ethics
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Legal Office Assistants?
Eric Sader: Current graduates are survivors of collective trauma. Interestingly, however, this trauma for many of our graduates has resulted in increased resiliency, which can be a huge asset to future employers. These students were able to obtain positive academic outcomes despite exposure to challenging circumstances. They are flexible, pragmatic, and optimistic despite circumstances that would have preferred them fail.
They moreover carry with them the story and communal bond from this shared experience that will result in ongoing workplace comradery. But beyond their own skills, the pandemic has altered expectations students have of their employers. There are obvious factors such as remote work that our students will come to expect as an option, but more broadly students have better realized what they value in life and will expect employers to foster family, safety, and time among other accommodations that employers historically have been reluctant to provide.
What type of skills will young Legal Office Assistants need?
Eric Sader: The emphasis on high-level interpersonal skills is expected to continue. More than ever, graduates need to expect the unexpected in a turbulent and changing world. Those employees who best have exemplified leadership, active listening, patience, flexibility, and responsibility during recent months are assuredly ones management will look to for future promotions and advancement opportunities. Absolutely, technology is more important than ever, but what is it about personalities that we often see as "tech-savvy"? Sure, it helps to have grown up in the Internet age, but more broadly these personalities are often those who crave learning and new experiences, who are willing and eager to adapt to new modalities. And these traits are not limited to students of any age, with rewards far beyond the keyboard.
What experience really stands out on Legal Office Assistant resumes?
Eric Sader: Top resumes have altered over time from description-based to action-based to accomplishment-based. In short, don't tell me what you were assigned to do in any given role. That would be the same for anyone who held that position. Instead, tell me what made you shine in that capacity! What impact did you make and how can you explain that impact in a way I can measure it in reading through your resume? Tell me what that accomplishment has to say about you as a person who possesses a skill or attribute that can be put to work in my own organization. Explain in short what were you most proud of from every resume line item you decide to include.
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of HistoryUniversity of Connecticut
Department of History
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Legal Office Assistants?
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.: The pandemic, with all the changes it brought to higher ed as well as daily life, will remain a watershed moment for many graduates, and I'm sure it has affected all of us in ways as that will only be recognized years from now. But I think there should be some optimism about the way many graduates have handled a difficult situation: they were required to adapt suddenly to a whole new way of doing things, and on the whole met those challenges successfully. Many graduates can now have confidence in their ability to overcome unforeseen obstacles in unusual circumstances, and that's a valuable lesson difficult to learn without experiencing it first-hand.
What experience really stands out on Legal Office Assistant resumes?
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.: Because so many students are encouraged to fill up their resumes with extracurricular activities, these no longer stand out as they once did, and in fact a CV with a lengthy list of organizations and clubs more likely raises a suspicion that the student was never sincerely committed to any one of them. But now I think independent extracurriculars stand out-creating something from scratch, even on a small scale, or engaging in an independent research project with a faculty member. These types pf projects demonstrate a range of qualities an employer would find attractive: having an original idea, developing a research plan or agenda, seeking support and funding, carrying out the research, and producing a result. Every college and university has some support for undergraduate research, and I think too few students, particularly in the humanities, take advantage of these opportunities. Simply having the motivation to apply for one of these is a positive indicator to a prospective employer.
Chad Smith
Director of Legal ProgramsCatholic University of America
Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Chad Smith: I would have to say the biggest trend is clearly working from home or more specifically telecommuting. As we are all well aware much of the country is now turned to working from home and this has led to a significant increase in the use of video conferencing via platforms such as Zoom and the greater use of Cloud Services (Google Drive, One Drive, etc.) to share/access documents. In turn, this is leveraging everyone's computer skills and it is more important than ever to be tech-savvy and even have the ability to troubleshoot your technology issues.
The second biggest trend is an emphasis on communication. As mentioned, we are more digital than ever so it is imperative paralegals have good verbal and written communication skills. These skills need to be multifaceted and adaptable to the need/situation (i.e., email, legal pleading, client letter, Zoom/virtual meetings, etc.)
What skills stand out on Legal Office Assistant resumes?
Chad Smith: For paralegal's skills that stand out particularly in the current market:
-Experience with technology, online platforms, digital/online research (Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law)
-Telework/telecommuting, e-discovery and cloud computing/services, document creation and formatting
-Communication/writing skills and specifically the ability to understand the law and communicate legal matters effectively for court, layman clients, and attorneys
-The ability to write effective legal documents that are clear, concise, and complete
-Organization, efficiency, time management, and case management
I definitely emphasize the requirement of computer skills, as personally, I would not hire any paralegal who is not very competent and comfortable working digitally. Additionally, case management and the ability to juggle many cases at a time is extremely important. It definitely stands out when a paralegal has experience managing a large caseload and can produce quality legal pleadings in a very efficient manner.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Legal Office Assistants to find work opportunities?
Chad Smith: Yes. The paralegal job market is growing. Specifically, the DC/DMV area is in the top 5 of the country for salary and is the largest paralegal market in the U.S. This is because we have an increased demand for paralegals as we have private firms, federal, state, and local governments. Additionally, there is a major trend in the legal industry with private firms moving to have fewer attorneys and more paralegals. Thus, increasing the demand for competent paralegals.
Dr. Karen Teoh
Associate Professor of History and Director of Asian StudiesStonehill College
Department of History
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Karen Teoh: Besides the obvious and immediate changes, a shift to online and remote work that is, in some cases, permanent, will likely lead to employers emphasizing employees' ability to be flexible, to adapt to new conditions and technologies, and to have broad skill sets that can be applied in varied contexts or job functions. For example, an educational technology consulting firm might seek to hire someone who doesn't just have knowledge of or experience in education or software but someone with demonstrated skills in research and communication or critical thinking. Interdisciplinary approaches, such as area studies or majoring and minoring in different fields, can be a useful preparation for this: after all, life itself is an interdisciplinary experience.
What general advice would you give to a Legal Office Assistant?
Dr. Karen Teoh: Be bold, but be humble. If you have worked hard and prepared well for the professional world, you should take stock of your strengths and present your best self with confidence and enthusiasm. At the same time, be aware that you are still in the position of proving yourself before your employer will give you major responsibilities. No job is perfect and few paths are simple. Try to learn something from every person or project you come in contact with; be respectful of others regardless of their position; and remember to thank people who help you along the way, whether in the form of an informational interview or a job recommendation.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Roger Hartley Ph.D.: There are two or more possibly offsetting trends in the government job market. On the one hand, a huge portion of the public service employment sector is retiring. This means big needs by governments at the federal, state and local level, but also unusual pressure, too. Some government leaders no longer have the opportunity to "groom" an employee for leadership. As boomers leave and turnover happens, the middle of the workforce has to move up fast. They need more education and skills that can be provided by universities or certificates and in-house training. Then those positions will become available to entry-level employees.
At the same time, the pandemic has hit the budgets of governments hard, and this means that while there is a huge need for new hires, because of turnover, there may be budget pressure that limits hiring. Therefore, public service efficiency and effectiveness could be jeopardized.
Last, consider that some technical fields have more attractive pay in industry or that some people leave after two years. Governments must not only face succession but also face the need to hold onto employees.
What skills stand out on Legal Office Assistant resumes?
Roger Hartley Ph.D.: Experience. For me, our recent graduates need to find a way to get experience through internships, if they do not have work experience. Also, exposure to professional work culture and the ability to communicate effectively, in writing and speaking, is important.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Legal Office Assistants to find work opportunities?
Roger Hartley Ph.D.: The work shortage and the need for federal, local, and state government are high all over the nation. The concern now is if budget pressures delay the ability to hire.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Leslie Heaphy Ph.D.: -New jobs will require students to have more knowledge of technology
-Job market for academic historians seems to be fairly static according to the AHA
-Most tenure track positions remain at research heavy institutions
-American history fields still are the largest, though open/multiple fields have increased slightly
-Increased focus on diversity hires
What skills stand out on Legal Office Assistant resumes?
Leslie Heaphy Ph.D.: -Online teaching experience
-Flexibility in teaching modalities
-Research and critical thinking continue to be important
-Digital technology
-Ability to ask good questions
-Writing skills
-Understanding facts
What type of skills will young Legal Office Assistants need?
Richard Meltz: For global affairs careers, many skill sets are sought. Language skills are valuable. All job seekers need basic computer skills. Word processing, spreadsheet and data analysis, excellent writing and communication skills are sought. Aside from these basic skills, the range of skills employers seek becomes more specialized. Computer mapping skills and the ability to analyze political, economic, social, and environmental issues with depth are sought. By numbers of jobs, the private sector is larger than the government sector. The understanding of how business and international trade works is useful.
What experience really stands out on Legal Office Assistant resumes?
Richard Meltz: Higher level language skills. A study abroad experience of at least three months. An internship or work experience of interest to the potential employer, especially if accompanied by a good letter of recommendation. A research or academic experience of high quality, especially if accompanied by a good letter of recommendation.
Patrick Webb Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSaint Augustine's University
Department of Criminal Justice
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Patrick Webb Ph.D.: Based upon the existence of a pandemic, or any other catastrophic event which simultaneously affects a significant amount of the populations in the U.S., there are currently (and projected) a number of job market opportunities which require a multi-faceted and adaptable skill set for potential employers. This includes the capability of learning and fulfilling multiple roles in an organization. Often referred to as cross-training, which is a common employment practice that exists in other countries (i.e., Japan, etc.), this process serves as a potential benefit for both employers (e.g., reduced expenses, increased efficiency, etc.) and employees (e.g., increased skill set, marketability, etc.).
What general advice would you give to a Legal Office Assistant?
Patrick Webb Ph.D.: The advice I offer to individuals (regardless of their status) is to 1) assume individual responsibility as a professional within the workplace environment, 2) continue to further your knowledgebase by developing the habit of reading (this includes topics centered around professional and personal growth), 3) commit to becoming an advocate for the truth, especially in the lives of those who are less fortunate than you are, and 4) prioritize relationships over resources.
Frank Alcock Ph.D.
Director of Academic Initiatives and Special Projects, Professor of Political Science and Environmental StudiesNew College of Florida
Political Science Department
What Legal Office Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Frank Alcock Ph.D.: Cultivating experience might be as important to skills development for gap-year graduates. Anything that involves self-reflection, leadership, project management, teamwork, and/or collaborative working environments can be important for bolstering future employment prospects. With respect to skills development, familiarity with software and IT platforms can be increased during a gap year. Language skills can be further developed. Career networking is also increasingly important relative to qualifications on paper, so a gap year can provide the space to expand personal and professional networks.
What general advice would you give to a Legal Office Assistant?
Frank Alcock Ph.D.: You're just beginning on what will hopefully be a long and rewarding journey. Career paths are less stable and more turbulent than they were a decade ago, so understand this at the outset. You may find yourself moving into a well-defined career path that you enjoy and that's great. But professional versatility is becoming an increasingly important asset. Versatility will build over time as you cultivate more skills and experiences. Lifelong learning will continue to be indispensable so always look for opportunities to learn from your setbacks as well as your successes. And embrace your future. It won't be boring.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Frank Alcock Ph.D.: I think the pandemic will accelerate a range of trends in the job market. Some sectors will be affected more than others by structural shifts in market demand, supply and the modalities of producing and consuming goods and services. Remote work has exploded during the pandemic, by necessity, and it will fundamentally alter the dispositions and preferences of both employers and employees moving forward. This will have implications for workplace "hubs" and the industries that serve them. Demand for software engineers and related data science skills will continue to grow. As will technical savvy paired with social IQ and communications skills. And outcome-oriented, project-based work will probably displace more traditional, full-time, functional positions.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Office Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Tony Waller: Employers are being more deliberate with recruiting efforts, though in the legal market, it appears many firms are applying lessons learned from the Great Recession to recruiting. As always, students who have built a strong network and are active seekers will have the most success. I suspect there will also be a growth in remote working arrangements.
What general advice would you give to a Legal Office Assistant?
Tony Waller: Become known as the person in your office or company that is willing to do and learn. Within reason, do not consider any task "below" your job title. At the same time, set goals for the types of projects you would like to have during the first three years of practice and do what you can to meet those goals.
What Legal Office Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tony Waller: Develop client service skills. Any job that allows a student the opportunity to work for and with others, especially if it requires multi-tasking and high attention to detail, is valuable. Enhance networking skills by remaining active in local bar associations.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Legal Office Assistants in the next 3-5 years?
Sharon Sawyer: Our Justice Studies paralegal students worked in virtual internships for social justice organizations and law firms. Our students were already very comfortable working online with video conferencing tools when law firms and non-profits moved online. In fact, they found that they had an advantage because of the skills they developed here at UMA in their online courses. If you think about it, most law-related office work involves research, document preparation, email, sending signed documents, and face-to-face meetings. We have found that all of this is easily done with secure signature and document editing software, email accounts, and video conferencing. While personal meetings in an office are desirable, they are not strictly necessary and might be unsafe in the current circumstances.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Legal Office Assistants to find work opportunities?
Sharon Sawyer: Students who plan to enter law enforcement and corrections have many opportunities in the state open to them. Many positions in law enforcement and corrections in Maine have gone unfilled, even before the pandemic. Maine is demographically the oldest state, so, many law enforcement professionals are nearing retirement age, and there are few qualified younger candidates to fill the vacancies. If anything, I would surmise that the extra stress put on first responders and corrections staff during the pandemic adds to the challenge of recruitment.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Legal Office Assistants in the next 5 years?
Sharon Sawyer: I can tell you that since all of our programs are offered online, as well as on-campus, we were able to keep our students on track during the past two semesters with little, if any, disruption. Our Mediation Certificate, for example, is taught completely online with a strong Zoom component in which students meet in small groups and do mock mediations. Before the pandemic, many mediators were skeptical about the efficacy of video conference mediation. However, once the pandemic hit, and court mediation programs were forced online, our mediation students were already equipped to mediate in the virtual world. Since our students live and work in communities all over Maine, they suddenly found that they were able to join professional development activities as fully as mediators practicing in southern Maine, which is where most Maine mediators work.