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Legal Assistant Government Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

C., is seeking a full-time Legal Assistant to join our collaborative team representing ... the federal government in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, including property and breach-of ...

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Legal Assistant Government information

See Reston, VA salary details

$28.1K

$50.2K

$77K

How much do legal assistant government jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal assistant government in Reston, VA is $50,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $57,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a legal assistant in government, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legal Assistant in Government, you need a solid understanding of legal terminology, research methods, and administrative procedures, typically supported by a paralegal certificate or relevant degree. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), government case management systems, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are commonly required. Attention to detail, discretion, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate document processing, compliance with legal protocols, and efficient support of government attorneys and staff.

What is the difference between Legal Assistant Government vs Legal Secretary?

AspectLegal Assistant GovernmentLegal Secretary
CredentialsTypically requires a paralegal certificate or associate degreeOften requires a high school diploma; some roles prefer legal secretary certification
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courts, legal departments of public agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in government legal settingsWidely used in law firms and corporate legal teams, including government sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in government legal supportCompared for administrative legal support roles in various settings

Legal Assistant Government and Legal Secretary roles share similarities in administrative and legal support but differ mainly in credentials and work environment. Legal Assistants in government typically have paralegal training and work within public sector legal offices, while Legal Secretaries often focus on administrative tasks across law firms and corporate settings, including government agencies.

What are some common challenges faced by legal assistants working in government agencies?

Legal Assistants in government agencies often manage a high volume of cases and documents, sometimes under tight deadlines due to court schedules or legislative requirements. They must navigate complex bureaucratic processes and comply with strict confidentiality and ethical standards. Additionally, collaborating with attorneys, investigators, and other government staff requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. Adapting to frequent changes in laws and procedures is also a regular part of the job.

What is a legal assistant government?

Legal Assistant Government jobs involve providing administrative and clerical support to attorneys and legal departments within government agencies. These professionals help with tasks such as preparing legal documents, organizing case files, conducting research, and managing correspondence. They play a crucial role in ensuring that legal processes run smoothly and efficiently within public sector organizations. Legal assistants in government settings may work on cases involving public policy, regulatory compliance, or litigation involving the government.
What are popular job titles related to Legal Assistant Government jobs in Reston, VA? For Legal Assistant Government jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legal Assistant Government jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Assistant Government jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Legal Assistant Government jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Legal Assistant Government job openings:
Infographic showing various Legal Assistant Government job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,161 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Legal Practice Assistant - Government Contracts

Miles & Stockbridge

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$79K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Miles & Stockbridge has positioned itself as an AmLaw 200 firm that is global in scope and in reach. Miles & Stockbridge maintains a reputation for a dynamic and approachable work environment that allows talented lawyers and staff from diverse backgrounds to thrive and grow. As part of our ongoing commitment to affect positive change, Miles & Stockbridge focuses on partnerships that benefit the community, reflect the causes our colleagues support, and allow us to collaborate with clients and neighbors to deepen relationships.

We are seeking an experienced Legal Practice Assistant (LPA) with Government Contracts or Litigation experience in our Washington, DC office to support our Government Contracts Practice Group. In this role, you will provide both administrative and legal support to attorneys, ensuring efficient matter management and exceptional client service. The person in this role will have the opportunity to take on some paralegal tasks so it is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking for career growth. This role is ideal for an LPA who is pro-active, detail oriented, organized, and thrives working in a fast-paced work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepare, compare, edit, format, and distribute legal documents.
  • Manage electronic filing, scanning, and preparing mailings and other packages.ย 
  • Open new matters, initiate conflicts checks, and assist with entering attorney time.
  • Submit invoices for payment, preparing expense reports, reviewing pre-bills, and collaborate with our Finance Department to process client billing.
  • Assist with witness and exhibit management and trial logistics.
  • Track regulatory compliance deadlines.
  • Manage attorney calendars, meetings, and travel arrangements.
  • Prepare reports as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree or paralegal certificate preferred.
  • 5+ years of law firm experience in government contracts or litigation.
  • Proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and PDF tools.
  • Experience using a document management system, NetDocs a plus.
  • Proficiency in legal research and case management tools.
  • Familiarity with billing and time entry systems (e.g., Aderant) and matter systems (e.g., Intapp).
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication both verbally and in writing with clients and colleagues.

Miles & Stockbridge offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including PTO, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K, Firm sponsored Memberships (i.e. Peloton, Norton LifeLock), and more.

The pay range for this position is $79,300 โ€“ 90,000. The pay range provided is in compliance with state, city, or local employment laws and applies to this location only. Actual pay for this position will be determined based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, current market data, and business needs.

Physical Demands:ย 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position or sit for prolonged periods and repeat motions that may include the wrists, handsย and/or fingers. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is frequently required to perform light work that includes lifting and moving objects up to 10 pounds.

Miles & Stockbridge is not currently accepting resumes or assistance from search firms for this position.

Disclaimer and Acknowledgement:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position.ย  Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.ย  All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.ย  To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.ย  Some requirements will exclude individuals who may pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others.ย  The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.ย  Nothing in this job description restricts managementโ€™s right to assign or reassign duties in this job description at any time for any reason.

Miles & Stockbridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to cultivating an inclusive environment that embraces and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values of our firm.