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Legal Aid Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legal Aid Chicago

Intake Attorney - Housing

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$70K - $77K/yr

Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil ... Track data related to grant administration and assist with related reporting * Maintain case files ...

Legal Aid Chicago

Intake Attorney - Housing

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil ... Track data related to grant administration and assist with related reporting * Maintain case files ...

Legal Aid Chicago

Intake Attorney - Housing

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil ... Track data related to grant administration and assist with related reporting * Maintain case files ...

Legal Aid Bureau

Paralegal

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$51K - $91K/yr

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity ... Under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals are generally expected to assist with all ...

Cabrini Green Legal Aid

Communications Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

About Cabrini Green Legal Aid Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA) was established in 1973 to serve the ... Assist with scheduling content and maintaining the editorial calendar • Engage with partner ...

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Legal Aid Assistant information

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$27K

$48.2K

$74K

How much do legal aid assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal aid assistant in the United States is $48,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Legal Aid Assistants when supporting clients with complex legal needs?

Legal Aid Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing heavy caseloads, working with clients who may be experiencing emotional distress, and navigating limited resources. They must balance administrative tasks with direct client support, ensuring accurate documentation and timely communication. Additionally, collaborating with attorneys and social service providers requires strong organizational skills and adaptability to shifting priorities. Despite these challenges, the role offers valuable experience and opportunities for professional growth within the legal services field.

What are Legal Aid Assistants?

Legal Aid Assistants are professionals who support lawyers and legal teams in organizations that offer free or low-cost legal services to people who cannot afford private legal representation. Their responsibilities often include helping with client intake, gathering and organizing case documents, conducting legal research, and assisting with administrative tasks. Legal Aid Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that underserved populations can access justice by making legal processes smoother and more efficient. They often work in legal aid societies, non-profits, or public defender offices and may interact directly with clients under the supervision of attorneys.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Legal Aid Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legal Aid Assistant, you need a solid understanding of legal procedures, strong organizational abilities, and often a paralegal certificate or relevant coursework. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and document preparation tools is typically expected. Exceptional attention to detail, empathy, and effective communication skills help Legal Aid Assistants support clients from diverse backgrounds and collaborate with attorneys. These skills ensure efficient case handling, accurate legal documentation, and client-focused service in a high-demand legal environment.

What is the difference between Legal Aid Assistant vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal Aid AssistantParalegal
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require legal or administrative trainingAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate often preferred
Work EnvironmentLegal aid offices, nonprofit organizations, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with client intake, document preparation, administrative tasksLegal research, drafting documents, case management
Industry UsagePrimarily in legal aid and public service sectorsBroadly in legal settings, including private and public sectors

Legal Aid Assistants typically focus on administrative and client support roles within legal aid organizations, often requiring less formal legal education. Paralegals have more advanced legal responsibilities, including research and document drafting, and usually possess specialized training or certification. Both roles support legal professionals but differ in scope and qualifications.

More about Legal Aid Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Legal Aid Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Legal Aid Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal Aid jobs? The most popular types of Legal Aid jobs are:
What states have the most Legal Aid Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Legal Aid Assistant jobs include:
Legal Aid Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Aid Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,215 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

General Interest (Law Students)

Community Legal Aid & Affiliate Internships

Worcester, MA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Community Legal Aid (CLA) is the civil legal aid program serving the low-income and elderly residents of Central and Western Massachusetts. Through CLA's effective advocacy in more than 8,000 cases each year, some of the most vulnerable residents of the region obtain safe and stable housing; fight discrimination in the housing and employment arenas; access unemployment, disability and other benefits to stabilize their income; break free from domestic violence and other abuse and exploitation; and get needed services in school. In addition, CLA's wholly-owned subsidiary, the Central West Justice Center (CWJC), specializes in cases involving humanitarian-based immigration relief.

Community Legal Aid and Affiliate accept law students during the academic year (fall and spring semester) but primarily accept interns for our summer internship program. Academic year interns are expected to work a minimum of 10 hours per week, to be arranged according to their class schedule. Summer interns work full-time (35 hours a week) for 10 weeks and participate in weekly learning sessions that introduce the different types of legal aid work at the organization.

INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Law student interns apply to work in one of Community Legal Aid and Affiliate's substantive practice areas and will assist our attorneys in representing clients. Specific responsibilities vary by unit but may include:

  • Conducting client interviews and advising clients with appropriate supervision
  • Researching and drafting briefs and other legal documents
  • Assisting in preparing pleadings
  • Assisting in trial and/or hearing preparation
  • Attending community meetings, outreach events, and/or court and agency hearings with staff advocates

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Law (LLM) program
  • Demonstrated experience or strong interest in public interest law

COMPENSATION:

We encourage students selected for internships with CLA to secure funding through law school public interest scholarships, work-study options, the Massachusetts Bar Foundation internship stipends, or other funding sources. We pay our summer interns if they cannot receive summer stipends/funding from their law schools. Part-time internship opportunities are unpaid but may fulfill academic or pro bono credit.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Candidates interested in an internship with CLA or CWJC should apply to an internship listing with a specific unit and office location. If no such openings are currently available, please submit your application to this General Interest listing with your cover letter and resume. We have filled all units for the 2026 Summer Internship. For questions, please contact Recruitment Coordinator, Gertrude Addo at jobs@cla-ma.org.