Legal Assistant Day, held annually on March 14, honors workers who conduct legal research and perform a variety of other tasks that enable law offices to operate. Legal assistants assist lawyers in many fields, including corporate law, criminal law, immigration, and litigation. Their responsibilities vary greatly depending on the type and size of the firm they work at. Legal Assistants do everything from investigating and gathering information about cases to drafting contracts, and other legal documents, as well as assisting lawyers with trial preparation and hearings. We think these diligent workers are deserving of some recognition.
History of Legal Assistant Day
Legal assistants have made significant contributions to ensuring people’s rights all across the world. In 1965, the Legal Services Office of Economic Opportunity was established, assisting in the formation of the autonomous Legal Services Company. As a result of this expansion, over 260 legal services have been developed in all 50 states to assist with legal difficulties.
The need for an organized organization of paralegals and legal assistants has been discussed since the early 1970s. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) held a series of seminars and workshops for those who assisted lawyers in law firms in 1973. After roughly 15 other member organizations joined, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (N.F.P.A.) produced a code of conduct for paralegals and formed a task force on credentialing standards.
The popularity of legal services soared in the 1980s, but the structure was not strengthened until the 2000s as a result of the economic downturn, community legal assistants have been formed as a result of its replacement. The Legal Services Company is a self-contained legal services firm. The goal of Legal Assistants Day is to assist new graduates in the legal department in obtaining job-related training, as well as to assist people and their communities in resolving legal issues
Legal Assistant Day timeline
In 1965, the Legal Services Office of Economic Opportunity becomes operational, assisting in the formation of the autonomous Legal Services Company.
In 1968, the American Bar Association (A.B.A.) forms the first committee on legal assistants.
Discussion about the need for an organization of paralegals and legal assistants begins.
The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) holds a series of seminars and workshops for those who assisted lawyers in law firms in 1973.
The popularity of legal services soars in the 1980s.
Legal Assistant Day FAQs
What’s the difference between a paralegal and legal assistant?
Paralegals are primarily concerned with the details of the law, whereas legal assistants are responsible for a broader range of responsibilities.
How long is paralegal training?
Becoming a paralegal takes anywhere from two to seven years.
Who is a well-known paralegal?
Abraham Lincoln, a president of the United States, was a famous paralegal.
How to Observe Legal Assistant Day
Volunteer your time
Volunteering at your local attorney's office is a good idea. Check to see if they have a Legal Assistants Day event planned and volunteer to help organize it.
Seek out Legal assistance
Visit your local office immediately if you require legal assistance and begin working through your legal difficulties. Take the time to thank the attorney by giving them a gift or taking them out to brunch if you know them personally.
Share online
Use the hashtag #LegalAssistantsDay to share this holiday with your friends and family on social media. Let them know that this day is dedicated to appreciating the legal services that everyone deserves.
5 Interesting Facts About Legal Assistants
Duration of legal assistants program
Legal assistant training programs are usually completed in a year or less, although they are very rigorous.
Average salary of legal assistants
The average pay for paralegals and legal assistants in 2020 was $52,920 per year.
Majority of legal assistants are female
Over 82% of legal assistants are female.
Over 400,000 legal assistants
As of 2021, there are over 426,833 Legal Assistants employed in the United States.
It requires minimal academic schooling
Aside from a high school diploma or a G.E.D., legal assistants are often not required to have any academic schooling.
Why Legal Assistant Day is Important
It shows the importance of teamwork
The day is a nice reminder that at work, it's a team effort. While the lawyer handles legal cases, their arguments would be impossible to make without the assistance of the legal assistant.
It increases productivity
Recognizing the work made by legal assistants would make them feel valued. Appreciating them will lead to increased production and work ethic.
It recognizes the efforts of legal assistants
This day is a superb opportunity to thank and appreciate the dedicated legal assistants who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Legal assistants handling administrative work allow the whole system to function better.
Legal Assistant Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 14 | Friday |
| 2026 | March 14 | Saturday |
| 2027 | March 14 | Sunday |
| 2028 | March 14 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | March 14 | Wednesday |
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