Function

• Legal assistants are responsible for preparing legal arguments, contracts, pleadings, appeals, wills and real estate documentation for attorneys. They also file and keep a record of legal documents, perform legal research and analysis, and call up witnesses to testify during court hearings. Legal assistants must stay abreast of the latest legal changes and developments by attending legal education seminars and reading industry publications. Other duties include updating their office's law library, facilitating the delivery of subpoenas, obtaining affidavits, setting up trust funds and preparing tax returns.
  
  

Education

• Candidates should hold at least an associate's degree from a college paralegal program or a bachelor's degree with a certificate in paralegal studies. Employers may also prefer college graduates with degrees from a paralegal school approved by the American Bar Association. College graduates with technical, criminal justice or tax preparation experience may also obtain entry-level positions and receive on-the-job training.
  
  

Skills

• Since legal assistants constantly handle confidential documents and materials, they must be trustworthy, ethical and professional. Some states require that legal assistants follow ethical rules established by the National Association of Legal Assistants and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (See Resources). Legal assistants should also have excellent research, negotiation and analytical skills. Employers also seek candidates with strong computer abilities and familiarity with legal terms and resources.
  
  

Salary

• The average salary for a legal assistant in the United State is between $30,055 and $45,624 according to a May 2010 PayScale report. In addition, legal assistant bonuses ranged from $492.63 to $1,956. A May 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report states that annual median wages for paralegals and legal assistants are $46,120. However, salaries vary depending on industry. For example, paralegals employed by the federal government earn a median salary of $58,540.
  
  

Potential

• Demand for paralegals and legal assistants will be driven by the need to replace workers leaving the field and employers aiming to reduce costs by delegating more legal tasks to paralegal and assistant roles. Job opportunities will be best for paralegals who possess formal certifications and are specialists in areas such as community assistance, real estate, medical malpractice, bankruptcy and product liability. According to the BLS, paralegal and legal assistant positions will increase by 28 percent between 2008 and 2018.