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Legal Assistant Jobs in Ridgefield, WA (NOW HIRING)

Legal Secretary

Portland, OR · On-site

$28.50 - $33/hr

We are looking for a detail-oriented Legal Secretary to support legal records and administrative operations for our client in Portland, Oregon. This Contract position focuses on handling court ...

Legal E-Billing Coordinator

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$90K - $105K/yr

You'll act as the liaison between the legal team, clients, and third-party e-billing vendors ... Submit appeals or adjustments on short-paid invoices through client portals. * Assist in preparing ...

Showing results 21-40

Legal Assistant information

See Ridgefield, WA salary details

$28.6K

$51.2K

$78.5K

How much do legal assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal assistant in Ridgefield, WA is $51,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,300.00 and $58,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a legal assistant?

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 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.

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.

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.

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, with some employers preferring coursework in paralegal studies. Certification as a paralegal can enhance job prospects but is not mandatory. Skills such as organization, communication, and familiarity with legal software are also important.

How hard is it to become a legal assistant?

Becoming a legal assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring postsecondary education or certification in legal studies. Developing skills in legal research, document management, and familiarity with legal software can improve job prospects, but the entry process is generally straightforward compared to other legal careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Ridgefield, WA?

The most popular types of Legal jobs in Ridgefield, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Legal Assistant jobs in Ridgefield, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Legal Assistant jobs in Ridgefield, WA are:

What cities near Ridgefield, WA are hiring for Legal Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ridgefield, WA with the most Legal Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Legal Assistant job openings in Ridgefield, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,161 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Legal Administrative Assistant

Wilson Elser - Business & Legal Professionals

Portland, OR • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

At Wilson Elser, we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices nationwide, we are recognized among the top 100 law firms by The American Lawyer and ranked #30 in the National Law Journal's survey of the nation's largest law firms.

Our continued success is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, client service, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering an environment where employees are empowered to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and thrive professionally.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Legal Administrative Assistant position in our Portland Office.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

We are seeking a Legal Administrative Assistant to provide administrative and litigation support to a team of attorneys within a fast-paced law firm environment. This role plays a key part in managing case matters, coordinating filings and calendars, and ensuring seamless communication to support the delivery of high-quality legal services.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide support and administrative assistance to attorneys and colleagues
  • Coordinate new matter openings and closings, including conflict checks, engagement letters, and file management
  • Prepare, format, proofread, and edit legal documents and court filings, including tables of contents and tables of authorities
  • File documents in state, federal, and appellate courts using electronic filing applications (e.g. File & ServeXpress)
  • Communicate with court personnel regarding procedures, rules, and deadlines.
  • Manage incoming mail, notices, and document distribution.
  • Maintain electronic and client files within the document management system
  • Maintain case calendars (hearings, depositions, mediations, deadlines) and distributed daily/weekly appearance reports.
  • Enter attorney time and assist with billing support, client budgets, and billing inquires
  • Prepare expense reports and assist with travel arrangements
  • Manage vendor invoices, reimbursements and check requests.
  • Assist with client billing inquiries, budgets, appeals and collections
  • Support additional projects operational initiatives as needed

Qualifications:

  • High school Diploma or equivalent required
  • 3+ years of administrative experience, preferably within a law firm or litigation environment
  • Familiarity with legal terminology, document formatting and court procedures
  • Experience with electronic filing systems preferred
  • Professional communication skills when interacting with attorneys, colleagues, clients, courts, and vendors
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
  • Comfortable working in an in-office/hybrid environment

Why Should You Apply?

  • Benefits: Outstanding benefits package, including 401k match and generous PTO plan
  • Career Growth: Ample opportunities for professional development and advancement
  • Employee Perks: Access to corporate discount plans and other benefits
Wilson Elser welcomes submissions of candidates for our open positions exclusively from recruitment agencies with an active, signed fee agreement who have been granted access to a position through our dedicated Recruitment Agency Portal. We are unable to consider submissions from recruitment agencies without a current (dated as of 7/1/2024) agreement in place. We appreciate your understanding. For collaboration inquiries or to establish an agreement, please contact us at talentacquisition@wilsonelser.com.Wilson Elser is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is the Firm's policy that employment will be based on merit, qualifications, and competence. Further, employment decisions will be made without regard to an applicants race, color, age, sex, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, physical or mental disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking, past or present service in the uniformed services or application or obligation to serve in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by law. Wilson Elser endeavors to make the Wilson Elser website accessible to any and all users. You may review our Accessibility Policy here.California Residents may review our CCPA notice for applicants and employees here.#ZR