The Legal Job Market in Nashville, Tennessee
The legal job market in Nashville, TN is currently thriving, proving to be an exciting time for those looking to grow their careers in this region. In recent years, the demand for legal assistants in Nashville has steadily increased. This surge in demand is largely attributed to the persistent growth of the Nashville legal market and a consistent influx of law firms moving to the area.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 1,960 legal assistants and paralegals employed within Nashville’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Of those, approximately 1,600 legal assistants work within a law firm, while 320 legal assistants work as in-house paralegals for corporations or organizations . When coupled with Nashville’s expanding job market and its strong economic performance—characterized by low unemployment rates and business growth—it is evident that the region is eager for qualified legal professionals.
Out of all legal assistant professionals, the healthcare industry has the highest demand, with a mean hourly wage of $19.21, which adds up to a mean annual wage of $39,990. As the need for healthcare services and regulations continue to grow, so do the opportunities in healthcare legal services. This trend reflects a national need, as the BLS states that healthcare accounts for the highest concentration of legal assistant jobs across the country.
Overall, the job market for legal assistants in Nashville, TN is currently booming. By taking advantage of the opportunities it has to offer, you can enhance your professional growth and ensure a prosperous career in law.
Legal Assistant Duties and Responsibilities
Legal assistants facilitate the workflow of law firms, handling more administrative and clerical tasks than the firm’s lawyers. Responsibilities such as filing court documents, meeting with clients, and arranging for witnesses to testify in court cases are often carried out by a legal assistant.
However, they also take on work that requires keen knowledge of procedural issues in legal matters that they have gained through their background and career experiences. In particular, legal assistants prepare legal documents for attorneys to approve and sign, including:
They also prepare documents that might be needed throughout a trial. This also requires research to back up the legal advisor’s opinion, review of other cases on similar matters, and work with expert witnesses. A strong legal assistant must have very good analytical skills, and research skills, as legal work often requires a different understanding of even highly complex subjects.
The legal assistant is responsible for scheduling meetings and hearings, interviewing clients and witnesses, drafting pleadings and motions, conducting and organizing legal research, filing exhibits, and getting documents submitted or served. Because they do all this work on behalf of an attorney, it is very important that they have an excellent understanding of rules of conduct and follow them very closely.
If you’re looking for work in the Nashville, TN area, these types of legal work are typical:
Corporate Assistant US
Corporate Assistant
Paralegal Credit Union/Banking
Paralegal
Paralegal Commercial Litigation
Paralegal Domestic Law
Paralegal Family Law
Paralegal Staff
Legal Assistant Insurance
Paralegal Insurance
Legal Assistant Personal Injury
Paralegal Real Estate
Paralegal SOCIAL SECURITY
Legal Assistant Tax
Paralegal
Paralegal
Paralegal
Paralegal
Paralegal
Senior Legal Assistant
Legal Assistant
Trial Paralegal
Skills and Qualifications Legal Assistants Should Have
Legal assistants in Nashville are expected to have a broad knowledge of legal principles and procedures, as well as strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills. In order to perform their duties effectively, candidates should possess a number of specific skills and qualifications. Having an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university is often requested by employers, though not always required. Even more important than a formal education is the necessary experience, which includes one full year of legal assistant training. Many legal assistant training programs offer practical experiences and internships to get potential candidates acclimated to the environment. Some potential legal assistants may already possess valuable skills and knowledge, obtained through different avenues, and are therefore equally qualified for positions. To fulfill the technical demands of the job, candidates should demonstrate proficiency with computer systems, software applications, and office equipment, including Microsoft Office and the legal management software used by their employers. Legal assistants must be familiar with filing systems, databases, computer networks, and document management programs. Having a working knowledge of accounting and billing software is a plus. Candidates should also have a firm understanding of the legal profession and its terms, as well as confidentiality guidelines and the requirements of federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong organizing, time-management, and planning skills to effectively manage heavy workloads. The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment is also key to success. Candidates are also expected to show basic skills, such as the ability to speak, read, and write in the English language, as well as excellent communication, problem-solving, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Desired traits include: Many employers place a great deal of importance on personal qualities when hiring legal assistants. These include professional appearance, honesty, dependability, positive attitude, and trustworthiness.
Leading Employers of Legal Assistants in Nashville, TN
When it comes to landing a legal assistant job, Nashville companies are some of the most lucrative employers for those with experience and adequate training. These organizations offer better salaries than most private law firms, as well as benefits that only accredited corporations or government agencies can provide, such as health and retirement plans. Nashville offers many opportunities for legal assistants. Government entities regularly seek qualified legal staff to meet the requirements of their growing networks. The Metro Nashville Police Department is one example of this, providing solid salary ranges and benefits to all of its employees, including legal assistants, which are among the best in the region. Davidson County also does regular hiring for skilled legal support professionals. Davidson County pays at least 15 percent more than the Nashville area average for its legal support position salary range. Of the law firms in Nashville, Bone McAllester Norton, PLLC is among the highest paid. Regularly ranking as the best place to work in Nashville, the firm is well-known for its notable Southern hospitality and of course, its salary range and benefits package, which includes vacation days and a retirement plan.
Legal Assistant Job Search Tips
As the field of legal services continues to grow, there are many ways for candidates to provide greater value and have an edge over other applicants. Legal assistants should consider relying on their networks to build their brand, as well as fill any gaps they may have in their legal knowledge. Here are a few tips to help you land a legal assistant job in Nashville, Tennessee:
- Treat Yourself Like a Business. Make sure you know all about legal aide services and your current skillset. Candidates should also keep in mind that for every contribution they make, they should also think of how they can make their value shine through like a business. Find what makes you unique, while ensuring your resume provides a complete picture of your skills and accomplishments.
- Maximize Your Network. Make sure you know about Nashville and the local legal community’s needs, as well as any upcoming opportunities at law firms . Talk about your search with other legal professionals to ensure you cast a wide net. LinkedIn, job boards, and recruiters are also great resources to get widespread information about the local industry.
- Maintain Professionalism. Building a successful career in the legal field requires you to be professional and reliable. Make sure you are available via email and phone, display a positive attitude, and request constructive feedback during each step of the process.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to change jobs, these tips will help you land a legal assistant job in Tennessee. It’s important to put forth your best effort in interviews by highlighting your skills, as well as encouraging a conversation. Always keep an open mind and listen to what the employer has to say, as you never know what you may learn or gain from the process.
Legal Assistant Earnings and Advancement
Understanding the average salary range for legal assistants in Nashville can provide a solid foundation for your career planning. Registered and Certified Legal Assistants in Nashville earn an average annual salary of around $47,000, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Entry-level positions typically pay at the low end of this scale, while more experienced assistants can earn top-tier salaries in the $50,000 range and beyond. For specific information regarding Tennessee legal assistant salaries, the BLS reports earnings between $33,440 and $51,450 annually, with Nashville salaries averaging $49,130.
In general, salary and benefits packages for legal assistants in Nashville are on par with those provided to legal professionals in larger cities. This includes paid time off for vacation and sick leave, health insurance, retirement plans and other incentives. Most legal assistant jobs include a standard 40-hour workweek, but actual hours can sometimes extend beyond this due to deadlines.
Career advancement in the legal field often means making strategic job changes based on your skills and interests. Experienced individuals may be able to move into supervisory roles, while other assistants move on to tasks such as legal research, criminal investigation or litigation support. Becoming a Notary Public or a paralegal may open additional career doors for legal assistants as well. Some legal assistants eventually achieve professional certifications which boosts their marketability and lead to higher salary opportunities.
Helpful Resources for a Legal Career in Nashville, TN
The landscape for legal assistants in Nashville is rich with resources to help nurture and expand your career. Consider reaching out to the Nashville Paralegal Association, which has more than 250 members and aims to enhance the advancement and education of legal assistants in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. They regularly host speakers, networking events, and social outings for members, and you can join their mailing list by visiting their website. The Tennessee Paralegal Association serves as the statewide legal assistant network across their designated regions in the state, providing education and networking throughout Tennessee.
The Association of Legal Administrators is an association of business professionals in legal practices that manage day-to-day operations that keep law firms and other government and private organizations running smoothly. They offer a Business of Law and Management of Legal Support Services (BOLI) certification program you can take online , as well as numerous business school-style classes and access to helpful publications and a free resource library to help you stay on top of the latest relevant developments in the field.
The National Federation of Paralegal Associations is the largest and oldest non-profit paralegal professional organization in the world. It offers a wealth of resources for access to information, networking, and volunteer opportunities to help you develop your knowledge, skills, and experience in the legal field. They publish a quarterly magazine called the Paralegal Reporter and have regular enrichment webinars for professional development.
The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. brings together paralegals across the U.S. to communicate, collaborate, and connect for career growth and support through regular meetings, training events, and other activities. They maintain the NALA CertiFind listing and database of paralegal services for the public and those working with legal professionals.
Find additional support through social networks and online communities for paralegals and legal assistants where you can discuss common issues in the field, ask for guidance from experienced professionals, and make connections in the industry. You can also find discussion groups and pages dedicated to legal assistant jobs in Nashville specifically.
