August 6, 2025 | British Columbia

If you’re detail-oriented, organized, and interested in the legal world, a career as a legal administrative assistant could be a perfect match. But what exactly do they do? Legal administrative assistant duties and responsibilities go far beyond typing and answering phones. These professionals are a vital part of the legal system, supporting lawyers and clients with everything from document preparation to courtroom logistics.In this guide, we’ll walk through the key responsibilities of legal administrative assistants, what skills you need to thrive in the role,

What Is a Legal Administrative Assistant?

A legal administrative assistant is a trained professional who manages the day-to-day operations of a legal office. Often referred to as legal secretaries, they are the behind-the-scenes pros who make sure legal work flows smoothly. They help lawyers, paralegals, and legal departments stay organized, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate legal records.

At CDI College, students in the Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma program receive comprehensive training in Canadian law, legal office procedures, and specialized areas such as litigation, real estate, family law, and more. The program includes hands-on computer training, business writing, and a 175-hour practicum so graduates are fully prepared to jump into the workforce.

Top Legal Administrative Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Let’s explore the daily responsibilities you’ll take on as a legal administrative assistant.
 

1. Preparing Legal Documents

One of the most important parts of the job is drafting, formatting, and proofreading legal documents. These can include:
 

• Contracts and agreements
• Affidavits and statements of claim
• Real estate documents
• Wills and powers of attorney
• Divorce filings and custody forms
• Court submissions and pleadings
   

Legal documents must be professionally formatted, error-free, and compliant with court rules. You’ll need to know legal terminology and understand how to structure everything correctly. At CDI College, students gain experience creating legal documentation for civil litigation, family law, criminal law, and corporate legal procedures a must-have for success in the field.

2. Managing Legal Files and Records

Keeping legal files organized is essential for every law office. You’ll be responsible for:
 

• Setting up and maintaining client files
• Filing court documents on time
• Tracking deadlines, appointments, and court dates
• Organizing both digital and physical records
• Ensuring client confidentiality and data security
   

The ability to stay organized under pressure is one of the key qualities of a great legal administrative assistant.

3. Handling Communication

You’ll often be the first point of contact for clients, court clerks, and other legal professionals. Your duties may include:
 

• Answering and directing phone calls
• Scheduling appointments
• Greeting clients and preparing them for meetings
• Drafting emails, letters, and memos
• Liaising with external service providers and court staff
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At CDI College, students build communication skills through business writing, customer service training, and interpersonal development courses.

4. Legal Office Administration

Beyond legal tasks, you’ll manage the administrative side of the office, including:
 

• Ordering supplies and managing office equipment
• Maintaining timekeeping and billing records
• Performing light bookkeeping and trust accounting
• Using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and legal software
• Coordinating schedules for lawyers and legal teams
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These responsibilities ensure the office operates efficiently and professionally. CDI College’s program includes Business Computer Applications, Microsoft Outlook, and Effective Business Writing, giving students the tech skills they need from day one.

5. Supporting Court Processes

While legal administrative assistants don’t go to court, they help prepare everything needed for successful legal proceedings. This can involve:
 

• Organizing discovery materials and evidence lists
• Preparing trial binders and hearing schedules
• Filing court forms online or in person
• Communicating with court clerks and process servers
• Assisting with trial logistics and scheduling
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Students at CDI College study Litigation Procedures, Family Law, and Criminal Law and Evidence, giving them the knowledge to support these processes confidently.

Specializations in the Legal Field

Depending on the law firm or department, your duties might focus on a specific area of law. Some common specializations include:
 

• Real Estate Law – preparing purchase agreements, deeds, and mortgage paperwork
• Wills and Estates – managing probate applications and inheritance documents
• Family Law – handling separation agreements, custody forms, and court filings
• Corporate and Commercial Law – organizing incorporations, meeting minutes, and resolutions
• Criminal Law – supporting documentation for defence or prosecution cases
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CDI College’s program covers all of these areas, allowing students to graduate with a versatile skill set that fits many legal environments.

Key Skills You’ll Need

To succeed in this role, you’ll need more than just knowledge of the law. Successful legal administrative assistants share these traits:
 

• Attention to Detail – Legal work is precise. One small error can have big consequences.
• Time Management – Juggling deadlines, appointments, and court schedules is part of the job.
• Confidentiality – You’ll be handling sensitive information daily.
• Problem-Solving – Legal work can move fast. Being adaptable is essential.
• Communication Skills – Clear writing and professional interactions matter.
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These soft skills, combined with technical training, make you a valuable asset to any legal team.

Why Study at CDI College?

The Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma program at CDI College offers everything you need to start your legal career with confidence. Here’s why students choose CDI College:
 

• Graduate in just 43 weeks
• Learn from industry-experienced instructors
• Includes a 5-week practicum in a real legal environment
• Available online, in-person, or hybrid
• Campuses across British Columbia — Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond
• Approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU)
   

From learning legal systems and software to mastering office procedures, CDI College prepares you for a job market that values practical, hands-on skills.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Once you’ve completed your diploma, you’ll be ready to take on roles such as:
 

• Legal Administrative Assistant
• Legal Secretary
• Legal Office Assistant
• Court Clerk
• Real Estate Legal Assistant
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The median wage in British Columbia for legal administrative assistants is $26 per hour, according to JobBank.ca. It’s a stable and respected career path with real opportunity for growth.

Final Thoughts

Legal administrative assistant duties and responsibilities go well beyond basic office work. You’ll be an essential part of a legal team preparing documents, managing files, communicating with clients, and ensuring the legal process moves forward smoothly. If you’re ready for a professional, rewarding career in law, CDI College’s Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma program offers the training, experience, and support you need to make it happen.