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Entry Level Legal Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This is an entry level legal role if you have a BA or even a JD and want a top national law firm with openings in Detroit area and Chicago. * You will assist attorneys prepare for trials while also ...

Legal Assistant

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Legal Assistant Employment Type: Full-Time, Entry Level Department: Legal As a CGS Legal Assistant, you will work under the direction of a Supervisory Paralegal or Project Supervisor. You will ...

Legal Practice Assistant (Entry-Level)

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$74K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Legal Practice Assistant collaborates directly with attorneys to provide word processing and administrative assistance. Extends support to other attorney team members as needed to ensure a ...

Legal Practice Assistant (Entry-Level)

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$74K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Legal Practice Assistant collaborates directly with attorneys to provide word processing and administrative assistance. Extends support to other attorney team members as needed to ensure a ...

Legal Administrative Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Legal Administrative Assistant Responsibilities: * Serve as a primary point of contact for a vendor ... entry-level positions to the C-suite. With units specializing in Accounting and Finance ...

Be Seen First

... ENTRY-LEVEL - No Experience Required! We provide you with all the support you need to be ... Digital reporting with Veritext Legal Solutions is an excellent new opportunity for you and we'll ...

Family Law Attorney

Orland Park, IL

$120K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

But this is not an entry-level attorney position. The right candidate already understands ... You will have support from paralegals, legal assistants, and other attorneys, but you will remain ...

Family Law Attorney

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

But this is not an entry-level attorney position. The right candidate already understands ... You will have support from paralegals, legal assistants, and other attorneys, but you will remain ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Legal Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.8K

$49.7K

$76.2K

How much do entry level legal assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level legal assistant in Chicago, IL is $49,669.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,100.00 and $56,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level legal assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Legal Assistant, you need organizational skills, attention to detail, basic legal knowledge, and at least a high school diploma or associate’s degree. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, Microsoft Office, and document management systems is typically required. Strong communication, discretion, and the ability to multitask under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient support for legal teams, accuracy in documentation, and effective client service.

What does an entry level legal assistant do?

As an entry-level legal assistant, your responsibilities are to assist paralegals and lawyers with research, help draft and file legal documents, and provide administrative support as needed. Specific tasks may include preparing affidavits, creating the first drafts of court filings or other documents for the principal lawyer on the case, and recording interviews or depositions. Your duties also include many secretarial tasks, such as word processing, updating and keeping files straight, taking messages for lawyers or other office workers, and preparing invoices and other billing documents for the firm.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level legal assistants, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level legal assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of administrative tasks, learning complex legal terminology, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law office. Staying organized, actively seeking feedback from senior staff, and utilizing legal management software can help new assistants manage their workload effectively. Building strong communication skills and being proactive about asking questions are also key strategies for overcoming initial hurdles and growing confidently in the role.

How difficult is it to be an entry level legal assistant?

Becoming an entry-level legal assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring post-secondary education or relevant coursework. The role involves learning legal terminology, document management, and office procedures, but it generally has low to moderate difficulty for individuals with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

How much do entry level legal assistants make?

Entry-level legal assistants in New York City typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on the firm size and their experience. Starting salaries may be higher in larger firms or for those with relevant internships or certifications, and the role often requires familiarity with legal software and strong organizational skills.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Legal Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Legal Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,669 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Legal Assistant

Watson Dwyer Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

This is an entry level legal role if you have a BA or even a JD and want a top national law firm with openings in Detroit area and Chicago.
  • You will assist attorneys prepare for trials while also doing research and writing.
  • A political science-related degree is essential and any internship or prior summer experience in a law firm will qualify you.
  • Lots of deadlines and calendar management in this busy role.
  • Ideal candidate has knowledge of politics and is aware of  the legal process.
  • We offer excellent salary and benefits and growth opportunities.
  • This is an entry-level role.
  • Immediate hire.
  • Starting point for growth in our corporate litigation firm.


Watson Dwyer logo

About Watson Dwyer

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Watson Dwyer, established in 1990, is a privately owned staffing firm and Women Business Enterprise. We represent the best companies and employees in Chicago and around the country. With a reputation as a leader in the staffing industry, we are dedicated to providing complete staffing solutions in: Accounting, Administration, Finance, I.T., Legal, Marketing, Human Resources, Public Relations, Sales, and more.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1990