Legal secretaries and administrative assistants keep law offices running smoothly. You manage schedules, handle documents, and support attorneys and judges. The work is detail-oriented, in demand, and you can start with an associate degree.
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You perform the administrative backbone of legal offices and courtrooms. Your day involves scheduling appointments, preparing legal documents, managing files, and communicating with attorneys, judges, and clients. You work with computers to organize case information and track deadlines. You listen carefully to instructions, read complex legal materials, and write clear correspondence. You also maintain professional relationships with colleagues and the public, often serving as the first point of contact for clients seeking legal services.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earn a median of $55,570 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 19,600 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require an associate degree, which typically takes two years to complete. Your coursework covers administrative practices, English language, law and government, and computer skills. During your education, you will develop proficiency in writing, active listening, and critical thinking. Many programs include internships or practical experience in legal settings. Once you have your degree, you can apply directly to law firms, courts, and government agencies that employ legal secretaries.
Your path typically starts with an associate degree program focused on legal administration or office management. If you are deciding between different educational routes or want to map out your next steps, Pathly can map the legal secretary and administrative assistant path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a plan that fits your timeline.
You do not need a license to work as a legal secretary and administrative assistant, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable following established procedures. You prefer structured work environments where clear expectations guide your day. You excel at managing information and supporting others.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).