Best institutions to study Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary
A program that prepares individuals to serve as legal office managers, special assistants, and legal secretaries.
45 U.S. institutions graduated 366 Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 22.0301, a specialization of Legal Support Services (CIP 22.03), and leads most directly to the Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants occupation (BLS SOC 43-6012).
About Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary programs
A program that prepares individuals to serve as legal office managers, special assistants, and legal secretaries. Includes instruction in office management, secretarial science, principles of U.S. or Canadian law, legal terminology and documentation, legal research, legal software applications, law office procedures, record-keeping, billing, applicable policies and regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary program prepares individuals to support legal professionals in various capacities, including as office managers and legal secretaries. This program is ideal for those interested in a career within the legal field, providing essential skills and knowledge necessary for effective legal support services.
Students in this program will gain expertise in office management, legal terminology, documentation, and research. Coursework typically includes training in legal software applications, law office procedures, and professional ethics, equipping graduates with the skills needed to excel in a legal administrative role.
Credentials awarded
What Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years170 graduates / yr · 20 institutions46%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year125 graduates / yr · 20 institutions34%
- Associate's degree61 graduates / yr · 17 institutions17%
- Master's degree8 graduates / yr · 1 institution2.2%
- Bachelor's degree2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.5%
Graduates over time
Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,181 |
| 2013 | 970 |
| 2014 | 1,017 |
| 2015 | 839 |
| 2016 | 674 |
| 2017 | 548 |
| 2018 | 562 |
| 2019 | 438 |
| 2020 | 388 |
| 2021 | 385 |
| 2022 | 322 |
| 2023 | 256 |
| 2024 | 402 |
| 2025 | 366 |
Top 45 institutions for Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwest Career College Las Vegas, NVPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 45 | 68% | $15,787 | — |
| 2 | Blinn College District Brenham, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 36 | 11% | — | — |
| 3 | Fresno City College Fresno, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 33 | 24% | — | — |
| 4 | Oxnard College Oxnard, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 26 | 34% | — | — |
| 5 | Central Texas College Killeen, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 22 | 11% | — | — |
| 6 | Bryan University Tempe, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 21 | 41% | $22,877 | $26,288 |
| 7 | Stark State College North Canton, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 15 | 23% | — | — |
| 8 | MTI College Sacramento, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 77% | $22,079 | $47,535 |
| 9 | Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 12 | 81% | — | — |
| 10 | Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 11 | 36% | — | — |
| 11 | Sheridan Technical College Hollywood, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 11 | 69% | — | — |
| 12 | Anoka Technical College Anoka, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 9 | 66% | — | — |
| 13 | Santa Fe Community College Santa Fe, NMPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 23% | — | — |
| 14 | Renton Technical College Renton, WAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 9 | 46% | — | — |
| 15 | Georgetown University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 95% | $22,242 | — |
| 16 | Trinity Valley Community College Athens, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 27% | — | — |
| 17 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 50% | — | $41,375 |
| 18 | Butte College Oroville, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 45% | — | — |
| 19 | Lorenzo Walker Technical College Naples, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 99% | — | — |
| 20 | Traviss Technical College Lakeland, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 90% | — | — |
| 21 | Ridgewater College Willmar, MNPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 50% | — | — |
| 22 | Atlantic Technical College Coconut Creek, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 65% | — | — |
| 23 | Texas Southmost College Brownsville, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 30% | — | — |
| 24 | Yakima Valley College Yakima, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 4 | 29% | — | — |
| 25 | Metro Technology Centers Oklahoma City, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 35% | — | — |
| 26 | William T McFatter Technical College Davie, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 3 | 66% | — | — |
| 27 | Savannah Technical College Savannah, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 42% | — | — |
| 28 | Yavapai College Prescott, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 34% | — | — |
| 29 | Southwestern College Chula Vista, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 2 | 35% | — | — |
| 30 | Kaskaskia College Centralia, ILPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 49% | — | — |
| 31 | Kalamazoo Valley Community College Kalamazoo, MIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 28% | — | — |
| 32 | Siena Heights University Adrian, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 39% | $17,015 | — |
| 33 | Lake Superior College Duluth, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 42% | — | — |
| 34 | ETI Technical College of Niles Niles, OHPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 2 | 63% | $14,389 | — |
| 35 | South Texas College McAllen, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 27% | — | — |
| 36 | Allan Hancock College Santa Maria, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 26% | — | — |
| 37 | Cypress College Cypress, CAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 37% | — | — |
| 38 | Los Angeles Pierce College Woodland Hills, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 46% | — | — |
| 39 | West Los Angeles College Culver City, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 28% | — | — |
| 40 | Johnson County Community College Overland Park, KSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 31% | — | $44,921 |
| 41 | Kansas City Kansas Community College Kansas City, KSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 42% | — | — |
| 42 | Dakota County Technical College Rosemount, MNPublicAssociate's | 1 | 58% | — | — |
| 43 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 47% | — | — |
| 44 | Edmonds College Lynnwood, WAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 29% | — | $45,880 |
| 45 | Green River College Auburn, WAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 39% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Legal Support Services field (CIP 22.03) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 16 states
Where Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary graduates come from. Each state links to all Legal Support Services programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 10 | 95 | Fresno City College33 / yr |
| Texas | 5 | 71 | Blinn College District36 / yr |
| Nevada | 1 | 45 | Northwest Career College45 / yr |
| Florida | 5 | 30 | Sheridan Technical College11 / yr |
| Arizona | 2 | 23 | Bryan University21 / yr |
| Minnesota | 5 | 19 | Anoka Technical College9 / yr |
| Ohio | 2 | 17 | Stark State College15 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 2 | 16 | Tulsa Technology Center12 / yr |
| Washington | 4 | 15 | Renton Technical College9 / yr |
| New Mexico | 1 | 9 | Santa Fe Community College9 / yr |
| District of Columbia | 1 | 8 | Georgetown University8 / yr |
| Indiana | 1 | 7 | Purdue University Global7 / yr |
| Michigan | 2 | 4 | Kalamazoo Valley Community College2 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 3 | Savannah Technical College3 / yr |
| Kansas | 2 | 2 | Johnson County Community College1 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 2 | Kaskaskia College2 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 43-6012, Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary program can pursue careers primarily as legal secretaries and administrative assistants. The job outlook indicates a decline of 5.8%, with approximately 19,600 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $54,140, and a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 22.0301
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistantsprimary SOC 43-6012 | $55,570 | -5.8% Decline | ~19,600 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.
- Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.
- Prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.
- Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.
- Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
Tools and technology used
Other Legal Support Services specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Legal Support Services (CIP 22.03).
- Legal Assistant/CIP 22.0302
Paralegal 9,640 graduates / yr462 institutions - Court Reporting and Captioning/CIP 22.0303
Court Reporter 431 graduates / yr32 institutions - Legal Support ServicesCIP 22.0399partial data233 graduates / yr5 institutions
Show 2 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Court Interpreter22.0304
- Scopist22.0305
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What is the duration of the program?+
The program typically awards credentials ranging from at least 12 weeks to less than 2 academic years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, writing, active listening, and critical thinking.
What types of tasks will I be trained to perform?+
You will learn to organize legal documents, prepare legal correspondence, and manage billing.
What is the job outlook for legal administrative assistants?+
The job outlook shows a decline of 5.8%, but there are still around 19,600 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary?+
Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary is CIP 22.0301 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Legal Support Services (CIP 22.03). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to serve as legal office managers, special assistants, and legal secretaries. Includes instruction in office management, secretarial science, principles of U.S. or Canadian law, legal terminology and documentation, legal research, legal software applications, law office procedures, record-keeping, billing, applicable policies and regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
How many institutions offer Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary programs?+
45 U.S. institutions reported Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 16 states, awarding 366 credentials in the year. That is 3.4% of all Legal Support Services graduates.
How much do Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants occupation, which Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary most directly leads to, pays a median of $55,570 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Legal Support Services field report median earnings of $44,921 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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