Legal Secretary Career Guide

What is a legal secretary?

A legal secretary is someone who helps lawyers do their job. They work mostly in law offices, companies, or government spots. Their main job is to make sure everything in the office runs smoothly. These secretaries need to know a lot about legal documents, how courts work, and legal terms. They’re the first people clients meet at a law office, so they also help make a good first impression.

Duties and responsibilities

Legal secretaries have a bunch of different tasks:

• Keep track of the office calendar, plan meetings, and make sure lawyers know about important deadlines
• Book trips for lawyers
• Talk to clients, pass along messages, and keep clients updated about what’s going on with their cases
• Write up, format, and check documents like legal forms and contracts
• Help get things ready for court and do some research to help out with cases
• Organize files and verify that all the information is correct and up-to-date

Work environment

Most legal secretaries work in offices at law firms, but some work for the government or in the legal departments of companies. They usually sit at a desk for a long time and use computers to do their work. They also talk a lot with lawyers, other legal workers, and clients.

Typical work hours

Legal secretaries usually work 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Sometimes, they might need to work extra, especially when there are big deadlines or a lot of work to do.

---

How to become a legal secretary

Becoming a legal secretary involves a few key steps, like getting the right education, learning important skills, and gaining real-world experience. Here’s a breakdown:

Step 1: Finish high school

You need at least a high school diploma to start. High school teaches you basic reading, writing, and computer skills you’ll need on the job.

Step 2: Consider further education

You don’t always need more school, but some people get a degree in legal studies or join a program just for legal secretaries. These programs teach you about law basics, how to run an office, and how to use important computer programs.

Step 3: Learn legal terms and procedures

Knowing legal words and how things work in law is crucial. You can learn this in school, through internships, or on the job. Some places offer special certificates in legal studies that can be really helpful.

Step 4: Get an internship

Working as an intern, even if it doesn’t pay, helps you learn by doing. You’ll work with experienced people who teach you what you need to know for a legal job.

Step 5: Boost your computer skills

You need to be good with computers, especially programs for writing, making spreadsheets, and doing legal research. You can learn these at school or through free online courses.

Step 6: Start looking for a job

You can find entry-level jobs at law firms, government offices, or in company legal departments. Make sure your resume looks good and shows off your skills and what you’ve learned.

Step 7: Think about certification

Getting certified isn’t required, but it can help you stand out. Organizations like the National Association for Legal Professionals offer certifications if you pass a test and sometimes after you’ve worked for a while.

Step 8: Keep learning

Laws and technology change all the time, so keep learning to stay sharp. You can take workshops, join training programs, or go to classes to keep up with new changes.

---

How much do legal secretaries make?

Legal secretary salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. Experience in various legal fields, the stature and size of the law firm or organization, and proficiency in specialized legal software can also influence their compensation.

Highest paying industries

• Security and Brokerage: $86,500
• Computer Systems Design: $84,950
• Insurance and Employee Benefit Funds: $80,450
• Other Support Services: $79,370
• Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: $78,620

Browse legal secretary salary data by market

---

Types of legal secretaries

Legal secretaries can work in different areas of law, and what they do can vary a lot depending on where they work and the type of law they deal with. Here are some common types:

Criminal law secretary

These secretaries work with lawyers who handle crimes. They need to know all about criminal law, like the terms used and how the court process works. They organize schedules, put together case files, talk to clients, and help make legal papers like motions and briefs.

Corporate law secretary

In the business world, these secretaries are super important. They help with stuff like putting together big company deals and keeping track of business contracts and agreements. Knowing about business and corporate law is a must for this job.

Family law secretary

Working in family law means dealing with sensitive stuff like divorces or custody issues. These secretaries need to be really good at talking to people and understanding their feelings because they often work with clients who are going through tough times. They also need to know a lot about family law.

Intellectual property law secretary

These secretaries work with ideas and creations that need legal protection, like inventions or trademarks. They help apply for patents, keep track of a company’s important ideas, and handle any arguments about who owns a creation.

Paralegal

Some legal secretaries might become paralegals, which means they do more advanced legal work. This includes researching laws, writing up legal documents, and helping lawyers during trials. Paralegals need to really understand legal terms and how the legal system works.

---

Top skills for legal secretaries

Being a legal secretary means you need some specific skills to do well. Here are the top skills that can help you succeed in this job:

Legal transcription and documentation

A big part of your job will be writing down what happens during legal meetings and creating important legal papers. Being good at this makes everything run smoother and makes you look professional.

Knowing legal terms

It’s important to understand and use legal terms correctly. This helps you communicate better in a law office and makes sure all the documents you handle are accurate.

Good with people and talking

Legal secretaries are the main point of contact between the law firm and clients. Being great at talking to people and sharing information clearly is super important. It helps keep relationships strong and professional.

Organized and good at multitasking

You’ll need to juggle lots of tasks at once—like setting up meetings, keeping files in order, and making sure everything is on track. Being organized and able to handle many things at the same time is key.

Keeping secrets

You’ll often deal with private information, so keeping secrets is a must. It’s important to be careful and follow rules about not sharing client information.

Computer skills

Knowing how to use computers well is essential. You should be comfortable with programs for writing, managing data, sending emails, and doing legal research. Good computer skills make your work faster and more efficient.

---

Legal secretary career path options

If you’re starting out as a legal secretary, there are several ways you can move up in your career. Here’s a quick look at where you might go next:

Move up to senior or executive secretary

As you gain experience, you can climb the ladder within your legal team. Senior or executive secretaries handle more important tasks and take on bigger responsibilities.

Become a paralegal

Many secretaries choose to become paralegals after they’ve worked in the field for a while and maybe gotten some extra schooling or certifications. As a paralegal, you’ll do more specialized legal work, which can be really rewarding.

Step into administrative management

If you like managing things and are good at seeing the big picture, you might end up in an administrative role like office manager or operations manager at a law firm. These positions let you get involved in the overall running of the firm.

Specialize in a specific area of law

Focusing on a specific area of law, like corporate, family, or criminal law, can make your job more interesting and challenging. It also might give you a chance to work closely with senior lawyers on big cases.

Keep learning and get certified

Continuing your education and earning certifications can really boost your career. For example, becoming a Certified Legal Secretary Specialist (CLSS) can make you more attractive to bigger or more prestigious law firms.

---

Similar job titles

• Legal Clerk
• Legal Assistant
• Paralegal
• Legal Investigator
• Legal Receptionist
• Law Firm Administrator
• Contract Administrator
• Corporate Counsel
• Contract Attorney

---

Position trends and outlook for legal secretaries

• Evolving role: While they used to mostly handle administrative tasks, now they’re doing more specialized work. Secretaries are learning to use e-discovery platforms, contract management systems, and electronic filing systems, which are becoming essential parts of their job.
• Need for bilingual secretaries: As law firms work more internationally, being able to handle tasks in different languages is becoming more important. This skill not only makes them more valuable but also lets them earn higher salaries.

Employment projections

The outlook for legal secretaries isn’t all positive, though. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for legal secretaries will decrease by 8 percent through 2031. This decline is mainly because many traditional tasks are now automated by digital tools.

---

Legal secretary career tips

Stay updated with law changes

Laws and regulations change all the time. To keep up, you can read articles, research online, or join webinars and courses. Staying informed helps you do your job better and makes sure you’re always working with the latest information.

Master important software

Knowing how to use important software like case management systems, Microsoft Office, and billing software is crucial. These tools help you manage lots of data and prepare documents faster, making your work more efficient and productive.

Keep information confidential

In the legal world, keeping secrets is a big deal. As a legal secretary, you’ll handle sensitive info. Always keep this information private to protect your firm’s reputation and show that you are trustworthy.

Build your network

Connecting with other legal professionals can open doors for new job opportunities and learning. Being part of groups can help you meet people who can mentor you and help you grow in your career.

• Legal Secretaries International Inc.
• American Bar Association (ABA)
• International Association of Legal Administrators (IALA)
• National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS)

Never stop learning

The best way to advance your career is to never stop learning. Look for online courses or workshops that focus on things like legal research, conflict resolution, and document management. Keeping your skills sharp can lead to new opportunities and better job performance.

---

FAQs