Legal Assistant Careers in Fayetteville, AR: Job Opportunities & Insights
Legal Assistant Occupations Explained
They typically handle and files legal paperwork, make arrangements for their lawyer to appear in court, interview and draft reports on clients and their cases. They also must communicate with clients, assistants, witnesses, experts and other outside contacts. As with many forms of professional employment, legal assistants must abide by a code of ethics and confidentiality for the position. Said simply, they are bound by the same standards as their employer/attorney.
Most legal assistants work in law offices, for lawyers, corporations and in the government. Oftentimes, their work is in a particular company or industry such as private law firms that specialize in criminal versus civil cases. The area of the law that the firm specializes in is critical to answer the question, "what do you do?"
For example, a personal injury law firm has legal assistants that are used to working with medical terminology, bills and records; billing information for insurance companies and handling the intake and investigation of a potential client’s case. Contrast that with a law firm that specializes in real estate closings. One may expect the legal assistants in this unit to do title searches , closings, title opinion letters and handle banking intricacies for the buyers and sellers of the homes.
There are some general skills and requirements that a legal assistant must have and be able to provide in any area of law:
Some find that this work is very exciting because it offers a variety of activities and projects to be done every day. Most law firms will attest that each day is different! The legal profession is one that often attracts those who desire human interaction, advocacy, negotiation, helping others, writing, research and analytical tasks.
Those who enjoy problem solving, organization, compassion, human assistance, research, and writing are generally good fits for the legal assistant profession. This may include recent bachelor’s degree graduates in related fields such as English, communication and political science. Advanced degrees such as a master’s degree in paralegal studies is required by most mid-level to larger firms as well as strong computer skills in all Microsoft platforms and e-discovery software.
The Legal Assistant Job Market in Fayetteville, Arkansas
The job market for legal assistants in Fayetteville, AR is relatively steady with a mix of opportunities from both private law firms and corporate legal departments. The demand for legal assistants is a consistent factor in the region’s legal community, driven in part by the area’s growing economy. A detailed report by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations cites an influx of new residents as one of the key drivers of recent job growth in various Arkansas industries. As the population increases, there is more demand for legal services in areas such as family law, personal injury and employment law, and this has contributed to an active market for legal assistant jobs.
Some of the law firms and legal departments that have recently posted listings seeking legal assistants in the region include: The Fort Smith Firm, Best Law Firm and Wal-Mart Corporate. In addition to these private firms and corporate legal departments, there are a number of government agencies that regularly seek legal assistants and related professionals, including the U.S. Department of Justice and Arkansas State Administrative Office of the Courts.
Another interesting feature of the legal market in Fayetteville is the presence of two post-secondary legal education institutions: the University of Arkansas School of Law and the National Paralegal College. With a growing pool of qualified graduates, the competition for legal assistant jobs in the region can get tough, but those with the right combination of skills, experience, and education will find plenty of opportunities to establish successful careers in Fayetteville.
Qualifications, Training & Education
Fayetteville’s legal assistant positions generally do not require an associate degree, but most employers prefer to hire those who have at least some post-secondary education. Although a general understanding of law is critical for this line of work, the Fayetteville bar association and prospective employers place a greater emphasis on specific knowledge and skills when evaluating applicants. For this reason, you may want to consider signing up for a paralegal studies program if you are already working as a legal assistant.
Preferred certification programs abound, although they are not mandatory. The National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) offers the Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) designation. This, along with the Professional Paralegal (PP) designation offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), is among the most recognized credentials in the country. Most employers view "P" distinction holders as competent professionals, and NALS and NFPA membership may help you earn a position to get you started in the industry.
Notably, completion of an ABA-approved paralegal studies program will also help you earn a degree. These degree programs typically take one to two years of study. In addition to standard legal assistant skills, which include word processing, dictation, and scheduling, you will learn about the civil and criminal justice systems, family law, civil liberties, and research methods like interviewing clients and conducting background checks.
Annual Income & Job Benefits
In Fayetteville, AR, salary expectations for legal assistants range in accordance with experience and the specific employer. On average, salaries hover around $44,000 per year. However, legal assistants with substantial experience or who work for prestigious, large law firms may earn in the upper $50,000s annually.
The job growth outlook for these paralegals is steady with a 9 percent growth predicted from 2019 to 2029. This figure is consistent with the growth average across the country.
Fayetteville legal assistants typically enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to health insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings plans with matching contributions. These packages may also include bonuses for outstanding performance as well as continued education opportunities with tuition reimbursement programs.
Ultimately, the versatility of this career path provides a great deal of opportunity for those interested in working in the legal field. Not only do legal assistants serve an important function in the law office, but the skills and knowledge they develop provide an exceptional foundation for moving into other legal roles.
Legal Assistant Career Advancement
A strong track record and displayed aptitude can create avenues for legal assistants to move into higher positions. With experience, an assistant may have the opportunity to transition into a support manager or paralegal role. Many Fayetteville lawyers would much prefer training an inside hire who is already familiar with the clients, the culture of the firm, and the policies for handling certain matters.
Firm support managers head up teams of legal assistants and paralegals. At that high level, these managers are responsible for the overall organizational quality and efficiency of their departments. Essential abilities that have been fostered in the legal assistant role are applied on a broader scale . In particular, interpersonal sensitivities and time management skills are essential for this position.
Paralegals are responsible for preparing much of the documentary material for attorney review and client signatures. This job requires a highly organized professional who knows how to organize materials according to different factors, such as by date, type, or subject. The paralegal prepares mostly litigation documents or transaction documents. The paralegal is responsible for ensuring that all of the legal requirements for a document have been executed. This means that the paralegal must review the laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the document. This is generally a much higher level position than legal assistant.
Applying for Legal Assistant Positions
How to Apply for Legal Assistant Positions in Fayetteville, AR
Once you have already acquainted yourself with some of the aforementioned requirements to prepare yourself to apply to legal assistant jobs, you’ll need to take the time to create your resume and cover letter. With how competitive the current market is, as well as the wide pool of applicants you are competing against, it’s important to have your documentation in order and presented in a way that will set you apart from the pack. First and foremost, it’s important to always apply for the right positions. Simply sending in your resume to every open position that comes through your inbox isn’t the right way to go about it. You’ll need to take the time to go through the positions available and figure out which one makes the most sense for you and your experience. It’s all about quality, not quantity. Submit quality applications to positions that you’re well suited for and see where that leads you. Don’t be afraid to make resume changes depending on the position. For instance, if it’s a corporate position that requires a strong background in business law and you don’t have that experience, there’s no need to include it in your resume. Instead, put more focus on the experiences you do have that better adhere to the position and apply your skills directly to the job opening. When you’re writing a cover letter, make sure you read the job description carefully and reiterate what the company is looking for to show that you understand. Take the time to adjust your cover letter to each specific position, including specific skills that make you the best fit for the job. Always include your contact information and follow through on the application process.
Legal Assistant Networking Resources
Professional Organizations: Joining associations like the Arkansas Paralegal Association can be valuable for legal assistants in Fayetteville. These organizations provide a platform to connect with peers, stay updated on industry trends, and access job boards where employers look for local talent. Networking Opportunities: Local networking events, such as those organized by the Arkansas Bar Association, are essential for those looking to make a mark in the field. Meeting fellow professionals can open doors to job opportunities and mentorship. Continued Education and Certification: Programs such as the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam , administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants, are an excellent way to elevate your professional standing. The Paralegal Certificate Program offered by the University of Arkansas helps newcomers familiarize themselves with the requirements and practices of the legal field. Skills and Competencies: Data management, database security, and knowledge of legal terminology are integral to the job. While experience is invaluable, online courses can help bridge any skills gap for those who are just starting in the industry.