August 5, 2025 | British Columbia

If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in a busy law office, legal administrative assistants are a big part of the answer. These professionals, often called legal secretaries or legal office assistants, are the backbone of legal operations. They handle the critical administrative work that keeps lawyers organized, court deadlines met, and clients well-informed. In this article, we’ll answer the question: What do legal administrative assistants do? We’ll walk through their daily responsibilities, the areas of law they specialize in, and how programs like the Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma at CDI College prepare students for success in British Columbia's legal industry. 

Understanding the Role: More Than Just Office Work 

Legal administrative assistants are specialized office professionals who support lawyers, legal teams, and court staff. Unlike general administrative assistants, they are trained to understand legal terminology, court procedures, and the nuances of legal documentation. Their work is not limited to typing letters and answering phones. They draft legal documents, manage case files, liaise with clients, and ensure every piece of paperwork is accurate and compliant with legal standards. In essence, they are the organizational hub of any legal office. 

Daily Duties of a Legal Administrative Assistant 

So, what do legal administrative assistants do on a typical day? Here’s a closer look: 

Drafting and Formatting Legal Documents 

Legal administrative assistants prepare and format various legal documents, including contracts, affidavits, wills, pleadings, and correspondence. Precision matters here. A small error in a legal document can have serious consequences. 

Managing Client Files and Correspondence 

They organize client files, both digital and paper-based, and maintain accurate records. Handling sensitive information with discretion is a daily part of the job. They also draft and respond to emails, letters, and other communications on behalf of the legal team. 

Scheduling Meetings and Court Dates 

Legal administrative assistants manage calendars, schedule client meetings, book court appearances, and coordinate with other legal professionals. Keeping track of multiple deadlines and appointments requires excellent time-management skills. 

Filing Legal Documents with the Courts 

Part of the job involves preparing and filing court documents. This includes making sure documents meet formatting standards, are submitted on time, and filed through the correct legal channels, whether electronically or in person. 

Assisting in Real Estate Transactions 

In real estate law, legal administrative assistants handle conveyancing forms, prepare purchase and sale agreements, and assist with closing procedures. Attention to detail is key when dealing with property transactions. 

Using Legal Software and Office Technology 

From Microsoft Word and Excel to legal-specific software, these assistants are expected to be tech-savvy. They use software to manage documentation, track cases, and streamline office workflows. 

Specialized Areas of Legal Practice 

Legal administrative assistants often work in specialized fields. Through programs like CDI College's Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma, students gain exposure to multiple areas of law, including: 

Civil Litigation 

Supporting litigation lawyers involves preparing pleadings, affidavits, and trial documents. Legal administrative assistants also assist in managing case files through the pre-trial and trial process. 

Family Law 

They handle sensitive documents related to divorce, custody, and child support cases, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality throughout. 

Real Estate Law 

From assisting in home purchase transactions to managing conveyancing paperwork, they play a critical role in real estate legal offices. 

Wills and Estates 

Legal administrative assistants prepare wills, manage probate documentation, and organize estate files with a high level of discretion and care. 

Corporate Law 

In corporate legal departments, they manage incorporation documents, maintain corporate records, and prepare meeting minutes. 

Criminal Law 

They assist criminal lawyers by managing evidence records, organizing court documents, and coordinating trial logistics. 

Soft Skills That Set Them Apart 

While technical knowledge is important, soft skills make a great legal administrative assistant truly shine. Here are a few essential traits: 
 

• Strong organizational and time-management skills 
• Professional communication, both written and verbal 
• High level of discretion with confidential information 
• Ability to multitask and stay calm under pressure 
• Keen attention to detail 
   

Employers look for candidates who not only understand legal processes but also exhibit professionalism and reliability in fast-paced environments. 

Where Do Legal Administrative Assistants Work? 

Graduates of CDI College’s Legal Administrative Assistant program find employment in a variety of settings, including: 
 

• Law firms (small boutique offices and large corporate firms) 
• Corporate legal departments 
• Government agencies 
• Real estate offices 
• Courthouses 
• Legal aid organizations 
   

This versatility allows graduates to explore different sectors within the legal field and find a workplace that aligns with their interests. 
 

Bonus Read: How to Become a Legal Administrative Assistant in BC, Canada? 
 

How CDI College Prepares You for Success 

CDI College’s Legal Administrative Assistant program is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in legal environments. The program highlights include: 
 

• Legal office procedures and documentation 
• Business writing and communication skills 
• Training in civil litigation, family law, corporate law, wills and estates, and real estate law 
• Hands-on legal software training 
• A 175-hour practicum placement in a real legal setting 
• Career preparation and job-search strategies 
  ​​​​​​​

This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are job-ready with real-world experience before stepping into their first role. 

Final Thoughts 

So, what do legal administrative assistants do? They are the essential link between lawyers, clients, and courts. They organize, document, and communicate every step of the legal process, ensuring that law offices function smoothly and efficiently. 

If you’re detail-oriented, professional, and interested in the legal field, a career as a legal administrative assistant could be the perfect fit. With programs like CDI College’s Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma, you can be career-ready in less than a year, opening doors to a respected and in-demand profession in British Columbia. 
 

Ready to start your legal career journey? Contact CDI College to learn how you can enrol and begin building your future as a legal administrative assistant.