Careers in Justice > Legal Assistant
Profession at a Glance
Imagine what a catastrophe it would be if a lawyer or notary sent a client a letter full of typos -- or worse yet, missed a deadline for filing a case in court. Legal assistants are responsible for keeping law offices in order and making sure things run smoothly and on time. That is why they are now more often called “assistants” instead of “secretaries”.
In the past this job was done almost exclusively by women, but recently more and more men have entered the profession.
To learn more about a legal assistant’s work, click through the tabs above.
In the past this job was done almost exclusively by women, but recently more and more men have entered the profession.
To learn more about a legal assistant’s work, click through the tabs above.
Job Description
Legal assistants perform important work in 4 different areas: communication, organization and coordination, legal work and general administrative work.
Wherever there are lawyers and notaries, there are legal assistants.
They work at law firms and notarial offices and in courts, government departments and legal departments of companies.
Communication
Legal assistants look after the internal and external communications of a law firm. They play a key role since they are often the first person people meet when they call or visit a law office.
As part of their tasks, legal assistants are responsible for:
As part of their tasks, legal assistants are responsible for:
- welcoming visitors
- answering phone calls and emails, and forwarding messages
- sending, receiving, and distributing the mail
- producing reports and creating presentation documents
Organization and Coordination
Legal assistants are often responsible for:
- setting up systems for filing information and documents
- creating databases, such as mailing lists
- updating documents such as client files, and preparing bills for clients
- managing general office expenses
In addition, many lawyers and notaries rely on their legal assistants to manage their schedules. Assistants organize meetings and confirm the attendance of those invited.
Legal Work
A legal assistant’s work requires an understanding of the law. The kinds of tasks legal assistants do depends on the area of the law the employer specializes in.
Legal assistants may have to:
Legal assistants may have to:
- format legal documents properly. (Many legal documents have to be on a certain size of paper and use a certain font size.)
- do legal research and proofread legal documents
- ensure that legal documents are sent on time
General Administration
Where do legal assistants work?
Legal assistants also perform a variety of general administrative tasks such as:
- making photocopies
- assembling documents
- writing letters and memos based on instructions from lawyers or notaries
- ordering office supplies and managing any services needed
- attending meetings to take notes
Wherever there are lawyers and notaries, there are legal assistants.
They work at law firms and notarial offices and in courts, government departments and legal departments of companies.
Training
To become a legal assistant you need a Diploma of Vocational Studies (a DVS) in secretarial studies. A list of professional training centres and other institutions offering this speciality in English is available on the Inforoute FPT website.
An assistant who wants to specialize in legal work must also obtain an Attestation of Vocational Specialty (an AVS) in legal secretarial studies. This is a 450-hour program offered in several regions in Quebec. A list of professional training centres and other institutions that offer this speciality in English is available on the Inforoute FPT website.
To learn more about the job prospects (salary, rate of growth in the profession, etc.) of legal assistants, take a look at the Job Futures website.
Useful High School Courses:
The following courses could help you prepare for a future as a legal assistant:
Speak to your guidance counsellor to see if there are other courses offered at your school that could prepare for this career.
An assistant who wants to specialize in legal work must also obtain an Attestation of Vocational Specialty (an AVS) in legal secretarial studies. This is a 450-hour program offered in several regions in Quebec. A list of professional training centres and other institutions that offer this speciality in English is available on the Inforoute FPT website.
To learn more about the job prospects (salary, rate of growth in the profession, etc.) of legal assistants, take a look at the Job Futures website.
Useful High School Courses:
The following courses could help you prepare for a future as a legal assistant:
- Mathematics
- English Language Arts
- French as a Second Language
Speak to your guidance counsellor to see if there are other courses offered at your school that could prepare for this career.
Are you right for the job?
Thinking of a career as a legal assistant? Check out this list of skills and learn how to develop them.
Organization and Coordination
As the person responsible for many documents and different tasks at the same time, a legal assistant must have a good sense of organisation and be able to prioritize work according to deadlines.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You use an agenda and a calendar.
- Your school notes are clear and well organized.
- You like when things are put in the right place.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Learn to establish and follow schedules for your studies and homework.
- Help coordinate a school play, school club or upcoming social event. Be responsible for making lists, establishing priorities and getting everything done on time.
- Embark on a big clean up of your bedroom and desk and find a system for arranging your things that makes the best use of them.
Diplomacy
Legal assistants have to be diplomatic and discreet because they deal with confidential information and are often the first person that clients meet.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You know how to give someone constructive criticism without hurting his or her feelings.
- You know how to keep sensitive information private and don't spread rumours.
- You are known for being polite to everyone.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Take an etiquette class to better understand social rules, good manners and politeness.
- Make a habit of choosing your words carefully before presenting ideas about sensitive subjects.
- Take advantage of opportunities to act as a host or hostess for school events.
Respect for the Rules
There are many, many rules for all things related to the law, including legal writing. Knowing and respecting these rules is part of the daily life of a legal assistant.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You always arrive on time for appointments and classes.
- You respect the rules when you are playing a game and don’t cheat.
- You are disciplined when it’s time to study and you don’t waste time.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Register for an activity that requires you to be disciplined and follow certain rules, such as a sports team.
- Always read and understand the directions your teachers give you before starting your work.
- Find a recipe for your favourite food and follow the directions for making it.
Written Communication
Given that writing and reviewing documents is an important part of their work, legal assistants must be excellent communicators who have an eye for detail and can understand both French and English.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You enjoy preparing letters.
- You are able to spot typos and enjoy proofreading others people's work.
- You receive good marks in your French, English or literature classes.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Write articles for your school newspaper.
- Proofread and revise group work or your friend’s homework.
- Read books in English and French.
Did you know?
- Legal assistants are also called “legal secretaries” but most prefer to be called “assistant” because of the important role they play.
- In Quebec there are 5 educational institutions that offer training for legal assistants in English.
- Legal assistants must complete a course in secretarial studies before specializing in legal secretarial work.