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If you’ve Googled “Legal Secretary job description,” chances are you’ve already seen dozens of templates. They all look the same: a long list of bullet points, generic wording like “must be detail-oriented,” and no real insight into the role, the team, or the company.
The problem? These posts don’t actually attract great legal secretaries — they repel them.
Top candidates aren’t just looking for a paycheck. They want to know:
- What kind of legal team they’re supporting
- Whether they’ll be respected in the workplace
- What growth or development looks like in the role
- And how seriously your company takes hiring
But most job descriptions skip all that — and that’s exactly why they fail.
If you want to write a job post that brings in qualified, committed candidates who care about their work, you need to stop treating your job description like a formality… and start treating it like your best recruiting tool.
Before we dive in, we recommend checking 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 breaks down exactly why most hiring posts underperform — and how to fix them with simple, strategic changes.
Now, let’s talk about what the Legal Secretary role actually is — in plain English.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What Does a Legal Secretary Actually Do?
Forget the buzzwords for a second. Here’s what the role really looks like:
A legal secretary is the organizational backbone of a legal team. They handle the day-to-day administrative work that keeps everything running—scheduling meetings, managing case files, preparing legal documents, and making sure deadlines aren’t missed.
But this job is more than just typing speed and calendars.
A great legal secretary brings structure to chaos. They understand legal terminology, know how to communicate professionally with clients and courts, and are trusted by lawyers to manage sensitive information discreetly and accurately.
In many ways, they’re the right hand of the legal team—anticipating needs, catching mistakes before they happen, and helping everything flow smoothly behind the scenes.
Key qualities?
- Discretion
- Strong attention to detail
- Calm under pressure
- Clear, professional communication
- And above all, reliability
Whether you’re in a law firm or an in-house legal department, hiring the right legal secretary can be the difference between a smooth operation and constant frustration.
Two Great Legal Secretary Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1:Job Description For Experienced Legal Secretary
📌 Job Title:
Legal Secretary for Civil Litigation – Westwood & Blake LLP, San Diego
💼 Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person
💰 Salary Range: $48,000–$62,000/year (depending on experience)
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30AM–5PM
🎥 Meet Your Hiring Manager:
We believe hiring should feel personal. Here’s a quick video from our team so you can get a feel for who we are and how we work:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
Who We Are:
Westwood & Blake LLP is a boutique litigation firm based in San Diego, with a strong reputation for our work in civil and business disputes. For over 15 years, we’ve built a practice grounded in strategy, client advocacy, and meticulous preparation.
We’re known for punching above our weight and delivering outcomes that rival much larger firms. But what sets us apart is our team—tight-knit, collaborative, and deeply respectful of each other’s work.
We’re now looking for an experienced Legal Secretary to join our litigation team and help support two senior partners in fast-paced, high-stakes casework.
Our Company Culture:
At Westwood & Blake, we don’t believe in big egos or late nights for the sake of optics. We believe in efficiency, clarity, and respect—for clients and for each other.
We keep meetings short, communication sharp, and expectations clear. We celebrate wins together and back each other up when things get tough. Our team culture thrives on trust, autonomy, and a genuine sense of pride in the work.
What You’ll Do:
- Prepare, format, and proofread legal documents (motions, pleadings, briefs)
- File documents electronically with California state and federal courts
- Manage attorneys’ calendars, deadlines, and hearing schedules
- Schedule meetings, depositions, and client calls
- Handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion
- Serve as a liaison between attorneys, clients, court clerks, and other law firms
What We’re Looking For:
- Minimum 2 years of experience as a legal secretary (litigation-focused)
- Strong understanding of legal procedures and court deadlines
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Clio or similar tools
- Impeccable grammar, formatting, and document prep skills
- Proactive, organized, and calm under pressure
Why This Role Is a Great Fit:
This role gives you real ownership. You won’t just be handling tasks—you’ll be a trusted partner in helping your attorneys succeed. We value people who take initiative, solve problems independently, and care about doing things right the first time.
Perks & Benefits:
- Full medical, dental, and vision insurance (starting after 30 days)
- 10 paid vacation days + 5 personal days per year
- 401(k) with employer match
- Monthly team lunches and quarterly firm offsites
- Annual professional development stipend ($1,200/year)
How to Apply:
We care about making hiring fair and efficient—that’s why we use WorkScreen.
To apply, click below and complete a short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link here]
We review every application and promise to keep you informed throughout the process.
🌱 Option 2: Entry-Level Legal Secretary Job Description Template (Willing to Train)
📌 Job Title:
Junior Legal Secretary (Training Provided) – Ashford Legal Services, Dallas
💼 Job Type: Full-Time | Hybrid
💰 Salary Range: $38,000–$45,000/year
📍 Location: Dallas, TX
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00AM–5:00PM
🎥 A Quick Hello From Our Team:
Before you apply, meet us! Watch this short video to get a feel for our team, our energy, and what it’s like to work here:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
Who We Are:
Ashford Legal Services is a modern law office supporting small businesses, property managers, and individuals with general civil, real estate, and employment matters.
We’re a lean, tech-forward legal practice where clear communication and fast turnarounds are the norm—not the exception. Our attorneys are friendly, client-focused, and love working with team members who are curious and hungry to grow.
If you’re looking for a career in law—even without years of experience—this is your chance to get your foot in the door and receive real mentorship.
Our Company Culture:
Ashford is the kind of place where no question is too small and no one is above helping out. We value teachability, good humor, and mutual respect.
We run on trust, checklists, and clean processes—but we also laugh a lot, support each other through challenges, and genuinely enjoy working together. You’ll never be left guessing about expectations here.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Assist with formatting legal templates, contracts, and client letters
- Manage calendars, phone calls, and appointment scheduling
- Learn how to file documents with the courts
- Support attorneys with administrative tasks
- Track deadlines and follow up on case progress
You Might Be a Fit If You:
- Are looking for your first legal role or switching careers
- Communicate well and stay organized under pressure
- Pick up new systems quickly (we’ll train you on everything)
- Take pride in your work and enjoy helping others succeed
Why This Role Is a Great Fit:
This is the ideal role if you’re eager to learn and want mentorship. You’ll be trained from the ground up with support from a senior legal assistant and hands-on learning with attorneys. If you do well here, you’ll have clear pathways to grow.
Perks & Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance after 60 days
- Up to 15 paid days off per year
- Flexible hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 remote)
- Paid legal assistant certification program
- Team recognition bonuses and wellness stipends
How to Apply:
We use WorkScreen.io to make hiring smoother and more fair for everyone.
Click the link below to complete your short evaluation and show us your potential:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link here]
We review every application with care and will keep you updated at every step.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Why These Legal Secretary Job Posts Actually Work
So what makes these job descriptions more effective than the typical generic posts online?
Let’s break it down:
✅ 1. The Job Title Is Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
Instead of just saying “Legal Secretary,” both templates add crucial context:
- “Legal Secretary for Civil Litigation – Westwood & Blake LLP”
- “Junior Legal Secretary (Training Provided) – Ashford Legal Services”
This clarity helps candidates self-select faster. It speaks directly to who the job is for and what kind of legal environment they’d be stepping into.
✅ 2. There’s a Video from the Hiring Manager or Team
Adding a Loom or YouTube video lets candidates connect with the people behind the job post. It humanizes your company and gives a real sense of personality, energy, and culture—something a static post can’t do.
Great candidates aren’t just evaluating the role—they’re evaluating you. A video helps tip the scales in your favor.
✅ 3. The “About Us” Section Is Real, Not Generic
These job posts don’t sound like corporate brochures. They sound like real companies with real people, real values, and real work. Each post includes specific practice areas, the company’s reputation, and what makes the team unique.
This helps the candidate feel like they’re applying to a place they already understand—not just another line on their resume.
✅ 4. Culture Isn’t Claimed — It’s Shown
Rather than saying “we value collaboration” or “we’re a supportive team,” both templates actually demonstrate what the culture looks like day-to-day:
- “No egos or late nights for the sake of optics.”
- “We run on trust, checklists, and clean processes—but we also laugh a lot.”
This gives candidates an emotional preview of what it feels like to be part of the team.
✅ 5. Responsibilities Show Purpose, Not Just Tasks
Most job descriptions list tasks like a grocery list. These templates explain why the work matters and how it supports the team.
For example:
“You’ll be the go-to person for everything from managing legal documentation to coordinating court schedules.”
This gives weight to the role and helps the candidate feel like their contribution matters.
✅ 6. The “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Does the Heavy Lifting
This section speaks directly to the candidate’s motivations:
- Ownership
- Mentorship
- Growth
- Respect
By framing the job as a career step, not just a support role, you increase your chances of attracting committed, high-quality applicants.
✅ 7. Perks and Benefits Are Transparent and Separated
Rather than burying benefits in a wall of text, the templates call them out clearly:
- PTO
- Health coverage
- Training stipends
- 401(k)
- Flexible hours
This builds trust and shows that you respect candidates’ priorities outside of work.
✅ 8. The Hiring Process Is Respectful and Modern
The application instructions explain that you’re using WorkScreen to make the process skill-based, structured, and human.
No black holes. No endless back-and-forth. Just a clear, fair path that evaluates people on their potential—not just their resume.
Example of a Bad Legal Secretary Job Description (And Why It Doesn’t Work)
Let’s look at what a typical, outdated job post for a legal secretary sounds like:
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title:
Legal Secretary
Company:
Confidential Law Firm
Job Type:
Full-Time
Location:
Los Angeles, CA
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly organized Legal Secretary to perform a variety of administrative and clerical tasks. The successful candidate will provide support to our attorneys and ensure smooth day-to-day office operations.
Responsibilities:
- Draft correspondence and legal documents
- Schedule appointments and maintain calendars
- File documents and maintain case records
- Answer phones and greet clients
Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- 2–3 years of experience as a Legal Secretary
- Knowledge of legal terminology
- Strong typing and communication skills
How to Apply:
Submit your resume and cover letter to legaljobs@email.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Fails
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just “Legal Secretary” with no context. No area of law, no team details, and no personality. It’s forgettable—and easily overlooked by serious candidates.
2. No Company Identity or Culture
“Confidential Law Firm”? That’s a red flag for most applicants. There’s no sense of who they’ll be working for or what the environment is like.
Top candidates want to know what they’re joining. This post gives them nothing.
3. The Introduction Feels Cold and Corporate
It uses robotic phrases like “successful candidate will perform a variety of tasks.” There’s no energy, no mission, and no emotional hook.
4. The Responsibilities Are Vague and Boring
“Draft documents” and “answer phones” could apply to a dozen admin jobs. There’s no specificity around the type of legal work, the pace, or the importance of the role.
5. There’s No Mention of Perks, Benefits, or Salary
This is a major trust-killer. In 2025, job seekers expect transparency. Hiding compensation makes your company look out of touch—or worse, disorganized.
6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is a cold way to end a post. It tells applicants: “We don’t value your time, and we won’t follow up.”
That tone alone can push strong candidates to apply elsewhere.
7. Zero Personality in the CTA
There’s no encouragement, no warmth, no reason to get excited. Just a generic “submit your resume.” It treats applicants like a formality—not future team members.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Legal Secretary Job Description Stand Out
Writing a solid job post is a great first step—but if you want to really stand out in a competitive hiring market, these finishing touches can help you go from “just another listing” to a must-apply opportunity.
Here are a few advanced tips to give your job description extra polish and pull:
✨ Tip 1: Add a Privacy & Security Notice
Top candidates want to feel safe when applying. Adding a short disclaimer builds trust and shows that you take applicant protection seriously.
Example:
“We take the security and privacy of all job applicants seriously. We will never request sensitive personal information (such as bank details or payment) during any part of the hiring process.”
✨ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days and Flex Time (If Offered)
Leave matters. Even a simple line about paid time off or flex days can make your role significantly more appealing.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 15 paid days off per year—including flex days to recharge and reset.”
✨ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
This is especially important for entry-level or career-switcher roles. Show candidates you’re investing in their future.
Example:
“We’ll cover the cost of your legal assistant certification after 6 months on the job—and provide weekly mentoring sessions with a senior paralegal.”
✨ Tip 4: Add a Loom or YouTube Video
If you haven’t already, record a short 1–2 minute video introducing the team, the role, or your company’s mission. It adds warmth, trust, and differentiates your post.
Why it works:
Candidates apply to people, not just job titles. A friendly face can go a long way.
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
✨ Tip 5: Mention Recognition or Career Pathways
Even in support roles, people want to feel seen and valued. You don’t need to promise the world—but do highlight what growth looks like.
Example:
“Many of our legal secretaries have gone on to become senior admins, paralegals, or operations leads within the firm.”
Should You Use AI to Write a Legal Secretary Job Description?
Let’s be honest—AI is everywhere now.
Almost every hiring platform (including Manatal, Workable, and even LinkedIn) offers one-click AI-generated job posts. And while it seems like a shortcut, using AI the wrong way can backfire—fast.
🚫 Why You Shouldn’t Let AI Write Your Post from Scratch
Plugging in a prompt like “Write me a Legal Secretary job description” might save you time—but it also gives you a post that:
- Feels generic and robotic
- Misses the human tone candidates connect with
- Lacks specific insights about your company culture, team, and mission
- Attracts low-effort applicants who are spamming the job market
Remember: your job post is often the first impression candidates get of your company. You want it to reflect the care, clarity, and energy you bring to the rest of your team.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI (So It Actually Helps)
AI can be a great tool—but only after you’ve added the human context.
Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Give AI Real Inputs
Before you generate anything, provide details like:
- What your company does
- What kind of legal work you specialize in
- What your team culture feels like
- What kind of person thrives in the role
- Your perks, benefits, and growth opportunities
- Your hiring process (how you treat applicants)
Step 2: Use a Prompt Like This:
“Help me write a job description for a Legal Secretary at Westwood & Blake LLP. We’re a boutique litigation firm in San Diego that specializes in civil and business disputes. We’re hiring someone with at least 2 years of experience, who is organized, calm under pressure, and great with legal document formatting.
Our company culture is collaborative, respectful, and efficient. We don’t do long nights—we do smart work. We offer full benefits, paid time off, and professional development stipends.
Please write this in a clear, warm, and professional tone, and make it feel like a real company is behind the post—not an HR bot. Here are some notes I wrote to get you started: [Paste bullet points here].”
Step 3: Let AI Polish—Not Replace—Your Voice
Use AI to tighten language, fix grammar, or structure ideas. But make sure your post still sounds like you.
The best job descriptions feel like they were written by a person who cares. Don’t hand over that power to a robot.
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
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Legal Secretary Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title:
Legal Secretary for Civil Litigation – [Company Name]
Location: [City, State]
Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person or Hybrid
Salary: [Insert Range]
🎥 Meet Your Hiring Manager:
[Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Who We Are:
At [Company Name], we’re a litigation-focused law firm known for our precise legal work and strong client relationships. We’ve built our reputation on clarity, strategy, and doing the work the right way—not just the fast way.
We’re hiring a Legal Secretary to join our team and help support attorneys with everything from court filings to client communications.
What You’ll Do:
- Draft, proofread, and format legal documents
- Manage case deadlines and court filings
- Schedule meetings, depositions, and hearings
- Communicate with clients and court staff
- Keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes
What We’re Looking For:
- 2+ years experience in a legal secretary or admin role
- Comfortable with legal documents, procedures, and calendaring tools
- Great communicator (written + verbal)
- Reliable, organized, and proactive
Company Culture:
We believe in respectful collaboration, clear expectations, and giving people the space to do great work. No micromanagement—just mutual trust and support.
Why This Role Is a Great Fit:
This isn’t just admin support—it’s about being the operational heart of a legal team. You’ll be trusted, valued, and part of a firm that truly respects its people.
Perks & Benefits:
- Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid vacation + holidays
- Training and development stipend
- 401(k) with employer match
- Bonus structure based on performance
How to Apply:
We use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants based on real skills—not just resumes. Click the link below to get started:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Title: Legal Secretary
Location: [City, State]
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: [Insert Range]
Department: Legal Support
🎥 Meet Your Hiring Manager:
[Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Job Brief:
We are looking for a Legal Secretary to join our litigation team. You will provide administrative support to attorneys, manage legal documents, and help coordinate communication across clients, courts, and internal teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Draft and review legal documents
- Maintain accurate case files and calendars
- Handle scheduling, filing, and court correspondence
- Communicate with clients and external contacts professionally
- Support attorneys in trial preparation and discovery
Requirements:
- Proven experience as a Legal Secretary (2+ years preferred)
- Familiarity with legal procedures and court systems
- Proficiency with MS Office and legal case management tools
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Perks & Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid holidays and vacation
- Flexible work schedule
- Learning and development support
- Retirement plan with matching
How to Apply:
To ensure fairness and accuracy in our hiring process, we use WorkScreen. Start your application below:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
Ready to Hire the Right Legal Secretary? Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Phase
Writing a great job description is only half the battle. The real challenge? Identifying who’s actually qualified, committed, and the right fit for your team.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Easily administer one-click skill tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate low-effort applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
Hiring a great Legal Secretary shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Let WorkScreen make the process faster, smarter, and more reliable—so you can hire with confidence.
FAQ
The best legal secretaries combine technical know-how with soft skills that make them reliable and easy to work with. Key skills to look for include:
- Legal document preparation (motions, pleadings, correspondence)
- E-filing proficiency for state and federal court systems
- Strong organization and time management
- Confidentiality and discretion
- Clear, professional communication with clients and legal teams
- Software proficiency (MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, and legal tools like Clio or MyCase)
- Calm under pressure, especially during court deadlines
Bonus: Look for candidates who demonstrate ownership, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to work independently.
As of 2025, the average salary for a Legal Secretary in the United States is between $45,000 and $65,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the type of law practiced.
- Entry-level roles may start around $38,000–$45,000
- Experienced legal secretaries in high-demand practice areas or metro firms can earn $60,000+
Adding bonuses, overtime, and benefits can also increase total compensation.
A Legal Secretary focuses primarily on administrative support—handling documents, scheduling, formatting, and communication.
A Paralegal, on the other hand, is more involved in case preparation, research, drafting legal arguments, and supporting attorneys with substantive legal work.
Think of it this way:
- Legal Secretaries keep the office and documentation process flowing.
- Paralegals dig into the legal work itself.
Yes—if you’re willing to train.
Some of the best legal secretaries started in entry-level admin roles and learned on the job.
In this case, prioritize:
- Communication skills
- Organization and reliability
- Tech-savviness
- Willingness to learn and grow
Pair them with a strong onboarding process, and they can become a long-term asset.
