5 EASY TIPS to ensure your success as a Legal Assistant

I work as a legal assistant for a big law firm. Here are some helpful tips that every legal assistant/paralegal should know! It does not matter if you work for a boutique, mid-size or big law firm—every assistant MUST possess these skills (TRUST ME). Learn from my mistakes.

If you find this video beneficial, please like and subscribe. Feel free to ask me questions down below as well. Thanks, everyone!!!

Timestamps:
0:43 - Communication
6:50 - Organization
8:15 - Templates
10:15 - Double Check Work
10:53 - Flexibility

#biglaw #legalassistant #tips

[MatthewHarrisLawPLLC]

In case you don't hear this from your Attorneys enough, THANK YOU! We couldn't go to court and slay dragons without all of the behind-the-scenes work that you put in, and we appreciate all that you do.

[TheVenice]

Just started yesterday and I already wanted to cry cause I had no idea on how to do anything. :, ) thanks for helping me

[lunadenaj]

I just completed my second week in an immigration law office as a paralegal. I have no previous experience and even though this second week went a tiny bit better than the first, I am still freaking out. I’ve questioned myself “what did I get myself into?” multiple times. But, I am not giving up. Can you provide more specific organizational tips on how to keep your desk as decluttered as possible and how to keep good track of your cases? Thank you very much in advance.

[Sportsgirly]

Girl you saved me during my first weeks training as a legal assistant- THANK U

[cidalia]

The truth is, most legal assistant programs don’t fully train you for actually working in a law firm. It’s a sink-or-swim situation, and not all law firms are a good fit for a newbie.

[searchbug]

Most of the time people are confuse about Paralegal and Legal Assistants. Paralegals and legal assistants share a common objective of solving cases by locating the people involved. They contribute to the investigative aspect of legal cases by locating and gathering information about individuals relevant to a case. These two important roles collaborate with attorneys to identify witnesses, track down parties involved in lawsuits, and ensure the accuracy of information presented in legal proceedings.

[wendysmobilehomesweethome]

I was a Legal Secretary/Assistant for over 20 years. I enjoyed watching your video and think you give good advice. Your comments about prioritizing and organization are on point. One thing that I did was, in spite of the calendar we kept on the computer, I kept a back up calendar on my desk and everything I put on the electronic calendar went on my handwritten calendar. People might think that's redundant (and it is!) but many times it saved the day. I loved it when you said to take a note pad & pen with you & write down what is needed when you're given a task. So true!! You gave really good advice! Also, having those document templates will save your life. Recreating everything all the time would take many, MANY hours. Did you take a Legal Assistant/Secretary course, or do on the job training? A combination of both is what I did. I would love to talk to you!!

[CraftyCuriosity]

Legal assistant 30 years in NYC this advice is on point

[stacyo]

I just got hired as a legal assistant. Hence, I found your channel and I love your energy. Thanks for the insight. Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos!

[maribee]

I will be starting with a personal injury law firm as a case manager and I’m so happy I found this video!

[eseosagabriel]

This was my position a year ago and I find these tips helpful! Thank you.

[SuperDiamond]

Omg thank you for being so honest. You don't know how many you're truly helping.

[artssyvonnie]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!! I have a legal assistant phone interview tomorrow and I am making sure I am prepared. I am in college still, getting my bachelor's degree in Communications and I plan on obtaining a paralegal certification. I do not have much experience, but I have helped in law firms before doing research and clerical duties. I do not want to mess up, but I know I will be learning and making mistakes is a part of life. Asking questions for clarity is NOT bad!

[bethheinecamp]

Thank you! You give great advice, from real world experience. That's the best kind. I learned early on (I'm an older lady ha ha) to never assume things. That it's better to ask clarifying questions and appear 'stupid', than really screwing things up later on because you were afraid to ask. And it's ok to not know how to do something, just keep asking for help!

[carlasanchez]

Starting as a Legal Assistant soon and this was very helpful 🙏🏼🙏🏼 Thank you !!!

[BossLdie]

This is so helpful. Im just starting off and had a few trip ups similar to yours and felt like a failure especially since I come from a family of rock star paralegals. My sister reminds me that it takes time to learn and Im doing fine but its nice to hear from someone else that its a process. ❤️❤️

[FROFROism]

I just started as a admin assistant for a financial law firm. We don’t have cases rather we have customers ….. but all those tips you just gave will help me so much. I’ve been having such a hard time adjusting and been fucking up a lot and your video has helped me out so much

[judilehman]

Very helpful tips...thank you! I started working at a law firm last year with one attorney to support and later added a second attorney.

[smithdominguezpllc]

This is so great! We had our legal assistant intern watch this and it was very helpful for all of us.

[ambientdreams]

Yay so excited starting my program in May. I’m changing careers, but have experience working at a law firm so hoping this transition goes well. Thanks for your video!