How much does a Legal Assistant make?
Legal Assistants play a crucial role in the legal field, supporting lawyers and judges with various tasks. Their yearly earnings can vary, but on average, they make around $52,630. This average salary reflects the diverse responsibilities and the importance of their work in legal settings.
When looking at the salary data, it shows that the majority of Legal Assistants earn between $32,000 and $65,000 annually. For instance, the 10th percentile of earners make around $32,000, while the 90th percentile earn around $87,000. This range highlights the potential for growth and advancement within the field, depending on experience, location, and the specific employer. With experience and additional certifications, many Legal Assistants find opportunities to increase their earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Legal Assistant?
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Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $109,317
In Syracuse, supporting legal teams involves working in a vibrant community. Companies like the City of Syracuse and local law firms offer dynamic roles. The area's rich history in law makes it a great place to learn and grow.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $87,459
Working in San Francisco provides a unique legal experience. With tech giants and law firms, it’s a hub for innovation. The city’s legal landscape is diverse and offers numerous opportunities for career advancement.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $76,671
Denver offers a mix of urban and natural beauty. Legal roles here often involve working in well-known firms and government offices. The city’s growing tech scene adds a dynamic edge to legal careers.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $71,109
Boston, rich in legal history, provides a prestigious environment for legal professionals. Working at firms like Ropes & Gray or government agencies offers diverse experiences. The city’s educational institutions also provide networking opportunities.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $70,553
In Rochester, one can expect a close-knit community feel in legal work. The city’s strong local economy offers stability. Working with law firms and local businesses provides a balanced professional experience.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $69,909
Albany, the capital, offers a unique blend of government and private legal work. Firms like Whiteman Osterman & Hanna provide excellent opportunities. The city’s political influence offers insight into the legislative process.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $68,824
Santa Rosa provides a relaxed work environment with beautiful surroundings. Legal roles often involve working with local firms and vineyards. The city’s charm and smaller size make it ideal for a balanced career.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $68,242
In Washington, DC, the political climate creates a fast-paced legal environment. Working for government agencies and law firms offers exposure to national issues. The city’s vibrant culture adds to the work experience.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $66,114
Seattle combines tech innovation with a strong legal sector. Companies like Amazon and local firms offer diverse roles. The city’s progressive environment fosters growth and creativity in legal work.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $64,076
Los Angeles offers a bustling legal market with opportunities in entertainment and major law firms. The city’s diverse population provides unique legal challenges. Working here can lead to a varied and rewarding career.
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What are the best companies a Legal Assistant can work for?
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DLA Piper
Average Salary: $101,994
DLA Piper offers robust opportunities for Legal Assistants. They provide competitive salaries and work across many locations including the U.S., UK, and Australia. Their legal teams are diverse and handle various cases, from corporate to litigation.
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Direct Talent Solutions
Average Salary: $100,588
Direct Talent Solutions is known for excellent pay and benefits for Legal Assistants. They focus on connecting legal professionals with top companies. They operate across the U.S. and specialize in placing candidates in roles with high demand.
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Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP
Average Salary: $95,167
Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP provides a dynamic environment for Legal Assistants. They offer good salaries and have offices in several states. This company focuses on delivering top-notch legal services, supporting their assistants with extensive training.
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Ropes & Gray LLP
Average Salary: $93,002
Ropes & Gray LLP offers competitive salaries for Legal Assistants. With offices in major cities, they provide a wealth of opportunities. They focus on corporate law and have a reputation for excellence, offering assistants the chance to work on significant cases.
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Ogletree Deakins
Average Salary: $85,743
Ogletree Deakins offers strong salaries for Legal Assistants. They have offices across the U.S. and specialize in employment law. This company provides a supportive environment, helping assistants grow in their careers.
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Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP
Average Salary: $82,489
Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP pays well for Legal Assistants. They have offices in several states and focus on commercial litigation. The company provides a collaborative environment, offering assistants chances to work on interesting projects.
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Foley & Lardner LLP
Average Salary: $81,592
Foley & Lardner LLP offers attractive salaries for Legal Assistants. They have multiple offices across the U.S. and specialize in a variety of legal areas. This company offers assistants the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a supportive setting.
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Womble Bond Dickinson
Average Salary: $78,977
Womble Bond Dickinson offers a good salary for Legal Assistants. They operate in the U.S. and UK, focusing on corporate law. They provide a nurturing environment, allowing assistants to develop their skills and advance in their careers.
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Kennedys
Average Salary: $78,473
Kennedys offers competitive pay for Legal Assistants. They have offices in many locations around the world, specializing in litigation and dispute resolution. They provide a dynamic work environment, supporting assistants in their professional growth.
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Holland & Hart LLP
Average Salary: $78,384
Holland & Hart LLP offers a solid salary for Legal Assistants. They have offices across several states and focus on corporate law. This company provides a supportive environment, helping assistants to build their careers and gain valuable experience.
How to earn more as a Legal Assistant?
Legal Assistants have the chance to earn more by taking several steps. Gaining experience can help increase earnings. More years of work in the field often lead to higher pay. Adding certifications can also make a resume stronger. It shows a commitment to the profession. Networking with other professionals can lead to better job opportunities. Sometimes, moving to a higher-paying area can help too.
Some Legal Assistants choose to go back to school. They earn a degree or additional certifications. This often leads to higher-paying jobs. Taking on more responsibility at work can also lead to raises. Staying updated with the latest software and tools used in the industry makes a Legal Assistant more valuable. Doing these things can lead to a higher salary over time.
Here are some ways a Legal Assistant can earn more:
- Gain more experience
- Get additional certifications
- Network with other professionals
- Move to a higher-paying area
- Pursue further education
