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

Howard University

Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.75 - $30/hr

... research studies; assesses potential participants for eligibility; enrolls study participants ... legal and institutional guidelines. • Performs a variety of data management procedures (e.g ...

Addison Group

Legal Assitant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Legal Assistant Location (city, state): Fairfax, VA (Fully on-site) Industry: Law Firm Type ... This role involves preparing legal documents, conducting research, managing schedules, and ...

Addison Group

Legal Assitant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Legal Assistant Location (city, state): Fairfax, VA (Fully on-site) Industry: Law Firm Type ... This role involves preparing legal documents, conducting research, managing schedules, and ...

Addison Group

Legal Intern (Spring 2027)

Washington, DC · On-site

$20/hr

Ideal candidates are detail-oriented law students who are eager to strengthen their legal research and writing skills in a professional environment. Key Responsibilities: * Assist with trademark ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLegal Research JobsLegal Research Assistant JobsLegal Research Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Legal Research Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$28.1K

$50.2K

$77K

How much do legal research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal research 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.

What is a legal research assistant?

Legal Research Assistants are professionals who support lawyers, judges, or legal teams by conducting research on laws, legal precedents, case law, regulations, and other relevant materials. They help prepare legal documents, briefs, and memos, ensuring that attorneys have the information they need for cases or legal arguments. Their work is crucial for building strong legal cases and staying updated on recent legal developments. Legal Research Assistants typically work in law firms, government agencies, or academic settings and may have backgrounds in law or paralegal studies.

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

To thrive as a Legal Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of legal principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in law or a related field. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office, is often required. Excellent written communication, time management, and organizational skills help you present findings clearly and manage multiple tasks efficiently. These abilities ensure accurate, thorough research and support attorneys in building effective legal arguments and case strategies.

What are some common challenges faced by legal research assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Legal Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, handling large volumes of complex information, and ensuring the accuracy of citations and legal documents. To address these, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, become proficient with legal research databases, and communicate regularly with supervising attorneys to clarify expectations. Being detail-oriented and proactive in seeking feedback can also help mitigate errors and improve work quality.

What is the difference between Legal Research Assistant vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal Research AssistantParalegal
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate; strong research skillsAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate; broader legal support skills
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, legal departments, research institutionsLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal research, fact-finding, supporting attorneysDrafting documents, case management, client communication
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research-focused legal rolesLegal support roles with broader responsibilities

Legal Research Assistants primarily focus on conducting legal research and supporting attorneys with case facts. Paralegals perform a wider range of legal tasks, including document preparation and client interaction. While both roles require similar credentials and work in legal environments, their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How to become a Legal Research Assistant with no experience?

To become a Legal Research Assistant with no experience, focus on developing strong research, writing, and analytical skills through online courses or internships. Gaining familiarity with legal databases like LexisNexis or Westlaw and earning a paralegal certification can improve your qualifications for entry-level positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legal Research jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Legal Research jobs in Reston, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Legal Research Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Legal Research Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Legal Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Legal Research Assistant job openings:

Legal Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Research Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,161 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Legal Assistant

Systems Planning and Analysis

Arlington, VA • On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of War, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
The DARPA Support Group within JOID provides the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) technical expertise for decision support to ensure technical overmatch for the U.S. Armed Forces against any potential adversaries. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled exploring cutting-edge technology and helping government program managers evaluate, select, and manage research programs to transition promising technologies and ensure U.S. military forces retain technological superiority in the future.
SPA has an immediate need for a Legal Assistant to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA.
Responsibilities
SPA seeks a team-oriented licensed attorney, paralegal, or recent graduate from an ABA-accredited law school to conduct legal research, perform analysis, and communicate results (both orally and in written formats), in support of the DARPA Office of General Counsel. Assist in providing advice to DARPA offices regarding legal matters that are within the scope of the DARPA mission. Draft recommendations regarding policy for DARPA's Standards of Conduct program.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Master's degree or JD
  • 2+ years of experience in a law firm, corporate in-house counsel office, or government legal office; alternatively, a recent law school graduate with superior grades
  • Demonstrated experience preparing legal documents, briefs, and other written correspondence, developing Excel spreadsheets, and coordinating meetings
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and to draft legal documents which are clear, concise, and logically constructed
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task and respond to quick turn-around requests, and proficiency with modern PC systems and tools
  • Ability to perform recurring work assignments of varying degree of difficulty and complexity with or without assistance
  • Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals both orally and in writing
  • A collaborative, team-first approach, and a willingness to contribute wherever needed
  • A genuine interest in DARPA's mission and a desire to help advance breakthrough technologies for national security
  • Able to work fully onsite based on client needs
  • U.S. citizen and able to obtain a Secret clearance

Desired:
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • DoW experience
  • Experience in Federal procurement law, intellectual property, and/or Government ethics and knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
  • Master of Laws (LLM) in relevant field such as government procurement, technology law, or environmental law
  • A detailed knowledge of DoW report formats and forms

Pay Range Information
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $120,000.00/Yr. - USD $155,000.00/Yr.

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