Occupation AtlasLegal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
O*NET · 43-6012.00
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.
Also called Accredited Legal Secretary · Certified Legal Secretary Specialist · Confidential Secretary · Law Firm Administrator · Law Office Assistant · Law Secretary · Legal Admin · Legal Admin Assistant
15 more
Legal Administrative Assistant (Legal Admin Assistant) · Legal Administrator (Legal Admin) · Legal Coordinator · Legal Exec Assistant · Legal Executive Assistant (Legal Exec Assistant) · Legal Management Assistant · Legal Office Support Assistant · Legal Practice Assistant · Legal Receptionist · Legal Secretary · Litigation Legal Secretary · Litigation Secretary · Magistrate Assistant · Paralegal Secretary · Secretary
Compare with another occupationCompare with Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CESConventional · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional6.69
- E Enterprising4.42
- S Social3.17
- I Investigative2.91
- A Artistic1.55
- R Realistic1.41
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (53%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (26%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (36%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- PersuasionImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- NegotiationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- InstructingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Technology DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.3Level —
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.3Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
10 core · 4 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.Importance 4.4
- Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.Importance 4.3
- Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.Importance 4.3
- Prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.Importance 4.3
- Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.Importance 4.2
- Receive and place telephone calls.Importance 4.1
- Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.Importance 4.1
- Complete various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients.Importance 4.1
- Schedule and make appointments.Importance 4.0
- Draft and type office memos.Importance 3.4
Show the other 4
- Submit articles and information from searches to attorneys for review and approval for use.Importance 3.9
- Make travel arrangements for attorneys.Importance 3.8
- Attend legal meetings, such as client interviews, hearings, or depositions, and take notes.Importance 3.4
- Review legal publications and perform database searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases.Importance 3.3
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- AdministrativeImportance 4.5Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Organize a digital storage system for company forms
- English LanguageImportance 4.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Law and GovernmentImportance 4.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.2Level 2.8
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
Show all 33
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.7Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- MathematicsImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- PsychologyImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- GeographyImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.6Level —
- DesignImportance 1.4Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.4Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.0Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- OriginalityImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Time SharingImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- VisualizationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 4.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Processing InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.3Level 2.9
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
Show all 41
- Getting InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.4Level 2.7
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.7
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.7Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.4Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.3Level 2.9
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.7Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.5Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
42 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (5)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
Hot (4; 5 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Visio
Other tools (33)
- A1-Law
- AbacusNext HotDocs
- Aderant CompuLaw
- ADP Workforce Now
- Amortization calculation software
- Appointment scheduling software
- Billing software
- Case management software
- Chrome River Expense
- Database software
- Dropbox
- Electronic adjudication management systems EAM
- Electronic diary software
- Email software
- Filing system software
- IBM Lotus Notes
- Legal research software
- Legal software
- LexisNexis
- LexisNexis Time Matters
- Litigation management software
- Microsoft SharePoint Server
- Public access to electronic court records PACER
- Quicken
- Sage 50 Accounting
- Thomson Reuters Elite Billing Manager
- Thomson Reuters Westlaw
- Transcription software
- Vertican Technologies Collection Master
- Web browser software
- Web conferencing software
- Web page design and editing software
- WordPerfect
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources +0.8, Operations Analysis +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Office Clerks, General
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources +0.9, Writing −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +1.2, Writing −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.0, Negotiation +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −0.9, Critical Thinking +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Receptionists and Information Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension −0.9, Writing −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Correspondence Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.7, Operations Monitoring −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources +0.9, Writing −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.