Some duties of a legal assistant or paralegal are almost the same as what the attorney does. These duties include legal research, interviewing witnesses, engaging in contacts or settlement negotiations with adversarial counsel, and preparing for trial. The legal assistant’s role is to support lawyers through all other processes at the law firm. The duties may entail administrative work or substantive legal work, so those energetic people who love the law and are organized will perfectly fit the role.
Job Description
Duties of a Legal Assistant include:
- Draft and proofread contracts and pleadings.
- Maintain legal files and databases.
- Referrals for case research.
- Dates for scheduling appointments,
- Cleansing attorneys’ calendars and travel options.
Qualifications must expect candidates possess as follows:
- An associate’s degree in legal studies or a paralegal certification.
- Proficient use of legal research tools and software.
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.
- Ability to organize and multitask
How you Apply:
- Search job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed for openings.
- Make sure to suit your skills to your resume for legal research and document management jobs.
- Add in a cover letter to show just how much you love the legal world while also being detail-oriented.
- Search for Jobs Know these resources:
- Law firm websites.
- Professional networks, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
- Job boards posting legal jobs.
Visa Process for International Applicants
An international candidate would, therefore, require, generally, a work permit, like the H-1B, to work in the U.S. If an employer is willing to hire you and sponsor your visa application, you can apply for this process through an employment invitation. You may take advice from an immigration lawyer or have the process simplified with a visa assistance site.
Understand Work Ethics
Lawyers are obliged to maintain a high level of confidentiality, be timely, and follow a certain standard of professional communication. Their success in this role depends on how well they have adopted the culture and ethics characteristic of the U.S. workplace.
Salary Expectations
The average median salary of legal assistants is around $44,730 per year; however, it varies depending on the level of experience, the geographical location of employment, and the size of the firm. Entry-level positions may be less, while experienced legal assistants might earn more than $60,000.
Travel Requirements
Some legal assistants travel to hearings, client meetings, and case investigations from time to time, depending on the nature of the job. Coordinating travel arrangements for the attorneys is also a common type of work.
Conclusion
Legal assistant jobs provide a perfect opportunity for those interested in making their contributions to the legal profession while developing a career that will be rewarding in time. As long as a person qualifies and continues learning for better achievements in the field, this is a good area to be involved in.
