What the work is
A legal assistant supports lawyers’ work: drafting documents, researching legislation and case law, keeping registers of contracts and cases, tracking deadlines, filing documents with courts and state bodies and handling organisational questions with clients. It is a good first step into the profession for law students and graduates.
A typical day
Researching case law on a question the lawyer is working on for Friday. A draft power of attorney and a covering letter. Updating the contract register and flagging the deadline for answering a claim. Filing documents through an online portal. Putting together a folder of materials for a client meeting.
How to start
- Study law or finish your law degree.
- Learn the legal information systems and how to search legislation.
- Learn to keep registers and track deadlines — a missed deadline is expensive.
- Look for an internship at a law firm or an in-house legal team.
Related professions
Lawyer, compliance specialist, HR administrator, customer service specialist.