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If you’ve Googled “Legal Secretary job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again:
Bullet points. Buzzwords. Boilerplate language.
Most job posts for legal secretaries read like legal contracts themselves—dry, stiff, and stripped of personality. But here’s the problem: these kinds of posts don’t attract great talent. They repel it.
Top legal secretaries aren’t just task robots. They’re proactive problem solvers, guardians of confidentiality, and the operational backbone of any law firm or legal department. And yet, most job posts never say that.
That’s why we created this guide.
We’re going to show you how to write a Legal Secretary job description that actually attracts the right people—without sounding like every other template online. We’ll cover:
- What the role really entails
- Two customizable job post examples (one for experienced hires, one for trainable talent)
- Tips that make your post stand out (like adding a video or transparency around pay)
- How to avoid the trap of using AI to generate generic listings
- And a soft template you can copy, paste, and tailor to your needs
Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What A Legal Secretary Actually Does - Their Roles
A legal secretary isn’t just someone who types memos or answers phones.
They’re the organizational engine behind a busy legal team—responsible for keeping attorneys on track, managing sensitive case documents, communicating with clients, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks.
In simpler terms:
A great legal secretary helps the legal team focus on legal work—because they’ve already handled the scheduling, formatting, filing, follow-ups, and everything in between.
So while typing speed and legal terminology matter, what really makes a standout legal secretary is this trio:
- Reliability – They never drop the ball. If it’s on their list, it’s getting done.
- Discretion – They deal with highly sensitive information and guard it like a vault.
- Proactive communication – They anticipate needs, flag issues early, and keep everyone aligned.
This role is equal parts precision, patience, and people skills. And when you find someone great, your entire team runs smoother.
Two Great Legal Secretary Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced Line Cook with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1 – Job Description For Experienced Legal Secretary
📌 Job Title: Legal Secretary for Holloway & Parker LLP – Civil Litigation | San Diego, CA
💼 Schedule: Full-Time · On-Site | $55,000 – $65,000 / yr (DOE)
🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
🎥 Quick Intro – Meet our Managing Partner in this 60-second video: Watch on Loom
Who We Are
Founded in 2003, Holloway & Parker LLP is a 22-person boutique firm that defends mid-market companies in high-stakes civil litigation across California. Our secret sauce? Relentless preparation, courtroom poise, and a culture where every voice—partners to support staff—shapes strategy. We closed 94% of our cases on favorable terms last year and pride ourselves on mentoring talent, not burning it out.
What You’ll Do
- Draft, format, and proof subpoenas, motions, and discovery docs
- E-file in state & federal courts, track service deadlines, maintain docket
- Own two partner calendars—hearings, mediations, client meetings
- Maintain confidential matter files in Clio; prep exhibits for trial
- Liaise with clients, experts, and court clerks; coordinate travel & deposition logistics
- Enter time slips and expenses for monthly billing
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ yrs litigation secretary experience (state & federal)
- Mastery of local rules, e-filing portals, and calendaring software
- 70+ wpm typing, eagle-eye accuracy, calm under shifting deadlines
- Polished client communication; discretion with sensitive data
- Bonus: Clio or ProLaw proficiency
Perks & Benefits
- 100% employer-paid medical & dental for employees
- 401(k) with 4% match after six months
- Two weeks PTO + five “recharge” Fridays per year
- Paid downtown parking pass & cell-phone stipend
- Annual CLE allowance & quarterly skills workshops
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll partner directly with two senior litigators who respect organized workflows and give credit where it’s due. Expect a sane docket (we cap case loads), clear priorities, and real mentorship that prepares you for paralegal certification if you choose. Here, your precision fuels courtroom wins—and you’ll see that impact every day.
How to Apply
Skip the résumé black hole. Apply via WorkScreen.io .Complete a short skill test so we can see your talent in action. We respond to every applicant within seven days—no ghosting.
🌱 Option 2 – Job Description For Entry-Level Legal Secretary
📌 Job Title: Entry-Level Legal Secretary – Lakeside Legal Group | Austin, TX
💼 Schedule: Full-Time · Hybrid (3 days onsite) | $42,000 – $48,000 / yr
🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎥 Quick Intro – Watch our COO explain the role in 45 seconds: Watch on Loom
Who We Are
Lakeside Legal Group is a six-attorney practice founded in 2017 that helps Austin’s small businesses and nonprofits navigate contracts, trademarks, and estate matters. We’re tech-forward (NetDocuments + Notion), community-minded, and big believers in training smart people from the ground up. Last year we donated 300 pro-bono hours to local charities—and we’d love you on that mission.
What You’ll Do
- Organize paper & digital files, label exhibits, and prep signature packets
- Format letters, simple contracts, and engagement agreements (Word templates)
- Answer calls, greet walk-in clients, and schedule attorney consults
- Learn docketing basics—deadlines, reminders, statute checks
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold our client-first service standards
What We’re Looking For
- Strong grammar and document formatting skills
- Detail-oriented, punctual, unflappable when juggling tasks
- Eager to learn legal software—NetDocuments, MyCase (training provided)
- Friendly, professional phone manner
- Bonus: prior admin, customer-service, or real-estate office experience
Perks & Benefits
- Employer-subsidized health, dental & vision after 90 days
- $1,000 annual education stipend (paralegal courses, etc.)
- Two remote-work days per week after onboarding
- 15 PTO days + all federal holidays
- Monthly team lunches & quarterly community-service half-days
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll be mentored by our senior paralegal and rotate through real client work from week one—so your learning curve is steep but supported. Within a year, you’ll master core legal-admin skills that open doors across the industry. If you’re organized, people-oriented, and hungry to grow, this is your launchpad.
How to Apply
We hire for potential, not just résumés. Apply through WorkScreen.io. A brief online exercise lets us see how you think and communicate. We reply to every candidate within five business days.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Why These Legal Secretary Job Posts Work
These job posts aren’t just well-written—they’re strategic. Each element is designed to attract the right kind of candidate while filtering out the wrong ones. Let’s break down why they work so well:
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear and Specific
Instead of something vague like “Legal Admin Needed,” these titles tell candidates exactly what the job is, who it’s with, and where it’s located.
For example:
“Legal Secretary for Holloway & Parker LLP – Civil Litigation | San Diego, CA”
This signals seniority, company identity, legal focus, and location—all in one line. That immediately boosts relevance in search and attracts the right skill level.
✅ 2. The Intros Establish Human Connection
Each post opens with a Loom video and a warm intro paragraph. This does two things:
- Builds trust by putting a face behind the company.
- Helps candidates decide whether they align with the mission, tone, and pace of the team.
Good candidates want to work with teams that feel like a real place, not a robot.
✅ 3. The “Who We Are” Sections Tell a Story
Instead of generic blurbs (“We’re a law firm looking for help…”), the company descriptions are vivid and grounded in real identity:
- Holloway & Parker emphasize courtroom performance and partner collaboration.
- Lakeside Legal highlights community focus, tech-forward systems, and entry-level mentoring.
That’s how you attract culture-fit talent—not just people who meet requirements.
✅ 4. The Responsibilities Are Clear and Impactful
Rather than a boring task list, the duties section communicates why the work matters.
For example:
“Own two partner calendars—hearings, mediations, client meetings.”
vs.
“Schedule appointments.”
This shows candidates the stakes, not just the tasks—and that makes the role feel more important and engaging.
✅ 5. Qualifications Don’t Gatekeep Talent
Both job posts balance clarity and openness:
- The experienced role sets high expectations without fluff.
- The entry-level post invites driven learners without punishing lack of background.
This expands your applicant pool while still holding a quality bar.
✅ 6. Perks & Benefits Are Transparent
Candidates value clarity around what they’re actually getting.
These posts include:
- Salary range
- Health & dental
- Remote days
- Education stipends
- Paid time off and holidays
You don’t have to offer Silicon Valley perks—just be honest and specific. It builds trust.
✅ 7. The Application Process Feels Respectful
Each job ends with a clear, human CTA:
- A direct link to the WorkScreen.io application
- A promise to respond
- A short explanation of what to expect
Compare that to “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.” The difference? Respect. And that builds a better brand reputation—whether they get hired or not.
Example of a Bad Legal Secretary Job Post (And Why It Fails)
Let’s look at the kind of job post that’s still far too common—and why it does more harm than good when it comes to attracting top legal talent.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Legal Secretary
Location: Dallas, TX
Company: Confidential
Salary: Negotiable
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced legal secretary to provide administrative support to attorneys and ensure efficient office operations. The legal secretary will be responsible for handling documents, scheduling appointments, and maintaining records.
Responsibilities:
- Draft and edit legal documents
- File court documents
- Maintain case files and office supplies
- Schedule appointments and meetings
- Answer phone calls
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 2 years experience in a legal setting
- Strong attention to detail
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
How to Apply:
Please email your résumé and cover letter to hr@lawfirmexample.com. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
1. The Title Is Vague and Uninspiring
“Legal Secretary” is a basic title with no additional context.
It doesn’t say what area of law, what type of firm, or what makes the role appealing.
2. The Introduction Is Cold and Generic
“Seeking an experienced legal secretary…” tells the reader nothing about the company, the team, or why the job matters. There’s no warmth, no story, and no reason to care.
3. The Company Is “Confidential”
This kills trust. Talented professionals want to know who they’re working for. Keeping the company anonymous raises red flags—especially in legal hiring.
4. No Mention of Culture, Mission, or Values
There’s nothing here about what the company believes in, how the team works, or what kind of workplace they’re walking into. Culture-fit candidates will pass without that insight.
5. “Negotiable Salary” Signals Opaqueness
Leaving out salary details or just saying “negotiable” turns off strong candidates—especially in today’s market where transparency matters. It signals that either the company isn’t confident in its offer or wants to lowball.
6. Responsibilities Are Broad and Boring
“Draft documents,” “file,” “answer phones.” These could describe any admin role. Nothing about impact, priority, or legal relevance.
7. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted” is a big turn-off. It suggests that the company doesn’t respect the applicant’s time—and leaves them in the dark after they apply.
8. Zero Personality in the Call to Action
There’s no encouragement. No warmth. No reason to feel excited about applying. It feels like a formality, not an invitation.
🧠 Bottom Line:
This post checks boxes—but it doesn’t connect.
It feels cold, outdated, and generic—three things that drive strong candidates away.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
If you want your legal secretary job post to not only attract more applicants but the right kind—these small but strategic additions can make a big difference.
✅ 1. Add a Security / Privacy Notice for Applicants
In an age of job scams and phishing emails, a quick line about data safety builds trust with applicants.
What to say:
🔒 “We take the security and privacy of job applicants seriously. We will never ask for financial information, passwords, or payment at any stage of the hiring process.”
✅ 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Candidates value time off—but few job posts mention it. By including this detail, you signal that your company supports work-life balance.
Example:
🌴 “Enjoy up to 15 paid days off annually—including a week off between Christmas and New Year.”
🕓 “After onboarding, we offer 1–2 remote days a week for improved work-life flexibility.”
✅ 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
This is especially powerful in entry-level roles, where applicants want to see a path forward.
Example:
🎓 “You’ll get access to legal admin mentorship, hands-on training with case management tools, and a $1,000 yearly education budget to support paralegal certification or legal coursework.”
✅ 4. Include a Video From the Hiring Manager
Job seekers want to know who they’ll be working with. A quick Loom or YouTube video—less than 60 seconds—adds personality and trust to your post.
What to cover in your video:
- Introduce yourself (name, role, team)
- Share why you’re hiring
- Say what kind of person would thrive in the role
- Invite them to apply
Tip: You can upload the video to Loom or YouTube, then paste the link directly into your job post.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ 5. State That You Respond to Every Application
This one’s easy—but powerful. It humanizes your brand and sets you apart from the dozens of companies that ghost applicants.
Example:
📬 “We believe every applicant deserves a response. Whether you’re moving forward or not, you’ll hear from us within 7 days.”
These “small extras” may seem optional—but together, they show that your company is thoughtful, transparent, and worth working for. And that’s exactly what today’s best candidates are looking for.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
Lately, AI tools like ChatGPT, Workable AI, and Jasper are everywhere. Some applicant tracking systems even promise “one-click job descriptions.”
Sounds easy, right? But here’s the truth:
AI can save time—but if you use it blindly, you’ll end up with a generic, soulless job post that attracts the wrong people.
🚫 Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
Here’s what happens when you just tell AI to “write a legal secretary job description” without any context:
- You get boring, buzzword-heavy content that could fit any company.
- It attracts low-effort applicants who apply to dozens of jobs with no real intent.
- Your post blends in with every other job board listing—zero personality, zero pull.
Worst of all, it reflects nothing about your company’s values, voice, or mission. And if your post doesn’t connect, top talent scrolls right past.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI in Job Post Writing
AI can still be a powerful assistant—if you feed it the right ingredients.
Here’s a smart prompt to use:
📥 Example Prompt to Feed Into AI:
“Help me write a legal secretary job post for our company, Holloway & Parker LLP. We’re hiring a Legal Secretary to support our litigation team by managing court filings, formatting legal documents, and keeping calendars organized. Our company culture is built on respect, precision, and mentorship. We’re looking for someone reliable, detail-oriented, and proactive. We offer health benefits, paid time off, and support for professional development. Our hiring process includes a short skills test via WorkScreen and a follow-up interview. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [Paste your notes here].”
💡 Pro Tips:
- Start with your real voice and intentions.
- Give AI the tone, benefits, responsibilities, and hiring process you want it to include.
- Then let AI polish—not dictate—your post.
Use it as a collaborator, not a replacement.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Copy-Paste Job Description Templates
We know that sometimes, you just need something solid—fast.
Maybe you’ve read the guide and understand what makes a great job post. But you also want a professional, ready-to-use template you can copy, paste, and customize in just a few minutes.
That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual kitchen.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Job Description
📌 Job Title: Legal Secretary – Help Us Run a Fast-Paced Legal Team
💼 Schedule: Full-Time | [Location] | $[Salary Range]
🎥 Quick Intro Video
Want to know who you’ll be working with? Watch this 1-minute video from our team:
[Insert Loom or YouTube Link Here]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we help clients navigate complex legal challenges with focus, care, and speed. Our team is small but sharp, and we believe the best legal support starts behind the scenes—with organized operations, well-managed calendars, and clear communication.
We’re looking for a Legal Secretary who thrives on keeping things in order, thinking three steps ahead, and making life easier for attorneys and clients alike.
What You’ll Do
- Format and proof legal documents (pleadings, subpoenas, discovery, etc.)
- File documents with the courts (electronically and in person)
- Coordinate attorney schedules and deadlines
- Manage confidential client and case records
- Assist with billing and expense entries
What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years in a legal support role (litigation experience preferred)
- Familiarity with calendaring tools, court rules, and filing systems
- Great written communication and attention to detail
- Reliable, calm, and responsive under pressure
- Bonus if you’ve worked in Clio, MyCase, or similar tools
Perks & Benefits
- Health & dental insurance options
- Paid time off + company holidays
- Remote work flexibility (if applicable)
- Annual training budget or CLE support
- Supportive team culture with real room to grow
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll work closely with attorneys who value preparation, clarity, and respect. If you’re organized, thoughtful, and enjoy making complex work run smoothly—you’ll thrive here. We offer clarity, mentorship, and a strong internal process to help you succeed.
How to Apply
Apply through WorkScreen.io: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
You’ll complete a quick skill-based assessment—no résumé black hole here. We reply to every applicant within 5–7 business days.
📄 Option 2: Structured Format for Job Boards
Job Title: Legal Secretary
Location: [Insert Location]
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $[Insert Range]
🎥 Meet the Team
Want to get a feel for the culture? Watch this quick welcome video:
[Insert Video Link Here]
Job Overview:
[Company Name] is hiring a Legal Secretary to support attorneys with document preparation, scheduling, and case organization. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced legal environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Draft, format, and file legal documents
- Manage calendars, court deadlines, and appointments
- Maintain case files and client communications
- Support billing and time-entry processes
- Ensure confidentiality of all legal matters
Qualifications:
- 1–3 years experience in a legal administrative role
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office and basic legal software
- Clear written communication skills
- Highly organized and reliable
- Bonus if familiar with [Insert Tool or System]
Perks & Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision plans
- Paid time off
- Remote work flexibility (optional)
- Team lunches, training support, and employee wellness perks
How to Apply:
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert Application Link]
You’ll complete a brief skill-based evaluation—designed to highlight what you can do, not just what’s on your résumé. Every applicant receives a response.
Smarter Hiring Starts After You Post — Let WorkScreen Handle the Rest
Once your job post is live and candidates start rolling in, the real challenge begins:
How do you quickly spot who’s actually qualified—without relying on résumés or guesswork?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
✅ With WorkScreen, You Can:
🔍 Quickly Identify Top Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants based on how they perform in real-world tasks—not just what they claim on paper.
You get a clear, data-driven leaderboard of your best-fit applicants, helping you focus your time where it counts.
🛠 Easily Administer Skill Tests (With One Click)
No need to build a custom assessment from scratch.
WorkScreen makes it simple to send role-specific skill tests that evaluate what actually matters—like legal document formatting, attention to detail, or writing clarity.
You’ll see how candidates think and work, before the interview.
🚫 Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants
AI-generated résumés, copy-paste cover letters, and “easy apply” spam waste your time.
WorkScreen filters those out—so you only review applicants who show up, follow through, and demonstrate real skill.
📈 Hire With Confidence (and Less Risk)
When your next legal secretary has already proven they can do the job, you’re not guessing—you’re hiring smarter.
Want to try it out?
Visit WorkScreen.io to sign up and start building your first performance-based job post. It takes just a few minutes—and it could save you hours.
Legal Secretary Job Description - Frequently Asked Questions
When hiring a Legal Secretary, look for a combination of technical, organizational, and interpersonal skills:
- Document formatting & proofreading – Accuracy is critical in legal work. Even small typos can cause delays or legal risk.
- Calendar & deadline management – Strong calendaring skills help attorneys stay compliant with court schedules.
- Confidentiality & discretion – Legal secretaries often handle sensitive client data; trustworthiness is non-negotiable.
- Legal terminology familiarity – Especially useful in roles that involve litigation or court filings.
- Proactive communication – The best legal secretaries don’t wait to be told—they anticipate needs and flag issues early.
Bonus: Experience with tools like Clio, MyCase, or NetDocuments can reduce onboarding time.
As of 2024, the average salary for a Legal Secretary in the U.S. ranges between $45,000 and $65,000 per year, depending on:
- Experience level
- Practice area (litigation often pays more than estate planning or family law)
- Location (urban centers tend to pay more than rural areas)
- Firm size and benefits package
Entry-level roles in smaller firms may start around $40,000, while experienced legal secretaries in high-cost cities can earn $70,000+.
Although the roles overlap, legal secretaries focus more on administrative tasks, while paralegals handle substantive legal work like legal research and drafting.
Legal secretaries:
- Format documents
- Manage calendars
- Communicate with clients
- Handle filings and correspondence
Paralegals:
- Draft pleadings and legal briefs
- Research case law
- Summarize depositions or evidence
- Assist with trial prep
In small firms, responsibilities may blend—but the distinction is important for setting expectations.
Here’s the short version:
- Use a clear, specific title that reflects the role and practice area
- Open with a warm, human intro—not boilerplate text
- Explain your company’s mission and work culture
- List responsibilities in plain English, showing impact—not just tasks
- Be transparent about salary, perks, and your hiring process
- Include a quick video from the hiring manager to humanize the post
- Use a tool like io to filter for real skills—not résumé fluff
(For a full walkthrough, revisit Sections 1–8 of this guide.)
