Legal assistants work closely with lawyers, reducing their workload and providing assistance with the proceedings of legal cases. Chief responsibilities of a legal assistant include preparing legal documents, conducting research in order to support a case, monitoring legal developments and clerking duties at court.
Since documentation plays such an important part in the legal profession, excellent IT and keyboard skills (both copy and audio) are essential for the job. It is also important for the candidate to be a good communicator as the work involves keeping clients regularly informed with the progress of their case as well as communicating with other professionals
A good standard of education is necessary for the job, and employers often ask for at least two or three years’ experience in a similar role. Taking a legal secretary course and gaining experience in administration will greatly improve a candidate’s chances of securing work in this field. Positions can often be found through temping agencies and offer salaries of between £12,000 and £18,000 a year, which could rise to £36,000 at some practices.