Legal Associate Job Description Template

Legal Associate Job Description

Intro Paragraph: Begin your job description with a bird’s eye view of your firm’s needs, and be sure to include information about who would make a great fit. This helps candidates understand what you’re looking for and gauge their interest in applying.

Here’s an example you can edit to meet your needs:

At [company name], we are searching for qualified candidates to join our esteemed team as a legal associate. You will conduct research, draft legal documents, and contribute to case preparation. We seek a candidate with strong analytical and communication skills, coupled with a commitment to ethical standards. If you are prepared to make a significant contribution to our firm and strive for legal excellence, we encourage you to submit your application and be part of our dedicated team.

About Our Organization: After the introduction to your legal associate job description, emphasize what makes your organization a great place to work. This could be information about your company culture, values, and how you strive for diversity and inclusion.

This section is especially useful for organizations looking to attract Gen Z and Millennial employees because they typically enjoy working for businesses that not only align with their personal interests but also their values. Use this example to create an “about us” section that is well rounded and attracts the right candidates:

At [company name], team members strive for excellence while enjoying a vibrant and inclusive work culture. We work to create a positive work culture that is rooted in professionalism and integrity and encourages open communication and continuous learning. If you value the power of teamwork, diverse perspectives, and upholding the highest ethical legal standards in your work, [company name] can provide the environment where you can build a dynamic career, grow professionally, and enjoy a work-life balance few organizations offer.

Legal Associate Job Responsibilities: Once candidates understand what your company is looking for, list the responsibilities of the position in more detail. Though the responsibilities your legal associate will be accomplishing on a day-to-day basis will vary, use this list of common requirements to get started:

• Conduct legal research on statutes, regulations, and case law to support case preparation and advisory work.
• Draft, review, and edit legal documents, including contracts, pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys to prepare cases for trial, including organizing evidence, exhibits, and case materials.
• Communicate with clients to gather information, provide case updates, and address inquiries and concerns.
• Assist in the development of legal strategies and solutions by analyzing and interpreting laws and precedents.
• Represent clients in court proceedings under the supervision of senior attorneys, including presenting arguments and examining witnesses.
• Stay informed about changes in laws, regulations, and legal precedents relevant to the practice area.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Work Hours and Benefits: Candidates will feel more comfortable applying to your open position if they know the hours they will be required to work. List them here in your legal associate job description. Is the position Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm? Will there be occasional overtime work? Will the associate need to travel or work weekends for special projects?

Another way to motivate candidates to apply is to explain how you will reward their hard work with benefits. This might be the flexibility to work from home on occasion, such as with a hybrid work environment, or other benefits and perks including

• health insurance
• retirement plans
• generous paid time off
• professional development opportunities
• recognition and awards

Legal Associate Qualifications and Skills: Depending on the industry your organization serves in, the candidates you’re looking for might have a certain set of qualifications and skills. Use this list in your legal associate job description, and edit to meet the needs of your organization and team:

• Proficient in conducting thorough legal research using various resources.
• Strong legal writing and drafting skills for contracts, pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Exceptional analytical abilities interpreting laws, regulations, and legal precedents.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for client interactions, legal arguments, and collaboration with team members.
• Efficient time management skills and can handle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Experience assisting with case preparation, including gathering evidence and organizing case materials.
• Familiarity with courtroom procedures and the ability to represent clients in court proceedings under supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills for communicating with clients, addressing their concerns, and maintaining professional relationships.
• Ability to contribute to the development of legal strategies and solutions.
• Committed to upholding high ethical standards in legal practice.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle diverse legal matters and changing priorities.
• Proficient in legal research tools, document management systems, and other relevant legal software.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development and continuing legal education.
• Basic negotiation skills for drafting and negotiating contracts or settlements.
• Ability to navigate and resolve conflicts in legal matters.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar admission in the relevant jurisdiction.

Call to Action: No job description is complete without a clear call to action. This is where you direct interested candidates to “apply here” or “learn more.” Make sure the next steps are clear so interested candidates know how to submit their application.