The use of legal assistants is rapidly increasing and, therefore, the job opportunities are good. Salaries are substantially higher than those of other skilled office personnel. The career of a legal assistant is the fastest growing area of legal support careers. There are several colleges, universities and junior colleges which offer programs for legal assistants. A high school diploma is a prerequisite for admission.
Most programs last two years and offer associate degrees.
Nearly three-quarters of all legal assistants in Missouri are graduates of such programs. Their position is often comparable to that of an executive secretary in the corporate world. Their duties may vary widely, depending on the size and type of law office. These may include general clerical and reception duties as well as more sophisticated legal work somewhat comparable to that of the legal assistants. Qualifications for the position of legal secretary are higher than those for ordinary secretarial work, but the rewards, both monetary and in job satisfaction, are also higher.