Investigating Legal Assistant Careers in San Jose: Opportunities and Insights

Legal Assistant Positions Overview

Legal assistants are indispensable members of the legal team. These professionals serve as liaisons between clients and their legal advisors, gathering information, preparing clients for court appearances and depositions, and drafting correspondence and legal documents to be sent to clients, witnesses and opposing parties. Legal assistants also organize and maintain important case files, arrange conferences and depositions, and schedule appointments for both attorneys and clients. At various points, they may coordinate travel or process invoices related to the work they do. Legal assistants also play a vital role in "walking" court documents through the filing process, and they help ensure that all legal documents are properly formatted and adhere to appropriate state and federal guidelines .
Legal assistants are usually employed at law firms, corporations with in-house legal departments, governmental agencies and non-profit organizations. The tasks performed by legal assistants can vary significantly based on where they are employed and the type of law firm or organization with which they are associated. Many legal assistants specialize in particular areas of law, including corporate, criminal, tax, family or personal injury law. In some cases, legal assistants will focus on a particular aspect of the law, such as probate or estates, rather than confining their work to a specific area of law.

Job Market for Legal Professionals in San Jose

The legal job market in San Jose, like many sectors of the tech-driven Bay Area economy, has evolved noticeably. While the demand for legal talent has traditionally been limited to law firms and in-house departments, the growing prevalence of tech companies in the region has forced legal professionals and recruiters alike to rethink where opportunities are likely to be found. The innovative California Silicon Valley prominently hosts the global headquarters for more than 30 of the Fortune 1000 companies, and it is perhaps no surprise that the legal talent pool is also shifting toward high-tech.
In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that as of May 2018, legal assistants outnumbered lawyers in Silicon Valley by a ratio of 4 to 1; there were some 2,600 legal assistants in the region while only 675 lawyers practice in Santa Clara county. The vast majority of legal assistants in the region are employed at law firms, but just 500 of them work in Silicon Valley’s largest county.
Employment growth for legal assistants in the entire San Francisco region is expected to be far above average. In their most recent regional projections through 2026, the California Employment Development Department predicted 10% more legal assistant jobs in the 9-county SF region, or an addition of more than 4,200 jobs in that span. There are currently 40,000 total legal professionals in the region as a whole.
Law firm HR managers and recruiters in Silicon Valley report that competition for legal assistants is most fierce among small to mid-sized firms; those with fewer than 25 employees hired legal assistants at a higher rate than their larger counterparts, they found. In addition, a large number of small to medium sized firms will continue to struggle to find highly qualified legal secretaries and other administrative staff.
For those who would like to land a job as a legal assistant in the Bay Area, advanced computer technology and project management expertise is highly sought. Software skills are prioritized over legal terminology and background only for administrative staff; this is another area that may be limited for those looking to enter the field.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

San Jose legal assistant jobs require a strong set of skills and qualifications to stay competitive in the workforce. The most basic requirement for entry-level candidates is a high school diploma or GED, but most employers prefer legal assistants to have post-secondary education and relevant certifications.
An associate’s degree or certificates in Paralegal studies from a nationally accredited program is often required. The American Bar Association (ABA) rarely approves online programs so it is advised to seek out only ABA-accredited programs in either online or traditional courses. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), International Paralegal Association (IPA) and National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) are three other highly respected organizations to look out for when pursuing potential professional memberships.
Although legal assistant jobs in San Jose do not require formal certification, many employers look favorably upon those with one or more formal certifications. The National Association of Legal Assistants offers the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) and Certified Paralegal (CP) titles while the National Federation of Paralegal Associations offers general and specialty paralegal certification. Providing evidence of professional continuing education hours is an important step to earning these certifications. These certifications also demand that its members abide by certain ethical standards. Some legal assistant jobs in San Jose may also require staff to be court certified.
Legal assistant jobs in San Jose also require specific technical or soft skills. Highly developed organizational skills are helpful for most positions, as is strong attention to detail. As individuals work closely with attorneys they must also possess strong interpersonal skills, both written and oral. Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs like Word, Outlook and Excel are also a must. Knowledgeable he or she may be required to use other software systems like Adobe Acrobat, Westlaw and electronic billing programs.

Leading Employers for Legal Assistants

In San Jose, a variety of employers actively recruit legal assistants. These employers include law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Each type of organization offers different advantages and requirements for job seekers.
Some of the leading law firms in the San Jose area that hire legal assistants include:
Advocati Law Group LLP
Emerging Internet and technology company law firm located in San Jose and headquartered in East Bay.
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
A national law firm with more than 900 lawyers in 15 offices known for its technology practice.
Clement, Fitzpatrick, & Kenworthy
General practice law firm serving the San Francisco Bay area.
Many of the firms require legal assistants to have prior experience with billing, client software systems, and e-filing software. Computer proficiency is a must, as candidates will be typing reports and briefs. Many firms like to see at least a year of experience working in a similar position. Other requirements may also include a bachelor’s degree and paralegal certification.
The need for qualified legal assistants in corporate legal departments has increased along with the more stringent requirements imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, The Graham-Leach-Bliley Act, and The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Some of the corporations in San Jose hiring legal assistants:
Department of Justice
Part of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice is responsible for enforcing the law and defending the interests of the United States.
County of Santa Clara
Legal Aid’s Mission is to fight poverty by providing free civil legal services for low-income residents of the county.
Like other employers, multinational corporations will frequently require previous experience and proficiency in computer systems.
According to the GovSalaries website, the average san Jose legal assistant salary is $68,500. The salary is in the range of what similar occupations receive. The median salary for a legal assistant in San Jose is considerably higher than that of many other cities in California.

Compensation and Career Advancement

Legal assistants in San Jose earn a competitive wage depending on their experience level and the sectors of the legal industry they support. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics notes that the mean annual wage for legal assistants and paralegals across all industries in San Jose reaches $64,860 as of May 2012. Lawyers, corporate legal departments and other law professionals in the San Jose area drive demand for legal assistants through their increasing administrative burdens. As law practices handle ever more complex cases, legal professionals must manage all the administrative, technical and research tasks that were traditionally the responsibility of junior-level legal staff. Firm growth, changing demands and a desire to pursue new opportunities account for much of legal assistant turnover.
The salary paid to legal assistants in San Jose is higher than average for the industry overall because the economic prosperity of the area means that attorneys can charge higher fees for their services . As of 2012, legal assistants in the following areas made the following annual mean wages per year: Legal assistants in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metropolitan job market also enjoy a higher concentration of employment than average. Total legal assistant employment in the region reached 7,830 in 2012, according to BLS data. Salary data for legal assistants working in local government, one of the largest sub-fields of legal employment in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region, indicates that legal assistants average an annual salary of $66,920. Legal services as a whole offers an annual mean wage of $62,880 for legal assistants, while those in the education sector of the economy clear $68,530 on average. Legal assistants employed by the federal executive branch make an annual mean wage of $76,620, according to the same BLS data. Professional certification for legal assistants could help with career advancement and salary growth. The California Alliance of Paralegals offers a Certified Legal Assistant program designed to test the knowledge and skills of paralegals in the areas of ethics, criminal law, family law, litigation and other fields relevant to providing legal assistant services.

Application Process for Legal Assistant Positions

The process of applying for legal assistant jobs in San Jose typically starts with customizing your resume to highlight your relevant legal experience and skills. Focus on your administrative background, proficiency in legal software, and knowledge of litigation procedures or transactional law, depending on the type of law firm you are targeting.
When crafting your cover letter, briefly connect your past experiences to the job role you are applying for. Express your specific interest in the firm you are targeting, referring to any particular specialties they have. Demonstrating familiarity with the firm’s culture and practice areas shows that you are serious about your application and can fit in with their team.
Once you land an interview, make sure to prepare for questions related to your role as a legal assistant. Focus on your attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information. You may also be asked situational questions that pertain to working with difficult clients, understanding complex instructions, or multitasking on various cases.
Follow up with your potential employer with a thank you letter. Mention the specifics of your conversation to remind them of your positive interview.

Networking and Professional Growth

Networking is essential for legal assistants in San Jose to build a successful career. It helps them connect with other professionals, learn about job openings, and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Attending local networking events and seminars can be particularly beneficial for career advancement.
One of the most prominent professional organizations for legal assistants in San Jose is the San Francisco Paralegal Association, which serves both San Francisco and San Jose. The association provides educational opportunities, networking events, and a job bank. Members have access to online resources, including webinars and industry newsletters.
The San Jose Pro Bono Project also offers opportunities for legal assistants to volunteer and gain additional experience. Volunteer legal assistants work on civil cases and help people who cannot afford an attorney. The program offers flexible scheduling and is a great way for legal assistants to network with other professionals in the field.
Attending local legal industry events is another way that legal assistants in San Jose can advance their careers. The San Jose Barristers Club hosts networking events and panels throughout the year that cover a range of legal topics and trends. The club also hosts social events , which provide an opportunity for legal assistants to get to know their colleagues in a more relaxed environment.
Professional development is important for legal assistants to stay competitive. The Bay Area Paralegal Association offers seminars and webinars on a variety of topics, including bankruptcy law and employment law. The association also provides a certification program, which can help legal assistants stand out from their peers.
For legal assistants in San Jose, networking and professional development are essential for success. By joining local organizations, volunteering their time, and attending events and seminars, legal assistants can enhance their professional capabilities and take the next step in their career.