Family Law Legal Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern world, the demand for skilled family law legal assistants has never been higher.

As societal dynamics evolve, so does the need for proficient professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our family law system.

Let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a family law legal assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of family law,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable family law legal assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Family Law Legal Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Family Law Legal Assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.

These professionals work in a fast-paced environment and are primarily responsible for aiding attorneys in family law matters.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Assist with the drafting and reviewing of legal documents such as petitions, motions, and affidavits
• Perform legal research to assist attorneys in case preparation
• Maintain case files and manage case documents efficiently
• Prepare correspondence and court forms related to family law cases
• Coordinate and schedule court dates, appointments, meetings, and depositions
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, judicial administrative staff and others in the course of carrying out responsibilities
• Help attorneys prepare for trial by preparing case summaries, materials for depositions, and organizing evidence
• Ensure compliance with court deadlines and timelines
• Keep clients informed by maintaining contact and communicating case progress

 

Family Law Legal Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Family Law Legal Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative and legal support to our legal team.

The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of family law, excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.

The Family Law Legal Assistant will be responsible for drafting documents, scheduling appointments, maintaining legal files, and assisting attorneys in preparing for court proceedings.

Prior experience in a similar role is required.

 

Responsibilities

• Providing administrative support to lawyers and enhance office effectiveness
• Preparing and drafting legal documents such as affidavits, motions and pleadings
• Managing communication with clients, witnesses and court officials
• Coordinating law office activities such as subpoena delivery
• Maintaining contact lists and scheduling appointments
• Maintaining and updating databases and tracking systems
• Responding to telephone calls and emails promptly and professionally
• Assisting in the preparation of court cases
• Conducting legal research and organizing evidence for court proceedings

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary
• Familiarity with law, legal procedures, and protocols, and the court system
• Experience in family law is a strong advantage
• Satisfactory knowledge of day-to-day operations of a legal office
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office
• Excellent secretarial and organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and being comfortable dealing with a diverse pool of people
• Paralegal certification or law degree is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Family Law Legal Assistant
• Work Environment: Legal office setting. May require occasional travel for court appearances.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Attorney or Law Office Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Family Law Legal Assistant Do?

Family Law Legal Assistants are vital members of a legal team, typically working for law firms specializing in family law, or in the family law division of a larger firm.

They may also work for court systems or government agencies.

Their primary role is to assist attorneys in all aspects of family law cases such as divorce, child custody, and domestic abuse cases.

This includes preparing and drafting legal documents like affidavits, pleadings, and motions, and ensuring that these documents are filed appropriately with the court.

They are responsible for conducting legal research to support case preparation and may be tasked with interviewing clients and witnesses to gather case-related information.

They also organize and maintain case files, keeping them updated for the attorney’s use.

Family Law Legal Assistants often serve as the liaison between the attorney and the client, handling routine client inquiries, scheduling appointments and court dates, and relaying messages.

They may also assist attorneys in court, taking notes, managing exhibits, or even helping with client counseling and advising related to the case.

Their role requires them to be well-versed in family law procedures, court protocol, and legal terminology, and to maintain strict confidentiality and ethical standards.

 

Family Law Legal Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A Family Law Legal Assistant should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications to successfully perform their role, which may include:

• Legal research abilities to gather and analyse relevant case law, statutes, legal articles, codes and other pertinent material
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to draft clear legal documents, correspondences, and interact with clients, lawyers, and court personnel
• Interpersonal skills to interact empathetically with clients facing challenging personal circumstances related to family law cases
• Organisational skills to manage case files, track court dates, and ensure deadlines are met
• A solid understanding of family law and court procedures to assist lawyers in case preparation
• Proficiency in using legal software for document preparation, case management, and research
• Detail-oriented to accurately proofread legal documents and spot potential issues or errors
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Problem-solving abilities to anticipate potential issues and devise effective solutions
• Time management skills to balance multiple tasks and cases simultaneously

 

Family Law Legal Assistant Experience Requirements

Family Law Legal Assistants typically require a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a law firm or legal department setting, often attained through internships, clerkships, or entry-level legal assistant roles.

Knowledge of family law is a key requirement and can be gained from relevant courses in a legal studies program or through on-the-job experience.

Assistants may have experience in tasks such as drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, managing case files, and interacting with clients.

Legal Assistants with over 3 years of experience usually have a deeper understanding of family law procedures and have honed their skills in legal research, document preparation, and case management.

Those with over 5 years of experience may be ready for higher-level roles such as Senior Legal Assistant or Paralegal, and may have experience in managing teams, coordinating with multiple attorneys, and overseeing complex family law cases.

Continuing education and professional development are also important for advancing in this role.

 

Family Law Legal Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Family Law Legal Assistants typically require a minimum of an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field.

This program provides them with the basic knowledge about the law, legal procedures, and legal document preparation.

It is beneficial if the coursework includes specific training in family law, including topics such as divorce, child custody, and domestic abuse.

In addition to the associate’s degree, many employers prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in legal studies, pre-law, or a related field.

Certification is not required, but it may enhance job prospects.

Various institutions offer certification programs for legal assistants, like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the American Alliance of Paralegals (AAP).

Work experience in a law firm, particularly in the family law department, can be advantageous.

Strong computer skills, communication skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of legal terminology are also essential for this role.

Continuing education is encouraged to stay current with changes in family law and legal procedures.

 

Family Law Legal Assistant Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Family Law Legal Assistant is $45,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income can be influenced by factors such as years of experience in the field, educational background, and the location of the law firm.

 

Family Law Legal Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Family Law Legal Assistant need?

Family Law Legal Assistants should have excellent organizational and communication skills due to the nature of their work, which often involves managing files, scheduling appointments, and interacting with clients.

They should also be detail-oriented as they assist with legal research and documentation.

Basic understanding of legal terminology, particularly related to family law, is also essential.

 

Do Family Law Legal Assistants need a degree?

While a bachelor’s degree is not always required, having one in paralegal studies or legal studies can be beneficial.

Some law firms may require a legal assistant certification.

Experience in a legal setting, particularly in family law, can often be just as valuable as formal education.

 

What should you look for in a Family Law Legal Assistant resume?

A Family Law Legal Assistant resume should display a strong background in administrative tasks, legal documentation preparation, and experience in a law firm environment.

Any specific experience in family law, such as divorce proceedings, child custody issues, or domestic violence cases, can be extremely beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Family Law Legal Assistant?

A good Family Law Legal Assistant should be empathetic as they often deal with clients going through emotional situations.

They should also be highly organized and detail-oriented, as they need to handle a large number of legal documents and ensure accuracy.

Moreover, the ability to maintain confidentiality and professional discretion is highly important given the sensitive nature of the work.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Family Law Legal Assistant?

Hiring a Family Law Legal Assistant can be challenging due to the need for specific skills and experience in family law.

Ensuring the potential hire is not only capable but also emotionally equipped to handle potentially stressful and sensitive client situations is crucial.

Offering competitive benefits and opportunities for career growth can attract more qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it truly means to be a family law legal assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about filing paperwork.

It’s about shaping the future of families, one case at a time.

With our handy family law legal assistant job description template and actual examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why limit yourself?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously curated job listings or fine-tuning your resume to stand out.

Remember:

Every case, every document is part of a larger narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Family Law Legal Assistant (Complete Guide)

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