Career as Legal Assistant

Last Updated On 18 Sep, 2020

How to Become a Legal Assistant

About Legal Assistant

Legal Assistants are known to be as a helping hand of the lawyer or attorney. They maintain legal documents, update files, do research and write the first draft of the documents. The duty of the Legal Assistant is to enhance the effectiveness of a lawyer by developing evidence, case information and settlement options. A Legal Assistant also tracks cases to support the legal proceedings of the lawyer.

Besides, the files work, a Legal Assistant must also possess a sound knowledge of the computer as they have to maintain digital databases, prepare and deliver affidavits and reference law libraries. An aspirant who was unable to clear the Bar Exam can also be a Legal Assistant. With the increase in the number of lawyers, the demand for Legal Assistant is also increasing. There are plenty of opportunities in the legal field and anyone with the right skill and knowledge set can be a successful Legal Assistant.

Responsibilities of a Legal Assistant

A Legal Assistant is hired by the lawyers in order to take some work off from their shoulders. The duties and responsibilities that a Legal Assistant shares are provided below.

  • To organise files, establish records and monitor deadlines on behalf of the lawyer.

  • To document action, confirm case status with the attorney, input information into case management software and file database.

  • To maintain contact with people involved in the case and draft complaints.

  • To communicate case progress to the clients and the lawyer.

  • To maintain and look after the case cost by verifying outstanding balances with the clients, lawyers and providers.

  • To prepare materials for conferences, pleadings and case summaries.

  • To update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities.

  • To enhance trial proceedings by organizing evidence

  • To prepare exhibits, schedule witnesses

  • To ensure that witnesses are ready when needed

  • To take courtroom notes.

Eligibility to become Legal Assistant

To be a Legal Assistant, it is crucial that the candidate has the required set of qualification and skills. Only with the right legal knowledge and traits can an individual be successful as a Trial Lawyer. Provided below are the eligibility criteria that must be satisfied.

Qualification Required

  • Aspirants must have a bachelor’s degree in law in order to be a Legal Assistant.

  • Candidates with a Diploma or Certificate can also be a Legal Assistant

Skills

  • Good Communication Skills

  • Eye for Details

  • Analytical Skills

  • Logical Reasoning

  • Deep Knowlege of Legal Terms and Concepts

  • Legal Reasoning

  • Research Skills

  • Knowledge of Computer

  • Organizational Skills

Work Experience

  • No work experience is required. Lawyers can even hire college graduates and train them on the job.

Courses to become a Legal Assistant

The table given below contains all the necessary information regarding the courses, fees and colleges that an individual can consider if he/she is willing to build a career as a Legal Assistant.

Course Name

Course Duration

Total Fee (Approx.)

College Name

BA LLB

5 Years

₹1,50,000 to ₹11,00,000

B.Sc LLB

5 Years

₹2,00,000 to ₹11,00,000

BBA LLB

5 Years

₹2,00,000 to ₹16,00,000

B.Com LLB

5 Years

₹2,00,000 to ₹11,00,000

B.Tech LLB

6 Years

₹2,00,000 to ₹16,00,000

LLB

3 Years

₹1,50,000 to ₹15,00,000

Diploma in Paralegal Practice

1 to 2 Years

₹8,000 to 15,000

To take admission in any of the aforementioned colleges or any top law college, the candidate can simply dial our toll-free number 1800-572-9877 or fill the Common Application Form. Our admission experts will reach out to assist you.

Types of Job Roles Legal Assistant

The job profiles that a Legal Assistant can opt for are as follows.

If you are confused about which career path is suitable for you, feel free to take the Career Profiling Test of CollegeDekho. In case of any queries, write to us in the QnA zone.

Employment Opportunities for Legal Assistant

A Legal Assistant is like the right hand of a lawyer. They are offered job opportunities in the areas mentioned here.

  • Corporate Businesses

  • Law Firms

  • Consulting Firms

  • Political Parties

  • MNCs

  • Media and Entertainment Houses

  • Information Technology Companies

  • Engineering Firms

  • Finance Companies

  • Universities and Colleges

Top Recruiting Agencies for Legal Assistant

The names of the recruiting agencies or firms that hire a Legal Assistant are provided below.

  • Disys India Private Limited

  • Amazon India

  • Allied Legal

  • Jobingo Management Solutions

  • Aditya Music India Pvt Limited

  • Bharja Technologies

  • Adzuna India

  • Krishna And Saurastri Associates LLP

  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Planning to choose Legal Assistant as your career?

Pay Scale/Salary of Legal Assistant

A Legal Assistant earns around ₹4,05,016 per annum as an average salary. The pay scale for a Legal Assistant over the years is given below

Job Profile

Entry-Level Salary per annum (in INR)

Mid-Level Salary per annum (in INR)

Senior-Level Salary per annum (in INR)

Legal Assistant

₹1,89,000

₹4,05,000

₹9,22,000

Displayed below is the salary growth experienced by a Legal Assistant.

 

Books & Study Material to Become Legal Assistant

The books that can be considered by a Legal Assistant for strengthening the knowledge and skills are mentioned below.

  • Paralegal Career for Dummies by Lisa Zimmer Hatch and Scott Hatch

  • Introduction to Paralegalism: Perspectives, Problems, and Skills by William P Statsky

  • Introduction to Law for Paralegals: A Critical Thinking Approach by Katherine A Currier and Thomas Eimermann

  • Legal Assistant by Jack Rudman

  • The Litigation Paralegal: A Systems Approach by James W. H. McCord

  • Legal research and writing for paralegals by Deborah E Bouchoux

Pros of becoming a Legal Assistant

  • There are no set age criteria. With the right skills and qualification, anyone can be a Legal Assistant.
  • Plenty of job opportunities are provided to Legal Assistants. There is never any shortage of jobs.
  • The job profile provides a handsome salary. With a little bit of work experience, the pay scale tends to increase swiftly.

Cons of becoming a Legal Assistant

  • Due to high workload, the job results in unwanted stress and pressure.

  • A Legal Assistant has to work for long hours and shifts to complete the assigned tasks as per the given deadline.

  • At the entry-level, the work can get tedious and monotonous.

Do you think this is the right career choice for you?

Take our test and find out if it suits your strengths.

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FAQs about Legal Assistant

Who is a Legal Assistant?

The Legal Assistant works with Lawyers and helps them organise the evidence and document the case. They also research, update and track the records and information regularly.

Can I be a Legal Assistant after a Diploma?

Yes, if a candidate has a Diploma in Paralegal or in its equivalent discipline, he/she can apply for the job of a Legal Assistant.

How many hours in a day does a Legal Assistant work?

There are no fixed working hours for a Legal Assistant. Every day is a new day and the amount of workload varies from case to case and situation to situation.

What is the major perk enjoyed by a Legal Assistant?

A Legal Assistant has multiple job opportunities in the law industry as almost every lawyer hires them.

How much can I earn as a Legal Assistant?

The salary earned by a Legal Assistant varies as per the skill set, individual ability and work experience. In the initial days, an individual extracts around ?1,89,000 per annum. With 4-5 years of experience, the salary may go up to ?4,05,000 per annum. After 7 to 8 years and with the right set of skills, a Legal Assistant may earn ?9,22,000 per annum.

What is the average salary of a Legal Assistant?

The average salary of a Legal Assistant is around ?4,05,016 per annum.

Which skills do I need to enhance to be a Legal Assistant?

To be a Legal Assistant, an individual must possess good communication skills, Analytical Skills, Logical Reasoning, Research Skills, Knowledge of Legal Terms and Concepts and Organizational Skills.

Should I have the knowledge of Computer, if I want to be a Legal Assistant?

If you are willing to be a Legal Assistant you must have basic knowledge of computers as it will be required while maintaining a digital database and records.

I was not able to clear the AIBE, can I be a Legal Assistant?

Yes, if you were not able to crack AIBE, you can still be a Legal Assistant.

What is the career scope for a Legal Assistant?

A Legal Assistant can find great career opportunities in Corporate businesses, Consulting Firms, Engineering firms, Finance companies, Law Firms, Universities and Colleges, Media and entertainment houses, Information Technology companies etc.

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