How to Become a Legal Secretary

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How to Become a Legal Secretary

A legal secretary is responsible for a number of things at a law firm. Some of the typical duties of a legal secretary include answering the phone, answering e-mails, filing documents, preparing documents for court, and maintaining a law library. Legal secretaries are the best of the best when it comes to dealing with clients and being organized. For individuals that have these skills and love to work around the law, a position as a legal secretary can be a great way to make a living. But how do you get started?

Though a degree is not a mandatory pre-requisite to become a legal secretary, many law firms will prefer it and some even demand it. There are specialized degrees in most colleges that you can obtain in the field of legal assistant. Other degrees also serve the purpose as long as they are related in some way. Degrees such as in business administration always look good on a resume. But a degree as a legal assistant will let the law firm know that you have taken courses that have familiarized you with law documents and procedures.

To be an effective legal secretary you must hone your typing skills. A great part of your day will consist of your typing letters and legal documents so being a fast type is a necessity. If you lack in your typing speed, then take a course at your local community college as it will only benefit you in your quest of becoming a legal secretary.

Only the most organized individuals should consider becoming a legal secretary. Along with filing numerous papers and court documents throughout your day you will be responsible for the organization of the law library. If you are an individual that is a clutter bug or get easily frazzled under the pressure of organization, becoming a legal secretary may not be for you.

Above all else a legal secretary must be professional. Remember, you will be working for a law firm that has high priced attorneys and many times high prices clients. You will be the first voice heard on the phone and the first face theses clients see and thus be the first impression of the law firm. It takes a professional and tolerant individual to deal with much of the clientele that comes through the doors of a law firm.

Once you become certified and get ready to seek out employment it is important to study the different types of law firms that are out there. Some law firms focus on family cases such as divorce and child support while others will focus on real estate for example. There are many areas of the law so you will need to decide which area interests you the most and apply for those positions accordingly. If you're not sure you can always join a temp service. This way you can work a few temp jobs at different law firms and see which style best suites you.

The world of high priced attorneys and clients at law firms is not for everyone and truly only for a select few. But if you enjoy the law and are extremely professional and organized, then a career as a legal secretary could be a rewarding one for you.