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Legal Word Processor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Performs initial input of legal documents from drafts, handwritten notes or tapes utilizing Word ... Process eligible documents for electronic signature using. * Performs miscellaneous legal ...

Word Processor

San Diego, CA ยท Hybrid

$42.79/hr

Position Summary The Word Processor works in a team-oriented environment and is responsible for providing first-class legal administrative support to the firm, including attorneys, paralegals ...

Senior Word Processor

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$28.85 - $48.08/hr

Performs initial input of legal documents from drafts, handwritten notes or tapes utilizing Word ... Process eligible documents for electronic signature using. * Performs miscellaneous legal ...

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Legal Secretary

Walnut Creek, CA ยท On-site

$80K/yr

Insurance defense/civil litigation firm seeks experienced legal secretary. Must be able to handle ... Proficiency required in word processing using Word, Word Perfect, Outlook, document management ...

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Legal Word Processor information

See California salary details

$17

$27

$39

How much do legal word processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal word processor in California is $27.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $34.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a legal word processor?

Legal Word Processors are specialized administrative professionals who create, edit, and format legal documents such as briefs, contracts, and correspondence using word processing software. They ensure documents meet legal standards, are properly formatted, and free of errors. Legal Word Processors often work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies, supporting attorneys and paralegals by handling complex document production tasks. Their expertise in legal terminology and document formatting is essential for maintaining the accuracy and professionalism of legal documents.

What does a legal word processor do?

As a legal word processor, you work for a law firm or corporation. Your primary responsibilities are legal correspondence and written documentation. Your job duties include administrative work, like answering the phone or distributing mail to colleagues, but most of your work involves typing drafts of reports, documents, and legal correspondence to clients from notes, rough drafts, corrected copies, or voice recordings. The qualifications for a job as a legal word processor are a certificate or associate degree in legal studies or paralegal studies, excellent written communications skills, and general computer proficiency. Previous administrative or office management experience can help you start a career as a legal word processor.

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

To thrive as a Legal Word Processor, you need expertise in document formatting, legal terminology, and a strong command of spelling and grammar, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with word processing software like Microsoft Word, legal document management systems, and sometimes transcription technology is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate, timely, and professional legal documentation, supporting attorneys and legal teams in delivering effective client service.

What are some common challenges faced by legal word processors and how can they be managed effectively?

Legal Word Processors often encounter tight deadlines, complex formatting requirements, and frequent document revisions. Managing these challenges involves maintaining strong attention to detail, staying organized, and becoming proficient with legal document management software and advanced features in word processing programs. Clear communication with attorneys and paralegals is also essential to anticipate changes and prioritize urgent tasks. Building strong time management skills and being adaptable to shifting priorities can help Legal Word Processors succeed in fast-paced legal environments.

What is the difference between Legal Word Processor vs Legal Secretary?

AspectLegal Word ProcessorLegal Secretary
CredentialsTypically requires strong typing, legal document formatting skills, and familiarity with legal terminologyOften requires administrative skills, basic legal knowledge, and sometimes legal assistant certification
Work EnvironmentPrimarily works in law firms, legal departments, or courts, focusing on document preparationWorks in law firms or legal offices, handling administrative tasks and client communication
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly in legal document production and formatting rolesCommonly employed in legal support staff roles for administrative and clerical duties

Legal Word Processors focus on preparing and formatting legal documents, while Legal Secretaries handle administrative tasks and support legal staff. Both roles are essential in legal settings but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legal Word Processor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Legal Word Processor jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Legal Word Processor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Legal Word Processor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Legal Word Processor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Legal Word Processor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Legal Word Processor jobs in CA?

For Legal Word Processor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Legal Word Processor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,116 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Senior Word Processor

Dykema

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Dykema Gossett PLLC, a leading national law, is recruiting for a Senior Word Processor in the Los Angeles office.ย  The core duties and responsibilities of this position include creating, editing, and manipulating legal documents; converting and formatting documents from one application to another; and proofreading documents for accuracy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Performs initial input of legal documents from drafts, handwritten notes or tapes utilizing Word and other software.
  2. Extensive editing of complex, large volume legal documents.
  3. Creates special forms, graphs, tables, special merge documents, etc.
  4. Transcribe tapes or digital dictation.
  5. Perform regular redlines and track changes redlines on Word documents and PDF documents.
  6. Convert documents from PDF to Word or Excel.
  7. Create pdf fillable forms.
  8. Extract, redact and revise pdf documents.
  9. Mark headings and citations and generate table of contents and table of authorities on documents when needed.
  10. Create and revise pleadings for various state and federal courts.
  11. Create and revise PowerPoint presentations.
  12. Perform Bates Stamping and Bookmarks on pdf documents.
  13. Create and modify automatic numbering schemes and styles.
  14. Create, use and modify watermarks.
  15. Perform mail merges of documents, envelopes and labels.
  16. Process eligible documents for electronic signature using.
  17. Performs miscellaneous legal secretarial duties at Office Administratorโ€™s request.

ย 

ย KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

  1. ย High school diploma or equivalent educational training.
  2. Minimum 5 years of related work experience including legal word processing.
  3. Ability to work independently.
  4. Must have advanced word processing skills, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Knowledge of Crowther, DocX Tools, and DocuSign a plus. Converting and formatting documents from one application to another; proofreading documents for accuracy. Creating, marking, and generating TOCs and TOAs and redlining.
  5. Experience with litigation and corporate documents.
  6. Competency in other PC applications including e-mail, troubleshooting software and hardware issues, etc. Experience with scanning and clean-up procedures preferred.
  7. Excellent written communication skills including familiarity with legal terminology, grammar, spelling, document formats, etc. required. Proven ability to prioritize and organize work, deviating from standard procedures as circumstances require.
  8. Typing requirement 70 wpm.

Great Benefits for Great People

Dykema offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and success of our employees both personally and professionally.ย  This includes competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, along with flexible paid time off (PTO), holiday leave, and a retirement savings plan with profit sharing for eligible employees.ย  Other benefits include flexible spending programs, health savings account, commuter benefits, and personal and parental leave programs.ย  We prioritize work-life balance and offer wellness programs, and access to mental health support. ย Additionally, employees enjoy access to professional development programs, a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, and various employee discounts and perks.ย  We are committed to providing a benefits package that helps our team thrive and feel valued.ย  The offered salary will be determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, work location, individual skill set, previous/applicable experience, education, external market data and consideration of internal equity.

EEO STATEMENT

It is the Firmโ€™s policy to provide employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis without regard to the individualโ€™s age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, domestic partner relationship, physical characteristics, disability, or other protected characteristics under applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances.ย  Dykema will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the known disabilities of employees who are otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the jobs involved.ย  It is the responsibility of every individual concerned with personnel actions, including management, supervision, recruiting, compensation, benefits, promotions, work assignments, and training, to ensure that these activities are administered consistent with the Firmโ€™s goal of furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity.

E-Verify

Dykema uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.ย  E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.