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What Does It Take to Be a Legal Assistant

What Does It Take to Be a Legal Assistant? 7 Key Steps & Skills

Becoming a stellar legal assistant or legal secretary means balancing the right credentials with people skills and real-world savvy. If you’re wondering what does it take to be a legal assistant, in short, you’ll need:

  • A certificate or degree in legal studies

  • One or two recognized paralegal certifications

  • Core hard skills like legal research and document drafting

  • Soft skills such as clear communication and discretion

  • A roadmap you can follow today—for example, our free skills checklist!

Paralegals and legal assistants work best when they follow a structured path, combining education and real-world experience.

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Table of Contents

1. Education Pathways for Aspiring Legal Assistants

Choosing the right educational path is your first big step. Many individuals aiming to become a paralegal or legal assistant earn a certificate in paralegal studies, which typically takes 6–12 months of focused coursework. Certificate programs cover the essentials—legal terminology, basic research methods, and document preparation—and they’re perfect if you need to start working quickly.

If you’re looking for more depth, an associate’s degree in paralegal studies usually spans 2 years at a community college or technical school, while others may go further by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in legal studies. These programs dive deeper into civil and criminal law, ethics, and practical internships. You’ll also have room to explore electives like family law or corporate litigation, giving you a stronger resume when you graduate.

Some students opt for a diploma program, which falls between a certificate and a full degree in length (about 12–18 months). Diploma tracks often include hands-on training and externships, helping you build a network even before you graduate. These programs are often designed for prospective students looking to quickly enter the legal profession.

Pro Tip: Always choose an ABA-approved program. Approval by the American Bar Association signals to employers—and to top internships—that your education meets rigorous industry standards. This form of legal education helps position you well within the legal industry. Many ABA-approved schools offer coursework specifically tailored to paralegals and legal assistants.

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2. Must-Have Certifications & Where to Get Them

Once you’ve finished your coursework, boost your résumé with one of these certifications:

  • NALA Certified Paralegal (CP®): Takes about 3–6 months of prep; recognized nationwide. This paralegal certification is a major asset for paralegals and legal assistants.
  • NFPA Paralegal Certificate: Focuses on core skills; you can complete it in under a year.
  • State-Specific Credentials: Some states have their own exams or registration—check your local bar association.

Quick FAQ: How long does certification take? Most candidates study for 3–9 months before sitting for the exam. Paralegals and legal assistants benefit greatly from adding these credentials to their résumé.

3. Core Hard Skills Every Legal Assistant Needs

Beyond credentials, you’ll use these technical skills every day:

  • Legal Research Proficiency: Master databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis. Conducting legal research is vital in the legal assistant role.
  • Document Drafting & Formatting: Word and PDF tools, plus basic HTML for e-filing. Drafting legal documents is a day-to-day requirement.
  • Typing Speed: Aim for at least 60 WPM to keep up with fast-paced tasks.
  • Case Management Software: Get comfortable in Clio, MyCase, or other practice-management platforms used to streamline administrative tasks and legal operations.

Tip: Build a simple “document workflow” in Excel or Google Sheets to track deadlines and drafts of legal documents. Managing documents efficiently enhances your productivity in the legal setting. Paralegals and legal assistants use these systems to stay ahead in busy law offices while managing time-sensitive job duties efficiently.

4. Essential Soft Skills That Set You Apart

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Legal work isn’t just about rules—it’s about people. Top assistants share these traits:

  • Clear Communication: You’ll summarize depositions, email clients, and brief attorneys. Client communication is essential in any law office.
  • Organization & Time Management: Juggling legal documents, filings, appointments, and court dates involves strong organizational skills.
  • Discretion & Professionalism: You handle sensitive data every day.
  • Teamwork: You’re the glue between lawyers, clients, and court staff. These interpersonal skills make you invaluable.
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Remember: A calm, friendly demeanor can turn a frantic Friday into a smooth finish. Paralegals and legal assistants often ease stressful workloads by remaining poised and resourceful.

5. Real-World Examples & Day-in-the-Life Insights

“My day starts with checking e-filings, then I draft discovery requests before lunch. In the afternoon, I prep exhibits for trial—no two days are the same!”
—Marisol, Legal Assistant at Santos & Reyes LLP

Case Study:

When Marisol streamlined her firm’s case-tracking spreadsheet, she cut follow-up calls by 30%—and earned a shout-out in the partner meeting. This demonstrates how experienced paralegals and legal assistants can impact efficiency in many law firms.

Legal Assistant Salary & Job Outlook (2025 Guide)

As of May 2024, the median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants in the United States was $60,970, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The projected employment growth from 2022 to 2032 is 4%, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth reflects ongoing demand for legal services across various sectors.

7. How to Get Started Today: Your 5-Step Action Plan

  • Enroll in an ABA-approved certificate or associate’s program. Many law firms value formal legal education.
  • Join a local paralegal association for networking and legal support.
  • Earn your first certification (CP® or NFPA) in paralegal studies.
  • Build a small portfolio of sample documents and case summaries showcasing your legal writing.
  • Apply for internships or entry-level roles—attach your free Legal Assistant Skills Checklist to showcase your readiness for administrative support, clerical tasks, and contributing to legal services in a law office or government agency.

Taking these steps gives paralegals and legal assistants the head start they need to secure fulfilling, long-term roles.

FAQ

What education do I need to become a legal assistant?

At minimum, a certificate in paralegal studies; an associate’s degree gives you a deeper foundation, while some legal assistants typically pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration or legal studies. Many paralegals and legal assistants take both academic and professional development tracks.

How long before I can work as a legal assistant?

Certificate programs take 6–12 months, plus 3–9 months of certification prep—so you could be job-ready in about a year and ready for entry-level position job openings in the legal field.

Do I need on-the-job experience before applying?

Internships or volunteer roles in law firms can fast-track your learning and make you more competitive. Paralegals and legal assistants work across diverse legal procedures and administrative duties.

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Conclusion

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, becoming a legal assistant is all about combining solid credentials with real-world know-how and people skills. By following these seven steps—picking the right education path, earning key certifications, honing both hard and soft skills, and leveraging practical insights—you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career. Ready to take the first step? Grab your free checklist, dive into a program, and start making an impact in the legal world today.

The legal assistant role often overlaps with duties performed by paralegals and legal assistants or even a legal secretary, including preparing documents, client files, administrative and clerical tasks, and performing substantive legal work. Legal assistants typically work in law firms, but may also find rewarding careers in a corporate law department, legal support services, or a government agency. With proper training in legal terminology, legal procedures, legal writing, and technical skills, you can become a legal assistant equipped to handle the fast-paced legal industry.

What does it take to be a legal assistant? The answer lies in combining legal assistance, legal education, and the drive to grow within the law profession—all under regular business hours in a dynamic work environment. With dedication, paralegals and legal assistants can thrive in both public and private sectors of the legal world.

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