Legal Secretary Careers

Legal Secretaries are responsible for a variety of tasks including preparing summonses, complaints, motions, responses, and subpoenas, but all work is done under the supervision of a paralegal or attorney.  They may also be in charge of creating spreadsheets, reports, and/or correspondences.  Their main priority is maintaining order within the office by organizing electronic and paper files, scheduling meetings and appointments, and occasionally conducting research.

Secretaries must be proficient with fax machines, photocopiers, scanners, telephone systems, and computer software.  Due to a great deal of time being spent in front of a computer, professionals may endure eye strain, back pain, or wrist related injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.  They majority of these occupations offer full time 40 hour work weeks, but part time positions are generally available as well. 

Entry to these careers requires a high school diploma combined with knowledge of basic office procedures. Many of these positions do not demand experience or training due to much of the necessary knowledge being learned on the job, but candidates with software knowledge are generally preferred.  Legal Secretaries must have relatively good keyboarding and composition skills for the documents they prepare, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  Continuing education or training is recommended for advancement in these careers. Candidates may choose to attend vocational or community college legal programs that range from one to four years of course study.  Many Legal Secretaries advance into Paralegal positions after proper training is acquired. 

Due to the high projected growth in the legal industry, these careers are expected to develop at favorable rates.  Legal Secretaries have continually taken on more complex tasks, making them integral components to successful law offices.  Technology was expected to decrease the need for many secretaries, but there are still many tasks that require their skills.  Technology has increased the amount of work candidates may complete in a day, escalating their value to employers.  While high growth is projected, competition is expected to remain high due to the amount of professionals attracted to the legal field.  For more information on a career as a legal secretary, please visit the following sites:

• Penn Foster Career School
• Legal Secretaries Incorporated
• Alabama Association of Legal Secretaries
• Paralegal Training Schools
• Washington State Department of Personnel

For a list of available Legal Secretary positions as well as a database of Legal professionals, please visit iHireLegal.