How much does a Legal Assistant make?
Legal Assistants play a key role in the legal field. They help lawyers and judges with many tasks. Their work can range from organizing documents to helping with research. The average yearly salary for a Legal Assistant is around $51,763. This means they earn a good amount each year.
The salary for Legal Assistants can vary based on experience and location. Some earn less than $31,200, while others make more than $90,000. Here is a look at the salary distribution:
- 10% earn less than $31,200
- 25% earn between $31,200 and $41,891
- 50% earn between $41,891 and $63,273
- 75% earn between $63,273 and $79,309
- 90% earn less than $90,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Legal Assistant?

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Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $109,224
In Syracuse, NY, professionals work in a vibrant legal environment. The city is home to several law firms, including Bond, Schoeneck & King, where assistants support attorneys in various legal matters. The community offers a mix of urban and suburban living, making it a balanced place to work and live.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $85,678
San Francisco, CA, offers a dynamic legal landscape. Here, assistants often work with major firms like Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. The city's tech-driven economy means many legal tasks involve intellectual property and tech law. The cost of living is high, but the job market is robust.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $74,610
Denver, CO, provides a thriving environment for legal professionals. The city is home to firms like Holland & Hart, where assistants handle legal research and document preparation. Denver's outdoor lifestyle and growing tech scene make it an attractive place to live and work.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $68,586
Albany, NY, offers a stable legal job market. Assistants often work with firms like Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, supporting attorneys in government and corporate law. The city's historic charm and lower cost of living make it a pleasant place to work.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $68,100
Boston, MA, is a hub for legal professionals. Assistants work with firms like Nixon Peabody, handling a variety of legal tasks. The city's rich history and vibrant academic scene provide a unique backdrop for a career in law.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $67,696
Washington, DC, offers a dynamic legal environment. Assistants often work with firms like Akin Gump, supporting attorneys in government and regulatory law. The city's political climate and high concentration of legal firms make it an exciting place to work.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $67,623
Santa Rosa, CA, provides a balanced legal job market. Assistants work with firms like Wright, Ching & Davis, handling legal research and document preparation. The city's wine country charm and lower cost of living make it an attractive place to live and work.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $66,969
Rochester, NY, offers a stable legal environment. Assistants work with firms like Harter, Secrest & Emery, supporting attorneys in various legal matters. The city's rich cultural scene and lower cost of living make it a pleasant place to work.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $64,960
Seattle, WA, provides a vibrant legal job market. Assistants work with firms like Lane Powell, handling legal research and document preparation. The city's tech-driven economy and outdoor lifestyle make it an exciting place to live and work.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $63,055
Los Angeles, CA, offers a dynamic legal environment. Assistants work with firms like Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, supporting attorneys in various legal matters. The city's diverse population and entertainment industry provide a unique backdrop for a career in law.
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What are the best companies a Legal Assistant can work for?

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DLA Piper
Average Salary: $105,996
DLA Piper offers rewarding Legal Assistant roles. They operate in major cities worldwide, including New York, London, and Hong Kong. Their Legal Assistants support lawyers in various legal matters, ensuring smooth operations.
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Direct Talent Solutions
Average Salary: $99,722
Direct Talent Solutions provides competitive salaries for Legal Assistants. They work with clients across the United States, offering diverse opportunities. Their Legal Assistants assist with document preparation, research, and administrative tasks.
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Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP
Average Salary: $94,929
Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP is known for its high-paying Legal Assistant positions. They operate in the Southeast U.S., including Atlanta and Birmingham. Their Legal Assistants handle case management, client communication, and legal research.
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Forum Group
Average Salary: $92,273
Forum Group offers attractive salaries for Legal Assistants. They serve clients in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Their Legal Assistants support litigation, compliance, and corporate legal work, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
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King & Spalding
Average Salary: $87,229
King & Spalding provides competitive salaries for Legal Assistants. They operate in major cities like Atlanta, New York, and Washington, D.C. Their Legal Assistants assist with document review, legal research, and administrative support.
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Ogletree Deakins
Average Salary: $86,424
Ogletree Deakins offers rewarding Legal Assistant roles. They serve clients across the U.S., with offices in major cities. Their Legal Assistants support employment law, litigation, and compliance, ensuring smooth legal operations.
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Foley & Lardner LLP
Average Salary: $81,583
Foley & Lardner LLP provides competitive salaries for Legal Assistants. They operate in major cities like Boston, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Their Legal Assistants assist with litigation, corporate law, and intellectual property matters.
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Womble Bond Dickinson
Average Salary: $79,606
Womble Bond Dickinson offers attractive salaries for Legal Assistants. They serve clients in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Their Legal Assistants support various legal areas, including corporate law, litigation, and real estate.
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Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP
Average Salary: $79,177
Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP provides competitive salaries for Legal Assistants. They operate in major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. Their Legal Assistants assist with litigation, corporate law, and intellectual property.
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Holland & Hart LLP
Average Salary: $78,384
Holland & Hart LLP offers rewarding Legal Assistant roles. They serve clients in the U.S., with offices in major cities. Their Legal Assistants support litigation, corporate law, and real estate, ensuring efficient legal operations.
How to earn more as a Legal Assistant?
A Legal Assistant can find many ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on certain areas, they can boost their salary and job satisfaction. One key way is to gain more experience and specialize in a particular area of law. This makes them more valuable to employers. Another way is to get additional certifications. These can show employers that they have extra skills.
Expanding your skill set can also lead to higher earnings. Learning new software or improving typing speed can make you more efficient. This can lead to promotions or raises. Networking with other professionals can open up new job opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional groups can help with this. Finally, seeking out positions in high-demand areas can lead to higher pay. Urban areas or industries with a lot of legal work often offer better salaries.
Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Legal Assistant:
- Gain experience and specialize in a specific area of law.
- Get additional certifications to show extra skills.
- Expand your skill set with new software or improved typing speed.
- Network with other professionals to find new job opportunities.
- Seek positions in high-demand areas or industries.