Legal Administrative Assistant

Legal administrative assistants may work for attorneys in private or public practice, the judicial system, the government, or large corporations that have legal departments. They must be familiar with legal procedures and the judicial process. Although their work varies depending upon the type of employer, most legal administrative assistants prepare and process legal documents such as appeals and motions, fill out forms for clients, and either take dictation or transcribe letters and memos dictated by the attorney. They create electronic legal documents, letters, and other case materials and use computers to create other legal documents. In larger offices, legal administrative assistants may supervise staff and enhance attorneys’ effectiveness by assisting in monitoring case progress; alerting attorneys of issues requiring his/her attention; maintaining contact with providers, adjusters, and opposing counsel; contributing information to the team case review; completing special projects; and providing administrative support.

Coursework emphasizes legal terminology; preparing legal documents; and developing good word processing, English and communication skills. As a part of the program, students work for 180 hours in a legal-related office. The Legal Administrative Assistant program represents exciting and challenging opportunities for legal support staff. Students training in this field can easily enter other administrative support areas as well.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete an Associate of Applied Science in Legal Administrative Assistant will:

• Function effectively as a team member and/or leader.
• Interact effectively in oral and written communications.
• Use computers and other technology proficiently for administrative tasks.
• Demonstrate positive interpersonal interactions and diplomacy.
• Multi-task efficiently.
• Model professional and ethical behaviors, especially confidentiality, honesty and integrity.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.
• Solve problems using a variety of appropriate tools.
• Perform duties based on a legal knowledge base.
• Demonstrate effective, independent work skills and behavior.

Program Requirements

The Legal Administrative Assistant program is designed to be completed in two years of full-time attendance. This assumes that the student has placed at or above the necessary levels on the Computerized Placement Test (CPT) or has taken the necessary coursework to place into the required program courses. It is advisable to take the placement test as early as possible to identify courses needed prior to enrolling in this program. Students should work with an advisor to interpret test scores and get help in planning their program.