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Legal Retainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legal Secretary

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$55K - $110K/yr

Run conflicts checks and create engagement, and retainer letters. * Open and manage new client ... and other legal materials and presentations. * Prepare materials for hearings, trials, and ...

Legal Secretary

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$55K - $110K/yr

Run conflicts checks and create engagement, and retainer letters. * Open and manage new client ... and other legal materials and presentations. * Prepare materials for hearings, trials, and ...

Legal Intake Specialist

CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

... legal team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the initial stages of client ... retainer agreements * Coordinate appointments, schedule attorney consultations, and confirm client ...

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Legal Retainer information

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$36.5K

$87.8K

$134.5K

How much do legal retainer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal retainer in the United States is $87,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 80 20 rule for lawyers?

The 80/20 rule for lawyers suggests that roughly 80% of a lawyer's results come from 20% of their efforts, emphasizing the importance of focusing on high-impact tasks such as client management, case strategy, and legal research. Prioritizing these key activities can improve efficiency and case outcomes in legal practice.

Do lawyers on retainer get paid?

Lawyers on retainer typically receive a fee paid upfront or periodically to ensure their availability for legal services. The retainer fee may cover ongoing consultations, advice, or specific tasks, and additional charges may apply for work beyond the retainer agreement. Payment structures vary based on the agreement between the lawyer and client.

What is the difference between Legal Retainer vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal RetainerParalegal
CredentialsLaw degree, licensed attorneyParalegal certificate or associate degree
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Role & ResponsibilitiesLegal advice, representation, legal strategyLegal research, document preparation, case support

Legal retainers involve licensed attorneys providing ongoing legal services under a retainer agreement, while paralegals support attorneys with research and document tasks. The main difference lies in credentials, scope of work, and legal authority. Legal retainers are essential for legal advice and representation, whereas paralegals assist with preparatory legal work, making each role distinct in the legal industry.

What is a legal retainer?

A legal retainer is a fee paid in advance to a lawyer or law firm to secure their services and ensure their availability for legal advice or representation. The retainer acts as a down payment for future legal work and may be replenished as the lawyer bills against it. Retainer agreements outline the scope of work, payment terms, and other client-lawyer expectations. They provide clients with priority access to legal counsel and help lawyers manage their workload and resources.

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

To thrive as a legal retainer (a lawyer engaged on retainer), you need a law degree, bar admission, and expertise in relevant legal practice areas. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and e-discovery tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, client communication, and negotiation skills help build trust and deliver effective legal counsel. These skills ensure the lawyer can provide timely, reliable advice and representation, maintaining long-term client relationships and legal compliance.

How to make $500,000 a year as a lawyer?

To earn $500,000 annually as a lawyer, one typically needs to specialize in high-demand areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, or trial law, and work at large firms or establish a successful private practice. Building a strong reputation, gaining experience, and developing a network of high-value clients are essential, along with continuously improving legal skills and possibly earning advanced certifications.

What does a $10,000 retainer mean?

A $10,000 retainer for a legal retainer refers to an upfront fee paid to a lawyer or law firm to secure their services and cover initial costs. This amount is often credited against future legal fees and expenses as work progresses, and it ensures the attorney's availability for the client’s legal needs.

What are the typical responsibilities and expectations for a Legal Retainer on an ongoing basis?

As a Legal Retainer, you are expected to provide consistent legal advice and support to your client or organization over an agreed period. This often involves tasks such as reviewing contracts, handling compliance matters, advising on legal risks, and being available for urgent consultations. The workload can vary depending on the client’s needs, but you’ll typically collaborate closely with internal teams or external stakeholders to proactively address legal issues. Maintaining clear communication and responsiveness is crucial, as clients rely on you to handle both routine and unexpected legal matters efficiently.
More about Legal Retainer jobs
Infographic showing various Legal Retainer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,763 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Legal Secretary

Legal Secretary

Tarter Krinsky & Drogin

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$55K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Who you are:
You are a highly motivated self-starter looking to propel your career to the next level in a thriving and collegial professional environment.

Who we are:
Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP (TKD) is an entrepreneurial, growing, and highly supportive firm located in the heart of New York City. Our position as a mid-size firm promotes a work environment that fosters relationship building inside and outside of the office.

We care about each other, our clients, the work we do, and the communities in which we live. It’s the kind of environment where every employee can develop into their best professional selves, where everyone’s contributions matter, and where each employee makes a real difference right from the start. TKD is a place to challenge, share ideas, and contribute your ideas and skills as part of an exceptional team. Each day holds an opportunity to make a real impact.

What the role entails:
TKD is seeking an experienced Legal Secretary to provide effective, high-quality legal administrative support and give high-touch, personable assistance to our attorneys and clients. The ideal candidate will possess strong administrative, technical, and organizational skills while exercising sound judgment in various situations. This position is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to join a full-service firm and looking to blossom in their career as we are expanding to meet our client’s needs.
Essential responsibilities include:

  • Manage each attorney’s calendar by scheduling meetings and conference rooms, book appointments, manage to-do’s and maintaining frequently changing schedules.
  • Run conflicts checks and create engagement, and retainer letters.
  • Open and manage new client matters accurately and efficiently.
  • Prepare and ensure availability of necessary agendas, presentations, closing binders for transactional matters, and meeting notes as needed.
  • Use word processing and our document management software to prepare, and finalize a wide variety of documents, including briefs, correspondence, memoranda, agreements, and other legal materials and presentations.
  • Prepare materials for hearings, trials, and depositions as needed. Monitor deadlines and calendars for the practice(s).
  • Establish and maintain paper and electronic files according to current firm policies utilizing the firm’s record’s protocol procedures and document management system.
  • Assist other secretaries whenever necessary to meet the firm and client needs.
  • Build both professional, cooperative, and supportive relationships with one’s peers, superiors, and clients.
  • Anticipate and identify clients’/colleagues’ current and future needs.
  • Submit expenses, and enter billable time when appropriate.
  • Work with Accounting in all aspects of the billing cycle, including but not limited to reviewing client billing for accuracy, edits to narratives, resolution of billing problems.
  • Other duties as required.


Qualifications and skills:

  • A High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • 3+ years of secretarial experience in a law firm preferred.
  • Excellent verbal, written communication, and proofreading skills.
  • Experience creating table of authorities (TOA) and table of contents (TOC).
  • Well organized, detail-oriented, efficient, and reliable.
  • Maintains a “can do” attitude, patience, and a positive team player mentality.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work within a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Works effectively with various types of clients.
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams; iManage, Zoom, and other videoconferencing applications.
  • An eye for detail and the ability to handle confidential, executive, and firm matters effectively and efficiently with the utmost discretion.
  • In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

TKD is currently maintaining a hybrid schedule structured as Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in-office with the option to be remote Mondays and Fridays.

What you'll love about us:
We care about your professional and personal growth. Training and developing our team members are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to cultivating development opportunities for you and helping you achieve your targeted career goals. The firm values your unique characteristics. We foster an inclusive and diverse environment where multiple perspectives are appreciated as we understand that our employees play an intricate role in the expansion and success of our firm.

Compensation & benefits:
The good faith base annual salary range for this position is a minimum $55,000 to a maximum of $110,000. The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, applicable education/certification(s), office location, and the candidate's overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the Firm. Market and Firm factors are also considered.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, vision insurance; 401K, disability, life insurance, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

More about the Firm:
TKD is a pre-eminent full-service firm focused on serving middle-market and larger business clients. We provide high-quality personalized service based on our client’s goals.
The strength of the firm lies not only in its experienced attorneys and congenial atmosphere but also in our holistic approach to law – serving businesses and individuals through commercial litigation, general corporate, real estate, construction-related matters, trust and estates, employment & labor law, as well as more specialized areas, including securities, not-for-profit and education, taxation, business-related immigration matters, international law, intellectual property, and bankruptcy, among others.
Our lawyers have also garnered several prestigious recognitions for their contributions to the profession and their clients. We have been selected by Crain’s NY Business as a Best Places to Work in New York City and listed on the National Law Journal’s Hot List of the top 20 mid-sized firms in the nation. Many of our lawyers are ranked in Chambers USA and included among Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers.
TKD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace equal employment opportunity and inclusiveness. We prohibit discrimination based on, among other characteristics, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, status as a veteran or active military service member, and pregnancy and lactation accommodations, in our employment practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, and promoting.
TKD will not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at TKD via mail, email, fax, the Internet, or in any other form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place will be deemed the sole property of TKD. TKD will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.