1

Temporary Legal Secretary Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Legal Secretary I - CWA

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$41K - $66K/yr

Legal Secretary I - CWA Print ( Apply Legal Secretary I - CWA Salary $41,775.00 - $66,839.00 ... Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided ...

Legal Secretary I - CWA

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$41K - $66K/yr

Legal Secretary I - CWA Print ( Apply Legal Secretary I - CWA Salary $41,775.00 - $66,839.00 ... Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided ...

Legal Secretary I - CWA

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$41K - $66K/yr

Our office is seeking a Legal Secretary I to perform secretarial duties using legal terminology ... Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided ...

Temporary Legal Secretary information

See Virginia salary details

$27.3K

$52.8K

$84.3K

How much do temporary legal secretary jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary legal secretary in Virginia is $52,821.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary legal secretary?

Temporary Legal Secretaries are administrative professionals who provide short-term support to legal offices, law firms, or legal departments. They perform duties such as preparing legal documents, filing, managing correspondence, scheduling appointments, and maintaining case files. These positions are typically filled to cover employee absences, workload peaks, or special projects, and may last from a few days to several months. Temporary Legal Secretaries must have a strong understanding of legal terminology, office procedures, and confidentiality requirements.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Legal Secretary, you need strong administrative skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with legal terminology, usually supported by experience in legal environments or secretarial training. Proficiency in legal document management systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and sometimes transcription or e-filing software is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for managing shifting priorities and supporting attorneys effectively. These abilities ensure accuracy, efficiency, and seamless workflow in fast-paced legal settings where temporary staff must quickly integrate and perform.

What are some common challenges faced by a temporary legal secretary, and how can they be managed?

Temporary Legal Secretaries often face the challenge of adapting quickly to new legal teams and office procedures, as assignments may vary by firm or department. They must be able to efficiently learn new case management systems, understand specific formatting preferences, and handle sensitive documents with confidentiality. Building strong communication skills and maintaining a flexible, proactive attitude can help manage these challenges and ensure a smooth transition into each new role. Networking with permanent staff and asking clarifying questions early on also contribute to success in temporary positions.

Can I be a temporary legal secretary without a degree?

A temporary legal secretary typically does not require a college degree, but strong organizational skills, familiarity with legal terminology, and proficiency in office software are important. Employers may prefer candidates with relevant experience or certifications, such as a legal secretary certification, but formal education is not always mandatory for temporary positions.

Is a temporary legal secretary a stressful job?

A temporary legal secretary's job can be stressful due to tight deadlines, high workload, and the need for accuracy in legal documentation. The role often requires strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently, which can contribute to stress levels depending on workload and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legal Secretary jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Legal Secretary jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Temporary Legal Secretary job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,821 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Legal Secretary I - CWA

City of Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$41K - $66K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


City Of Norfolk (Virginia) rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Legal Secretary I - CWA

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/norfolk/jobs/newprint/5009530)

Apply

Legal Secretary I - CWA

Salary

$41,775.00 - $66,839.00 Annually

Location

800 E. City Hall Avenue, Suite 600, Norfolk, VA

Job Type

Unclassified

Job Number

13314

Department

Commonwealth's Attorney

Opening Date

06/03/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Description

The Office of the Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of all felony charges and some misdemeanor charges resulting from violations of the Criminal Code of Virginia occurring in the City of Norfolk. The Office also handles certain civil matters, including forfeiture actions against property used in connection with crimes, expungement and sealing of criminal records, and restoration of driving privileges.

Our office is seeking a Legal Secretary I to perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. This position will prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas and may also assist with legal research.

Departmental Hiring Salary: $43,696.64

This position works at the will of the Commonwealth's Attorney

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position are responsible for but are not limited to, customer service, administrative duties of the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, typing letters, filing documents by hand and electronically, updating the office's case management system (Prosecutor by Karpel), preparing indictments, and creating subpoenas, transportation orders, and other legal documents.

Knowledge, skills, and ability to effectively communication orally and in writing. Paying attention to grammar, punctuation, spelling, proofing, and arithmetic. Proficient in the use of computers and software programs to include word processing, database management, and spreadsheets. Having the ability to maintain and organize records, file alphabetically, numerically and chronologically, effectively listen, understand and follow directions. Should also have the ability to write legibly, to schedule and coordinate meetings and conferences, to interpret written material, and have the ability learn the policies and procedures of the team to which assigned. Ensure all data is verified, detailed, and organized. Must demonstrate tact, discretion, good judgment, regular and punctual attendance, and good telephone etiquette.

Education/Experience

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of one year of related clerical/secretarial experience.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in a legal office environment, be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook; Adobe Acrobat or Nuance PowerPDF; and a legal case management system, preferably Prosecutor by Karpel.

Additional Information & Requirements

Work Location: 810 Union Street , Norfolk, VA 23510

Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking.
  • Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization.
  • Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union.
  • Retirement

If you are hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.

If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.

  • The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant's school of enrollment must be an accredited institution.

NOTE:

The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type.

Non-City

Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions.

01

The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that if you are invited to be interviewed by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.

  • I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.

02

Please select the highest level of education you have completed.

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Some College (6 months or more)
  • Vocational/Technical Degree
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or higher

03

Do you have experience working in an office setting performing administrative or secretarial work?

  • Yes
  • No

04

How many years of experience do you have working in an office setting performing administrative or secretarial work?

  • I have no prior experience
  • 1 -2 years experience
  • 2-4 years experience
  • 4 + years experience

05

Briefly describe your experience working in an office setting performing administrative or secretarial work. If you do not haveexperience, enter N/A

06

Please rate your level of proficiency with the Microsoft Suite (Applicants may be subject to a skills assessment)

  • Not Proficient
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

07

Do you have experience using a dictating machine to compose correspondence?

  • Yes
  • No

08

Do you have experience researching information on various topics for use in legal proceedings or briefings?

  • Yes
  • No

09

Please describe your experience researching information on various topics for use in legal proceedings or briefings. Specify your research method(s), the subject matter researched, and the purpose. If you do not have experience, enter N/A.

10

Do you have experience assisting clients or customers with inquiries, providing timely responses to requests, and answering phones in a customer focused office environment?

  • Yes
  • No

11

Are you currently a resident of Norfolk, Virginia?

  • Yes
  • No

12

Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk employee?

  • Yes - I am a current City of Norfolk Employee
  • Yes - I am a previous City of Norfolk Employee
  • No - I am not a previous or current City of Norfolk employee

13

Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required)

  • I am not a Veteran
  • I am a Veteran
  • I am a Disabled Veteran

Required Question

Employer

City of Norfolk

Apply

Please verify your email address Verify Email


What City Of Norfolk (Virginia) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom