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Sr Legal Assistant
Career Insights for Paralegal / Legal Assistant
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Scorecard
Based on Illinois data
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What they do
A Paralegal or Legal Assistant assists attorneys and law offices with a variety of tasks ranging from administrative support to legal research and writing. Maintains and organizes files or file databases. Conducts legal or other background research, assists with preparation for trials or hearings, and drafts documents to be filed. Uses software for electronic discovery of materials such as email for a trial. May specialize in a particular area of the law such as corporate or criminal law, family law or real estate law.
$73,658 / year median in Illinois
-5% projected decline
Job Description
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES
Considerable knowledge of PC operations and software (Outlook, Word, Excel) is required. Good knowledge of practices and procedures of a law/legal office. Good knowledge of the court system, legal forms, documents and terminology. Ability to compose legal documents, reports and correspondence. Maintain complex legal records and prepare material from such sources. Excellent telephone skills and knowledge of the operation of a multiple-line telephone system. Ability to operate a high-volume telephone system calmly and efficiently. Good knowledge of office equipment. Good knowledge of general math, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Readily acquire knowledge of applicable policies and procedures. Make minor decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, and established office procedures. Ability to prioritize work and maintain workflow in a hectic environment. Ability to identify questions that should be answered by an attorney. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely. Ability to use good judgment, tact and courtesy. Ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession.COMPETENCY
To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies. Analytical- Analyzes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures. Problem Solving
- Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions. Oral Communication
- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and seeks clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings. Written Communicati on
- Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; reads and interprets written information. Change Management
- Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively. Quality Management
- Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Organizational Support
- Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organizational goals and values. Strategic Thinking
- Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; adapts strategies to changing conditions. Judgment
- Shows willingness to make decisions; exercises sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in the decision-making process; makes timely decisions. Planning/Organizing
- Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently. Professionalism
- Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of status or position; accepts responsibility for actions; follows through on commitments. Quantity
- Meets productivity standards; completes work in a timely manner; strives to increase productivity; works efficiently. Safety and Security
- Observes safety and security procedures; uses equipment and materials properly. Adaptability
- Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; adjusts approach or method to best fit the situation; handles frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Attendance/Punctuality
- Is consistently at work and on time. Dependability
- Follows instructions; responds to management direction; takes responsibility for actions; keeps commitments. Initiative
- Seeks increased responsibilities; takes independent action.