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Legal Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Legal Assistant

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Woods Oviatt is seeking an experienced Litigation Legal Assistant with strong technical skills, self-motivation, exceptional organizational abilities, and a commitment to excellence. This individual ...

Position Summary Adams Leclair is seeking a highly organized, reliable, and self-sufficient Paralegal / Legal Assistant to support our attorneys through all phases of high-volume civil litigation ...

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Legal Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$26.1K

$46.7K

$71.6K

How much do legal assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal assistant in Rochester, NY is $46,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,800.00 and $53,200.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Legal jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY? For Legal Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legal Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Legal Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Legal Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Legal Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY 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 $46,661 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Legal Assistant

Legal Assistant

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Rochester, NY • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Department: Litigation

Location: Rochester, NY

Classification: Nonexempt

Job Type: Full-time, M-F, 8 AM- 5 PM

Company Overview:

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP is a leading and reputable full-service law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to our clients. With a team of highly skilled and experienced attorneys, we strive to deliver comprehensive and effective solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Headquarters are located in Rochester, NY, with satellite offices in Albany and Buffalo, NY.


We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. We encourage open communication, teamwork, and professional growth. Our firm promotes a healthy work-life balance and supports the well-being of our employees.


Summary:

Woods Oviatt is seeking an experienced Litigation Legal Assistant with strong technical skills, self-motivation, exceptional organizational abilities, and a commitment to excellence. This individual will play a crucial role in supporting our attorneys within the dynamic and fast-paced litigation practice group.


Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Process incoming and outgoing mail.
  • Open new files, conduct conflict of interest checks, and maintain client and general files, including indexing and organizing documents for easy retrieval.
  • Schedule hearing dates and deadlines, ensuring all parties are informed and prepared.
  • Prepare correspondence, memoranda, and other legal documents from written or verbal instructions; draft standard correspondence and other documents.
  • Accurately transcribe dictation to produce high-quality legal documents.
  • Assemble documents for filing with the court and serving opposing counsel and/or clients.
  • Electronic filing of documents with various court systems and prepare hard copies when necessary.
  • Photocopy and scan documents as needed.
  • Request filing fees/checks from Accounting.
  • Entering attorney time into the Accounting system for billing purposes and coordinate with Accounting to generate bills; draft billing correspondence.
  • Greet clients and visitors, maintain good public relations, and observe the confidentiality of the attorney-client relationship.
  • Maintain attorney calendars, scheduling appointments and reminders as applicable.
  • Assist with overflow projects and assignments as requested, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
  • Coordinate messenger deliveries, as needed, to ensure timely delivery of documents.


Requirements:

  • Preferred experience with bankruptcy, creditors' rights, and/or commercial litigation.
  • Proficiency in Kofax (Adobe adjacent) and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Strong typing, computer, organizational, and administrative skills with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks independently.
  • Must be a team player and effectively use firm resources.


Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands/fingers to type, hold, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
  • Regularly required to talk or hear.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.


Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. This is a snapshot of the core functions and responsibilities. All inquiries will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. The compensation range for this position is $20-$30 per hour, representing our good faith and reasonable estimate of the potential compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on various factors, including the candidate's qualifications, experience, skill set, and office location.


Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value an open mind, dedication to work, and a collaborative spirit. We hire based on these qualities, a job’s requirements, our business needs, and an applicant’s qualifications. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind—in the hiring process or in the workplace. We comply with the ADA and consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants/employees to perform essential functions. We participate in E-Verify. We will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. We will only use E-Verify once an employee has accepted a job offer and completed Form I-9.