August 5, 2025 | British Columbia

If you're looking to start a legal career in Canada, you've probably come across two common job titles: legal administrative assistant and paralegal. On the surface, they might seem similar. Both work closely with lawyers, both are essential in law offices, and both deal with legal documents. But are they actually the same? That’s a great question. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between a legal administrative assistant and a paralegal. We'll also explore which role might be right for you and how CDI College’s Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma program can help you get started in the legal field in under a year.

What Is a Legal Administrative Assistant?

If you ask what is a legal administrative assistant the answer would be  legal administrative assistant (sometimes referred to as a legal secretary) is a trained office professional who provides vital support to lawyers, paralegals, and law firms. They manage the administrative side of legal operations, keeping everything organized and efficient behind the scenes.Their responsibilities typically include:
 

• Drafting and formatting legal documents
• Organizing client files and paperwork
• Managing calendars, appointments, and court dates
• Handling incoming communication by phone, email, or mail
• Filing court documents and preparing standard legal forms
• Typing, transcription, and using legal software tools
   

Legal administrative assistants play an important role in keeping legal practices running smoothly. Without them, lawyers and paralegals wouldn’t be nearly as effective or organized. At CDI College, students in the Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma program learn all of these core skills and more — including real estate law, family law, wills and estates, and corporate law. The program also includes training in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and transcription, as well as a 175-hour legal practicum placement for hands-on experience.

What Is a Paralegal?

Paralegals are also legal professionals, but their responsibilities go further into legal processes. While they do assist with administrative work, they are more directly involved in legal research, case preparation, and sometimes even client interviews. Paralegals may:
 

• Conduct legal research and summarize findings
• Interview clients and collect evidence
• Draft legal arguments or court submissions under lawyer supervision
• Help prepare for court trials and hearings
• Handle more complex legal documents, such as pleadings and briefs
• Work independently on specific cases (depending on the province)
   

Paralegal programs have more legal training than legal administrative assistants and are often seen as the right-hand support to lawyers, especially in litigation-heavy environments. In some provinces like Ontario, paralegals may even provide certain legal services independently if licensed.

Is a Legal Administrative Assistant the Same as a Paralegal?

No, they are not the same, although they both work in the legal field and support lawyers. Here are some key differences:
 

The simplest way to look at it is this: legal administrative assistants focus more on the operational side of law, while paralegals are more involved in the technical legal side.
 

Which One Should You Choose?

That depends on your goals, time, and interests.You may prefer to become a legal administrative assistant if:
 

• You want to enter the legal field quickly
• You’re great at organization and multitasking
• You enjoy working behind the scenes
• You want a stable and professional office job
• You’re looking for a respected career without committing to years of school
   

CDI College’s Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma can be completed in just 43 weeks. The program is offered in-class, online, or through a hybrid format at campuses across British Columbia, including Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and Richmond. You’ll graduate job-ready, with real-world experience from a 5-week practicum placement and training in Canadian legal procedures. You may consider becoming a paralegal if:
 

• You’re passionate about law and legal research
• You want to work more directly on legal cases
• You’re open to a longer and more intense education program
• You’re considering law school down the line
   

Paralegal programs generally take longer and are more academic in nature. Some require 2 years of study or a university degree, depending on the region and specialization.

Career Outlook in Canada

Both roles are in demand. According to Jobbank.gc.ca, legal administrative assistants in British Columbia earn a median wage of $26/hour. With experience, that number can climb even higher. Legal assistants with strong skills in transcription, document prep, and court filing are especially valued in family law, real estate, and litigation firms.Paralegals also enjoy strong demand and higher earning potential, especially in corporate, civil litigation, and government roles. However, these jobs usually require more advanced training and a longer timeline before you enter the workforce.

Why Start with CDI College?

If you're eager to break into the legal field without spending years in school, the Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma program at CDI College is an excellent place to start. Here’s what makes it stand out:
 

• 43-week diploma that gets you into the workforce fast
• Training in Canadian law, legal procedures, and court systems
• Practical courses in business writing, Microsoft Office, transcription, and customer relations
• A 175-hour practicum so you graduate with real-world experience
• Learn from industry-experienced instructors
• Program approved by PTIRU (Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit) in BC
   

You’ll leave the program with the confidence, skills, and hands-on experience to start your legal career right away.

Final Thoughts

So, is a legal administrative assistant the same as a paralegal? Not at all. While both are essential roles in the legal field, they offer different responsibilities, training paths, and career opportunities.A legal administrative assistant keeps the legal office running like clockwork. A paralegal gets involved more directly with casework. Neither is better  they just serve different purposes in the legal ecosystem.

If you're looking for a rewarding and respected legal career without years of university, consider enrolling in CDI College’s Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma. It’s your first step into the legal world, and it might just be the beginning of a journey filled with growth, learning, and opportunity.