Hiring and Utilizing Dual-Role Legal & Personal Assistant in Law Firms
What “Dual-Role Legal & Personal Assistant” Means
A Dual-Role Legal & Personal Assistant provides both legal support and personal-level assistance to attorneys or firm leadership.
This role may include:
Legal tasks such as document preparation, filings, billing support, and case coordination
Personal support including family calendar management, vacation/travel coordination, and making doctor appointments
By combining these functions into one trusted role, firms gain efficiency and continuity, while professionals benefit from freeing up their time with everyday mundane tasks.
Why Firms Are Embracing Dual-Role Assistants
Law firms are increasingly adopting dual-role assistant roles because they:
Allow you to delegate tasks you don’t enjoy (meal planning, ordering groceries, scheduling your oil change, planning a kids playdate, making lunch reservations)
Give attorneys their time back when it comes to your firm and your home life
Extend support coverage across time zones and locations
Dual-role assistants have become a life assistant, not just administrative help.
What Candidates Are Looking For
Legal and personal assistants today value:
✔ Flexibility in where and how they work
✔ Opportunities for growth and responsibility
✔ Roles that allow them to both support attorneys and work independently
✔ Firms with clear communication and structure around expectations
✔ Getting a break from speaking to clients and allowing creativity and personality to shine
For many assistants, this type of role allows them to fully leverage the unique skills they apply every day, often in managing complex personal and professional responsibilities. By supporting both legal and personal tasks, these positions foster a trusted, one-on-one relationship with the attorney and create a more personalized, collaborative working dynamic.
Best Practices for Hiring Dual-Role Legal/Personal Assistants
Here are a few trends we’re seeing in successful legal hiring:
1. Articulate Expectations Clearly
Outline specific on-site days, remote responsibilities, and performance expectations in job descriptions.
2. Use Technology to Maintain Connection
Firms investing in collaboration tools (document management, firm intranets, secure messaging platforms) report more efficient productivity and smoother workflows.
3. Focus on Communication Skills
Dual-Role assistants thrive when they are proactive communicators; keeping partners, staff, and clients aligned regardless of job title.
4. Prioritize Cultural Fit
Dual roles depend on trust and accountability. Firms hiring assistants who align with their culture see stronger long-term engagement.
Spotlight: How This Helps Military-Affiliated Talent
For veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members, remote assistant roles can be a great fit because they:
Offer geographic flexibility
Leverage organizational, logistical, and coordination strengths
Provide stability with opportunities for professional growth
Blend structure with autonomy, similar to many military operational models
Final Thought
Dual-role legal and personal assistant positions aren’t just a passing trend; they’re a strategic response to modern firm demands and the growing emphasis on work-life balance. By supporting attorneys both professionally and administratively, these roles help firms operate more efficiently and sustainably.
Whether you’re a firm seeking the right support partner or a candidate considering your next career move, understanding how remote and flexible work fits into legal hiring can provide a meaningful work-relationship for both parties.
