Legal secretaries assist lawyers with day-to-day tasks that include scheduling, handling correspondence and taking phone calls. Additionally, a legal secretary will prepare documentation for court cases or clients, organize case files, sit in on depositions and may perform some research.
Skill Sets: Legal secretaries should have some knowledge of the law and will need to understand specific terms related to law in general or its many specialties. The ability to deal effectively with both clients and professionals at all levels within the legal system is an essential skill along with strong organizational capabilities and an understanding of the need for confidentiality. At the base level, attention to administrative tasks, including exceptional clerical and grammar proficiencies, is also critical.
Education: At the entry level, legal secretaries may need only a high school diploma and some office skills. Most, however, obtain either a vocational two-year degree or a full four-year degree.
Career Path: Beyond an understanding of the office environment, legal secretaries can enhance their employability with specialty training. An Associate of Applied Science two-year degree along with advanced certification from the NALS (National Association of Legal Secretaries) and Legal Secretaries International will aid in career and salary advancement.
Update your browser to have a more positive job search experience.
Upgrade My Browser