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Legal Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

TekSky

Legal Assistant

Rockville, MD · On-site

Maryland trial law firm with an emphasis on medical malpractice defense seeks a full time Legal Assistant. Applicants should be organized, detail-oriented, have strong proofreading and editing skills ...

TekSky

Legal Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

C., is seeking a full-time Legal Assistant to join our collaborative team representing sophisticated clients in complex legal matters. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of relevant ...

GRVTY

Legal Assistant

Mclean, VA

$70K - $90K/yr

The GRVTY Corporate office is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to provide high‑level support to the GRVTY General Counsel and legal team as well as the corporate headquarters. This role is ...

GRVTY

Legal Assistant

Mclean, VA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The GRVTY Corporate office is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to provide high-level support to the GRVTY General Counsel and legal team as well as the corporate headquarters. This role is best ...

Rapid Finance

Legal Assistant

Bethesda, MD · On-site

If you thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment, consider this opportunity as a Legal Assistant ! The ideal candidate will have a can-do, anything-is-possible, the-client-comes-first ...

Rapid Finance

Legal Assistant

Bethesda, MD · On-site

If you thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment, consider this opportunity as a Legal Assistant ! The ideal candidate will have a can-do, anything-is-possible, the-client-comes-first ...

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All JobsLegal JobsLegal Assistant JobsLegal Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Legal Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$28.1K

$50.2K

$77K

How much do legal assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal assistant 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.

Do you need a legal degree to be a legal assistant?

A legal assistant typically does not need a law degree; most positions require a high school diploma or associate degree, along with strong organizational and communication skills. Some employers may prefer candidates with paralegal certification or relevant coursework, but a full legal degree is generally not required for this role.

What are some common challenges Legal Assistants face when managing multiple cases or attorneys?

Legal Assistants often juggle tasks for several attorneys or handle multiple cases at once, which can be challenging due to competing deadlines and shifting priorities. Staying organized, effectively managing time, and utilizing legal case management software are essential skills to succeed in this fast-paced environment. Clear communication with attorneys and proactive planning help ensure that documentation, filings, and client correspondence are completed accurately and on schedule. Embracing these strategies can help Legal Assistants maintain efficiency and reduce stress.

Is it better to be a legal assistant or paralegal?

A legal assistant and a paralegal are similar roles, but paralegals typically have more advanced training and perform more complex legal tasks under attorney supervision. Paralegals often require certification or formal education, and they may have higher earning potential and greater responsibilities than legal assistants. The choice depends on your education, career goals, and the level of responsibility you seek in a legal support role.

What is the difference between Legal Assistant vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal AssistantParalegal
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but some have certifications like NALAOften holds certifications such as Certified Paralegal (CP)
Work EnvironmentAssist lawyers in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesPerform substantive legal work under attorney supervision in similar settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAdministrative support, document preparation, client communicationLegal research, drafting legal documents, case management

Legal Assistants and Paralegals often work closely in legal settings, but Paralegals typically perform more substantive legal tasks and may hold certifications. Both roles support attorneys in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies, but Paralegals usually have a deeper involvement in legal work.

What are legal assistants?

Legal assistants, also known as paralegals, are professionals who support lawyers by performing a variety of tasks, such as conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing files, and maintaining case management systems. They help ensure that legal processes run smoothly and efficiently, allowing attorneys to focus on more complex legal matters. Legal assistants play a crucial role in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies by handling administrative and substantive legal work under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

What Is a Legal Assistant Job?

Legal assistants help lawyers with their casework, and tasks will vary depending of the size of the firm. Jobs of a legal assistant may include making phone calls, writing emails, researching case facts, organizing documents, and gathering evidence.

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

To thrive as a Legal Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of legal terminology, often supported by an associate degree or paralegal certification. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and document drafting tools is typically required. Excellent communication, discretion, and the ability to multitask under pressure make a Legal Assistant stand out. These skills are essential to ensure accurate legal documentation, efficient case management, and effective support for attorneys in a fast-paced legal environment.

Can a paralegal make $100,000?

While most paralegals earn between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, some experienced or specialized paralegals in high-demand areas or with advanced certifications can earn $100,000 or more. Factors influencing salary include location, years of experience, education, and the complexity of legal work performed.

What does it mean to be a legal assistant?

A legal assistant, also known as a paralegal, supports lawyers by preparing legal documents, conducting research, organizing case files, and managing administrative tasks. They often work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies and may require knowledge of legal procedures and tools like case management software.

Is it better to be a paralegal or legal assistant?

Legal assistants and paralegals are similar roles that support attorneys, but paralegals typically have more specialized training and perform more complex legal tasks. The choice depends on career goals, as paralegals often require certification or formal education, and may have higher earning potential and responsibilities. Both roles require strong organizational skills and knowledge of legal procedures.
More about Legal Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Legal jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Assistant jobs in Reston, VA? For Legal Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legal Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Legal Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Legal Assistant job openings:
Legal Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,161 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Legal Assistant

Legal Assistant

Contact Government Services, LLC

Fairfax, VA

$45K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

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 provide litigation and administrative support to a group of United States Attorneys. CGS brings motivated, highly skilled, and creative people together to solve the government’s most dynamic problems with cutting-edge technology. To carry out our mission, we are seeking candidates who are excited to contribute to government innovation, appreciate collaboration, and can anticipate the needs of others. Here at CGS, we offer an environment in which our employees feel supported, and we encourage professional growth through various learning opportunities.
 
Skills and attributes for success:
The Contractor shall provide two legal assistants to perform the following job duties to support attorneys, investigators, and paralegals:
Provide a variety of direct legal support assistance services to include:
- Receive and review incoming material and independently determines the need for assembly and preparation of a variety of legal documents, e.g., charging instruments, motions, orders, pleadings, deposition notices, trial subpoenas and grand jury subpoenas. In preparation of documents, considers the nature and the status of the case involved.
- Proofread and edit drafts of legal documents such as motions, orders, correspondence, discovery requests and responses, and other pleadings. Complete variable aspects of preparing recurring legal documents that conform to the rules governing their style and format.
- Electronically file documents on behalf of and at the directive of the attorneys with the appropriate state or federal court, applying knowledge of local court rules and practices.
- Provide assistance with trial preparation by performing duties such as independently compiling trial notebooks and witness and exhibit lists.
- Prepare and track grand jury subpoenas and returns. Aid in processing and organizing legal data and other supportive material. Organize, process and copy documents in accordance with requirements. Assemble record materials for court filings.
- Compose original letters that require a good working knowledge of legal procedures and specialized terminology, e.g., transmittal of pleadings, requests for extensions of time in certain cases, advising of actions taken or developments in cases referred by other federal departments and agencies, and notices to attorneys representing defendants.
 
Provide a variety of ancillary office support functions requiring some subject-matter knowledge of the United States Attorneys programs and operations. Typical assignments may include the following:
- Perform docketing duties such as opening, updating and closing cases through use of the automated case tracking system. As necessary, searches database for required information.
- Obligate funds for litigation expenses and monitors for continued necessity.
- Review bills and invoices and submits to budget office for payment.
- Maintain calendar of assigned active cases. Track filing, hearing, and trial dates, and scheduling conferences and interviews. Develop and maintain suspense system for ongoing cases and informs the attorneys of pending dates and deadlines. Maintain calendar(s) of the attorney(s), scheduling appointments, interviews, and conferences, and provides reminders of commitments and court appearances.
- Assemble the physical files and electronic files for new cases by filing materials in chronological order, preparing and printing conflict of interest sheets for assigned attorneys, and numbering the initial case materials and discovery. Upon receipt, send additional discovery to outside parties as directed by the assigned attorney.
- Prepare files for closing by putting the documents in chronological order, ensuring that the relevant documents are in the file, and prepare a closing sheet for the assigned attorney’s signature.
- Receive visitors, answer telephone and refer callers to staff members or take messages as appropriate. Deliver to and retrieve papers from the federal courthouse. Furnish requested information concerning pending and closed matters and cases, functions and general procedures of the office. Determine which matters should be referred to the AUSA and the urgency of the matter.
- Attend meetings and trainings as may be required and appropriate.
- Produce a variety of written documents and materials utilizing a wide range of office software applications, such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Access, Adobe Acrobat Professional or other databases. For example, assignments may include integrating output from different software types, e.g., tables produced by database applications and charts and graphs produced by electronic spreadsheet applications, into word processing or desktop publishing text. Products include complicated tables, graphs and charts, which may be incorporated into legal documents or courtroom presentations. Ensures all documents contain the proper format, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar.
- When appropriate, provide automated litigation assistance to attorneys in trial preparation and courtroom presentations, including transcribing dictation. Utilize various software applications and graphics hardware such as scanners and plotters. Prepare documents, charts, and visual materials used in trials. Provide technical support e.g., enlarging charts and photographs, duplicating tapes and videos, and marking exhibits.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
 
Qualifications:
- At least one year of specialized litigation experience required, however over three years is preferred.
- Specialized experience is defined as experience reviewing legal documents such as complaints, motions, orders, answers, pleadings, subpoenas, and libels for completeness of information; retrieving and assembling information for hearing and/or trial use, researching a variety of legal sources to obtain and/or verify information; maintaining file systems; and using automated software to produce legal related reports, documents, correspondence and related materials. 
- Requires excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Should have hands-on familiarity with a variety of computer applications, such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Ability to consistently deliver highest quality work under extreme pressure will be very important.
- Ability to obtain a Public Trust Security Clearance
 
Our commitment:
Contact Government Services (CGS) strives to simplify and enhance government bureaucracy through the optimization of human, technical, and financial resources. We combine cutting-edge technology with world-class personnel to deliver customized solutions that fit our client’s specific needs. We are committed to solving the most challenging and dynamic problems.
 
For the past seven years, we’ve been growing our government contracting portfolio, and along the way, we’ve created valuable partnerships by demonstrating a commitment to honesty, professionalism, and quality work.
 
Here at CGS we value honesty through hard work and self-awareness, professionalism in all we do, and to deliver the best quality to our consumers mending those relations for years to come.
 
We care about our employees. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.
- Health, Dental, and Vision
- Life Insurance
- 401k
- Flexible Spending Account (Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter)
- Paid Time Off and Observance of State/Federal Holidays
 
Contact Government Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
 
Join our team and become part of meaningful government innovation!
 
Explore additional job opportunities with CGS on our Job Board:
https://cgsfederal.com/join-our-team/
 
For more information about CGS please visit: https://www.cgsfederal.com or contact:
Email: info@cgsfederal.com
 
#CJ

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.