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Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Office and Administrative Support (43-6012)

Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.

At a Glance

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earns a median of $54,140/yr with -5.8% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Performing Administrative Activities, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office software.

Median Annual Wage

$54,140/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

-5.8%

Annual Openings

20

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (5)

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.0
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

4.0
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.9
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.8
Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

3.3

Knowledge (5)

Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

4.5
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.4
Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

4.2
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.9
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

3.9

Abilities (7)

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.0
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

4.0
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.9
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.9
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.8
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.8

Technology (9)

Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Intuit QuickBooks

Category: Accounting software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Acrobat

Category: Document management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visio

Category: Process mapping and design software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (16)

Performing Administrative Activities

Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.4
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.3
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.3
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.2
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

4.1
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.0
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

3.9
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.9
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.9
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.8
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.8
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.8
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.8
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.7
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.4

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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