How To Hire A Legal Assistant

A Legal Assistant is the backbone of an efficient legal team, supporting attorneys, organizing case files, managing communications, and ensuring documentation is accurate and timely. Whether you're a law firm, an in-house legal department, or a startup navigating compliance, the right Legal Assistant can help streamline operations and improve legal outcomes. Hiring a skilled Legal Assistant ensures your legal processes run smoothly, securely, and professionally.

Understanding The Role & Responsibilities

Legal Assistants support lawyers and legal teams with both administrative and case-specific tasks. Their work requires precision, discretion, and exceptional organizational skills.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Drafting and proofreading legal documents, contracts, and correspondence
• Conducting legal research and compiling case information
• Managing case files, calendars, and court deadlines
• Filing documents with courts or legal databases
• Coordinating meetings, depositions, and travel logistics
• Communicating with clients, court personnel, and other stakeholders
• Maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information

Legal Assistants are distinct from Paralegals, though titles are often used interchangeably. Paralegals typically engage in more substantive legal work, while Legal Assistants tend to focus on document preparation, communication, and administrative support.

Skills To Look For In A Great Legal Assistant

The best Legal Assistants balance technical competence with interpersonal tact, keeping legal teams organized and clients informed.

Attention To Detail

Accuracy is critical in legal settings. Great Legal Assistants catch typos, ensure compliance, and maintain orderly documentation.

Legal Terminology & Procedures

Familiarity with legal jargon, court rules, and filing procedures is essential, especially for firms handling litigation or regulatory work.

Organizational Skills

They must manage multiple cases, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously without dropping the ball.

Communication & Client Interaction

Legal Assistants often serve as the first point of contact for clients and courts. Professionalism and clear communication are key.

Tech Proficiency

Look for experience with legal software (Clio, PracticePanther, or MyCase), as well as standard tools like Microsoft Office, Adobe, and file management systems.

Discretion & Ethics

They must handle confidential information with care and uphold ethical standards in all client and case interactions.

Other Transferable Titles

If you're expanding your search, consider candidates with similar experience under different titles:

Paralegal

Paralegals who are early in their career or focused more on admin duties may be a great fit for a Legal Assistant role.

Legal Secretary

These professionals often have strong skills in document formatting, scheduling, and court correspondence.

Executive Assistant

Experienced EAs familiar with legal teams or high-confidentiality environments may bring transferable skills.

Office Manager

Office Managers often handle legal admin tasks, calendars, and vendor relationships relevant to legal operations.

Records Clerk Or File Clerk

Ideal for highly administrative legal assistant roles requiring meticulous document management.

Interview Questions

Use these questions to assess legal knowledge, attention to detail, and communication style:

1. What types of legal documents have you drafted or managed in past roles?
2. How do you ensure accuracy when reviewing contracts or filings?
3. Describe your experience using legal case management software.
4. How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple attorneys with different deadlines?
5. Tell me about a time you caught a critical error. How did you handle it?
6. How do you handle confidential or sensitive client information?
7. What’s your process for managing a complex filing deadline or court appearance schedule?
8. How do you communicate with clients or court officials on behalf of an attorney?

These questions help uncover their technical capability, ethics, and professionalism.

Evaluating & Making The Final Decision

As you evaluate candidates, look for:

• Familiarity with legal procedures relevant to your practice area (e.g., litigation, real estate, corporate law)
• High standards for detail, time management, and communication
• Technical proficiency in legal tools and document handling
• Confidence and calm under pressure, especially when handling deadlines
• Trustworthiness and professionalism in dealing with sensitive information

Consider assigning a small task, like proofreading a legal document or formatting a memo, to test attention to detail and written communication.

When checking references, ask about reliability, discretion, and collaboration with attorneys or clients.

Partner With Premier

Hiring a Legal Assistant isn’t just about administrative support. It’s about finding someone who enhances your legal team’s efficiency and professionalism. Whether you need short-term support for a case surge or a long-term hire to anchor your legal operations, Premier can help.

Let us connect you with vetted Legal Assistants who are ready to support your success. Get in touch today.