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How a legal secretary / administrative assistant can use AI, task by task

O*NET 43-6012.00: Legal Secretaries and Administrative AssistantsMedian pay $55,570/year (BLS, May 2025)14 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Confidential Secretary, Legal Administrative Assistant (Legal Admin Assistant), Legal Administrator (Legal Admin), Legal Coordinator, Legal Management Assistant, Legal Office Support Assistant, Legal Practice Assistant, Legal Secretary, Litigation Secretary, Magistrate Assistant.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 52%AI-assist 36%Stays human 12%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 8 AI-ready, 5 AI-assist and 1 human-led tasks out of 14. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.Write it up · Several times a day
  2. Receive and place telephone calls.Answer questions · Several times a day
  3. Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.Handle the admin · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.Hands-on work · Several times a day

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 8

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.

Several times a day

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Filing system software.
Matter: [type]
Details: [dispositions, orders, fees]

Draft clear record entries. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Case record entry

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you organize and maintain law libraries, documents and case files.
Step 2Fill in [Matter] and [Details] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record information about legal matters..

Prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 45% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Filing system software.
Document: [will, deed, brief, contract]
Facts and instructions: [paste, no client names]

Draft a structure and first draft, marking every legal point to verify with [CHECK]. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Legal document first draft

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare, proofread, or process legal documents (today).
Step 2Fill in [Document] and [Facts and instructions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3A lawyer must review and verify every citation and clause. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare legal documents.. Also involves: Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy..

Schedule and make appointments.

Daily

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 82% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to schedule and make appointments.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Sage 50 Accounting.
Services: [types, durations]
Availability: [staff hours]

Design an appointment template with buffers and confirmation messages. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Appointment book template

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you schedule and make appointments (today).
Step 2Fill in [Services] and [Availability] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Set it up in your booking tool.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Schedule appointments..

Complete various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to complete various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Filing system software.
Transaction or account: [describe]
Requirements: [forms, regulations]

List documents needed and draft the correspondence. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Compliance paperwork

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you complete various forms (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Transaction or account] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance..

Draft and type office memos.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 46% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to draft and type office memos.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Filing system software.
Request: [paste the incoming letter, no personal data]
Response: [what we can do]

Draft a clear reply. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Business letter

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you draft and type office memos (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Request] and [Response] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare business correspondence.. Also involves: Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees..

Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Filing system software.
Transaction or account: [describe]
Requirements: [forms, regulations]

List documents needed and draft the correspondence. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Compliance paperwork

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare and distribute invoices (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Transaction or account] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere. Recompute every total yourself.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance..

Make travel arrangements for attorneys.

Weekly

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to make travel arrangements for attorneys.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Sage 50 Accounting.
Request: [hotel, tour, restaurant, taxi]
Details: [dates, preferences, budget]

Organize options, booking steps and a confirmation message. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Arrange reservations

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you make travel arrangements (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Request] and [Details] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Confirm each booking before telling the guest.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Make travel, accommodations, or entertainment arrangements for others..

Review legal publications and perform database searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases.

Monthly

AI maps out the topic and options; confirm with real sources.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 48% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a fast research assistant. Ask it to map out a topic, compare options or list what to check. Use a tool with web search and ask for its sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to review legal publications and perform database searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases.

Context: We use LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters Westlaw; the work draws on law and government, administrative and computers and electronics.
What I need: [the specific information]
Where I can search: [files, databases, references]

Give me a search plan with terms and sources in order of likely success, and how to confirm the result. Flag where information may be outdated.

10-minute exercise: Search references for an answer

Step 1Pick something you need to look up this week.
Step 2Fill in [What I need] and [Where I can search].
Step 3Run the plan and check the result against a second source. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information..

AI can help you prep these 5

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Receive and place telephone calls.

Several times a day

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to receive and place telephone calls.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and computers and electronics.
Calls I get: [patients, customers, callers and what they usually need]
Rules: [what I can and can't say, who to transfer to]

Write a greeting, short answers to the 8 most common requests, and when to transfer or escalate.

10-minute exercise: Phone answers

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you receive and place telephone calls.
Step 2Fill in [Calls I get] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer against your policies, especially anything about health or privacy.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information..

Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.

Daily

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Sage 50 Accounting.
What to send: [notices, submissions]
Recipients: [describe]

Draft notices and a send checklist. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Sending notices or materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you mail fax, or arrange for delivery (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [What to send] and [Recipients] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Send information, materials or documentation..

Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.

Daily

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.

Context: We use LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters Westlaw; the work draws on law and government, administrative and computers and electronics.
Purpose: [account, credit, collection, service]
Information required: [list]

List what to collect, allowed sources, legal and privacy rules to follow, and a checklist. Remind me what I must not ask or do.

10-minute exercise: Collect applicant information properly

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assist attorneys (today).
Step 2Fill in [Purpose] and [Information required] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the rules against your compliance policy.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Obtain personal or financial information about customers or applicants..

Submit articles and information from searches to attorneys for review and approval for use.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to submit articles and information from searches to attorneys for review and approval for use.

Context: We use IBM Lotus Notes and Web conferencing software.
Who: [clerks, staff, crew]
Information: [prices, schedule, changes]

Draft a clear message with exactly what they need to do. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Update coworkers

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you submit articles and information (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Who] and [Information] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Provide information to coworkers..

Attend legal meetings, such as client interviews, hearings, or depositions, and take notes.

Monthly

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to attend legal meetings, such as client interviews, hearings, or depositions, and take notes.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Filing system software.
Meeting: [council, board]
Notes: [paste]

Draft formal minutes. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Formal minutes

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you attend legal meetings. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Meeting] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Record information from meetings or other formal proceedings..

These stay human 1

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Dealing with the public: very important

Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and computers and electronics.
Machines: [billing, mailing, copying]
Job: [describe]

List setup, run and check steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Office machine routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you make photocopies of correspondence and documents.
Step 2Fill in [Machines] and [Job] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run a test batch before the full job.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate office equipment..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Writingimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Documenting/Recording Information
  • Active Listeningimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Performing Administrative Activities
  • Time Managementimportance 3.2/5
    Used in: Performing Administrative Activities

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Getting into this job

Associate's degree is most common (48% of workers)

  • High school or less 17%
  • Certificate or some college 28%
  • Associate's 48%
  • Bachelor's 7%
  • On-the-job training: 3–6 months
  • Related experience: 2–4 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe AcrobatIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Word

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