What is a Legal Support Job?
Legal support jobs encompass a wide range of roles that provide assistance to lawyers and law firms. These jobs involve performing administrative tasks, conducting research, drafting legal documents, and supporting lawyers during trials and hearings. Legal support professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of legal operations and assisting lawyers in delivering quality services to their clients.
What Do Legal Support Professionals Usually Do in This Position?
Legal support professionals perform a variety of tasks depending on their specific roles. Some common duties include scheduling appointments, answering phone calls and emails, managing calendars, preparing documents, conducting legal research, and organizing case files. They may also be responsible for managing billing and invoicing, coordinating with other legal professionals, and providing support during trials and hearings.
Top 5 Skills for a Legal Support Position
- Attention to detail: Legal support professionals must be able to pay close attention to details when preparing legal documents, conducting research, and managing case files.
- Communication skills: Excellent communication skills are essential for legal support professionals as they often interact with clients, lawyers, and other legal professionals.
- Time management: Legal support professionals must be able to manage their time effectively to ensure that tasks are completed within deadlines.
- Organizational skills: Strong organizational skills are crucial for legal support professionals as they are responsible for managing documents, case files, and billing information.
- Technical skills: Legal support professionals should be proficient in using common software programs such as Microsoft Office and legal research tools.
How to Become a Legal Support Specialist
Most legal support positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field such as paralegal studies. It is also essential to have relevant work experience, which can be gained through internships or entry-level positions in legal support.
Certification programs such as the National Association of Legal Assistants' Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations' Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) can also enhance job prospects and demonstrate proficiency in the field.
Average Salary for Legal Support Jobs
The average salary for legal support jobs varies depending on the specific role and level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $52,920 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from $32,000 to over $85,000 per year depending on the industry, location, and level of experience.
Roles and Types of Legal Support Jobs
Legal support jobs can be categorized into various roles, including paralegals, legal assistants, legal secretaries, court reporters, and law clerks. Paralegals and legal assistants assist lawyers in conducting research, drafting legal documents, and managing case files. Legal secretaries perform administrative tasks such as managing schedules, answering phone calls, and preparing documents. Court reporters transcribe court proceedings, while law clerks provide research and writing support to judges.
Locations with the Most Popular Legal Support Jobs in the USA
Legal support jobs are available in almost every state in the USA, but some locations offer more opportunities than others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest employment levels for paralegals and legal assistants are California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois.
What Are the Typical Tools Used in Legal Support Jobs?
Legal support professionals use various tools and software programs to perform their duties effectively. Some common tools include legal research databases such as LexisNexis and Westlaw, document management systems, case management software, and billing and invoicing software. They may also use productivity tools such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and email clients.
In Conclusion
Legal support jobs offer a rewarding career path for individuals who are interested in the legal field but do not want to become lawyers. These jobs provide an opportunity to work closely with legal professionals and contribute to the successful functioning of legal operations. To succeed in this field, it is essential to have strong organizational, communication, and technical skills, as well as relevant work experience and certifications.