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

Provide legal and administrative support to attorneys across multiple practice areas Assist with ... government officials, agency personnel, and other stakeholders Possess strong attention to detail ...

Centre Law & Consulting (Centre) offers the rare blend of legal expertise and practical federal contracting experience necessary to assist government and industry clients in navigating the complex ...

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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 6, 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 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.

Practice Assistant - Government

Holland & Knight

Washington, DC

$44.10 - $66.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 hours ago


Holland & Knight rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 34 rated law firms


Job description

We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.

This position is based in our Washington D.C. office.

General Description:

We are seeking a Practice Assistant to join our team. The Practice Assistant is responsible for providing high-quality administrative support to a group of lawyers and professionals in a team environment, effectively and efficiently meeting Firm/client needs.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:

  • Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, lawyers, and co-workers via email, by telephone, and in person; answer telephone, providing responses to routine questions from clients and staff members, and/or route calls to appropriate lawyer or staff member; arrange conference calls and greet clients.
  • Create, draft, format, edit, proofread, and manage Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations; draft routine business correspondence, forms, and documents under the supervision of an appropriate lawyer/professional.
  • Schedule domestic and foreign travel through Firm travel system, including flights, hotels, and/or car rentals.
  • Prepare, organize, and process reimbursements, invoices, and check requests in a timely manner.
  • Collect and prepare information to run conflict checks, open new client matters, and draft engagement letters, scope letters, and other required documents; provide guidance to lawyers to ensure completed forms are prepared and submitted properly.
  • Learn client-specific billing guidelines or restrictions and consistently apply them to client invoices to ensure compliance and cost-effective practices.
  • Open, prioritize, and distribute mail (both paper and electronic), coordinate mailings, deliveries, copying, scanning, and printing, when appropriate.
  • Enter and manage work requests from lawyers in the Firm's workflow tool and complete according to provided deadline(s).
  • Perform routine electronic and paper filing in an organized manner for easy access; photocopy, scan, compile, and distribute documents; identify and coordinate available services provided by administrative departments, including office services, the IT Help Desk, document services, accounting, billing, and records.
  • Perform all file maintenance, including saving documents to the document management system.
  • Assist lawyers with time entry, billing, and collection, as needed.
  • Operate independently to ensure completion of assignments, which may be complex in nature or require high-level production, in an accurate and timely manner. Produce a high volume of work assignments in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Perform clerical duties for non-legal departments, as needed.
  • Special projects and duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe.
  • Experience with document management systems.
  • Experience with electronic signature software programs.
  • Proficiency in core legal administrative assistant functions and advanced technical and communications skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple competing tasks and demands.
  • Superb attention to detail, grammar, and punctuation, and the ability to articulate thoughts and effectively present innovative ideas and findings.
  • Ability to take direction and work independently with little supervision.
  • Ability to effectively work well with others.
  • Effective and professional interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to write clearly and professionally, with excellent proofing skills.
  • Strong work ethic with ability and commitment to maintain confidentiality.

Required Qualifications & Education:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • 4 - 5 years of experience supporting lawyers and paralegals with administrative or client-related tasks preferred.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
  • Moderate or advanced keyboard usage.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to thirty pounds.

This position may be filled in District of Columbia. The base salary range for this position is $44.10/hr - $66.20/hr. This range may not be applicable to other locations. An individual's actual compensation will depend on the individual's qualifications and experience. In addition to the base compensation, Holland & Knight provides bonus opportunities and an exceptional benefits package.

Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.

Below are the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.

Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact ApplicantAccommodations@hklaw.com.

Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP's privacy policies.


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