Overview

Agricultural legal assistants cannot give legal advice or represent individuals in court, but they play an important role in providing support for supervising lawyers.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Draft contracts and other legal documents to submit to a lawyer for review so that the lawyer can verify that the requirements of the client and the law are met
• Perform legal research that will help support arguments in the court setting or in legal briefs
• Travel to farms or job sites in order to take photo documentation or conduct interviews if needed
• Assist in real estate closings, contract writing, filing articles of incorporation and partnership agreements
• Meticulously edit documents
• Provide customer service to clients
• Conduct preliminary interviews of clients and/or witnesses
• Take courses to expand knowledge and capabilities
• File and manage electronic contracts
• Draft correspondence to outside counsels and third parties
• Contact clients to discuss areas of concern and solve problems
• Assist in budgeting and invoice management
• Provide assistance in meeting planning and booking travel

What education and training is required?

Becoming an agricultural legal assistant requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field or a paralegal associate’s degree.

To pursue a career as an agriculture legal assistant:

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, English, and computer courses.  

Where can I work?

Agricultural legal assistants may work with an independent lawyer or may be hired by an organization or company.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The future outlook for an agricultural legal assistant will be good over the next five years. 

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• National Federation of Paralegal Associations
• State/Local Paralegal Associations (ex. Atlanta Paralegal Association)
• The Association of Legal Assistants and Paralegals