Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Legal secretaries handle many routine tasks – for example, U.S. labor data list duties like drafting legal papers (summonses, motions, etc.), scheduling appointments, photocopying, filing forms, and assisting with client records ^{[1] [1]}. Many of these tasks are already aided by technology: for instance, digital document systems and templates (“document automation”) can help generate standard forms and correspondence, and calendar apps or AI schedulers can set up meetings. Scanning and email have largely replaced old‐fashioned photocopying and faxing.

However, these tools usually augment rather than replace people. Government data show virtually no job growth for secretaries through 2034 ^[2] – in part because computers now handle much of the routine paperwork. But in practice firms still rely on humans to check legal details, client communications, and complex forms.

In short, AI and software can speed up many chores (like filling forms or initial draft memos), but legal assistants still guide the work, review for errors, and handle anything unusual.

How fast law firms adopt AI tools depends on several factors. Many scheduling and office-automation tools are commercially available and inexpensive, so things like online calendars and form-fillers are already common. More advanced AI (like generative text tools) can draft emails or memos, but law firms are cautious – mistakes in legal documents can be costly.

Secretaries’ median pay is only about $47K/year ^[2], so small offices may not always invest heavily in new software. On the other hand, larger firms and tech-savvy offices see clear benefits in efficiency. Surveys find that some attorneys view new technology as a challenge ^[3], which can slow adoption.

Ethical and legal safeguards also matter: AI must handle confidential data carefully, so human oversight remains important. Overall, AI tools are ready and improving, but many firms move slowly, balancing cost and trust.