In the practice of law in the United States, a
legal secretary
is person who works in the legal profession, typically assisting lawyers. Legal secretaries help by preparing and filing legal documents, such as appeals or motions. It is not unusual for a larger firm to place managerial duties on a particular legal secretary. Much like a paralegal, a legal secretary is responsible for locating relevant information for cases. This type of person would be called a "paralegal" in the United Kingdom.
In the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, a legal secretary is a secretary experienced in working for a law firm or in-house legal department.
Educational background
There is no specific educational requirement in most U.S. states for legal secretaries. However, unlike an administrative assistant, a legal secretary must be familiar with legal procedures. Many colleges and universities offer programs geared towards this career, however, there is not a degree associated with that of a legal secretary. Rather, students are enrolled in existing legal courses, which have been established for those who wish to pursue a career in law, such as a lawyer or police officer.
LadyLuck
asked:
"I have decided to have a change in my career and have gained a position as a legal secretary. Just wanting to know if anyone out there is a legal secretary or any solicitors that can give any advice on what makes a good one or things you have learnt the hard way..."
Question posted courtesy of:
Cheryl A replied:
"I have been working as a legal secretary for the last 10 years. It can be a very rewarding career, but can also be stressful. If you're working with a litigation attorney, you can end up working longer hours when you're in trial, but it's exciting. If you're doing transactional work, family, real estate things like that, you won't be called upon to work extra hours very often.To be the best legal secretary, you must be very detail oriented. Proof read every document that crosses your desk. Your "real" job is to make your attorney's job easier. One way to look at is your attorney is your "client". So just as your attorney strives to do whatever his/her client needs, you will strive to do whatever your attorney needs.Currently, I work in a government office and am the only secretary for 6 attorneys. One thing I do, that really makes a difference for them, is being proactive. Taking the initiative on certain projects, seeing a need and filling it without being told, doing the follow through on projects for them, without being asked.It can be a very demanding job . . . lawyers can be hard to work for; but also very rewarding! Good luck! :)"
kookoo4travel
asked:
"Say it is just the legal secretary and the attorney, no other people running the law firm. How much should that secretary make per month? She does all the work, handles all the cases, deals with the attorney's b.s. and drama, how much is that secretary worth being paid per month?"
Question posted courtesy of:
RayeKaye replied:
"Depends where you live and how long you've worked there. You can probably find stats on this online somewhere if you look. I'm sure the range is huge depending on the circumstances."
Loose Change™¢ replied:
"$5,000 per month in California. $60K per year. For an experienced legal secretary. Seeing as how you have to have experience to BE a legal secretary, that would be a given. If someone is willing to train you, then expect to earn a lot less until you know how to create pleadings, propound discovery, and understand law and motion procedures, court filings, electronic filing, calendaring, and the different rules of court for federal, state, and appellate courts. In a large law firm, salaries for senior litigation secretaries can range to $75K or higher."
Jenny N
asked:
"I'd like to be a paralegal or a legal secretary while going to law school. Is there a National Legal Secretary board, or is it state-wide? Is there any schooling involved?"
Question posted courtesy of:
Mstislav replied:
"You can ask your local attorneys for a position...they will take you through the necessary steps."
Julie B replied:
"www.nala.org is the website for the National Association of Legal Assistants, and it will have a lot of resources and information. Look at colleges around you for a Legal Assisting or Paralegal Certificate program. You can usually complete the program in a year."
kendrarel
asked:
"I am a legal secretary at a firm in Denver. I think I deserve to be paid more. I have 6 months experience. Can you give me an idea?"
Question posted courtesy of:
snl replied:
"Well you have 6 months of experience that could be why you don't reach the "target" pay. Go to monster.com or something and look up your area, field and pay to get an understanding of what you should or could be making."
tinaro82 replied:
"your legal? like you went to school for this? wow nice. well you should get more then 15 an hour. since you are davoting your time to this company and you are helping them out every minute of the day. im an administrative assistant and make 9.25 an hour and i have over a year of experience. do you think thats fare? i dont."
cnb72 replied:
"I'm a legal secretary with about 10 years of experience in the field plus paralegal training. Not to be mean, but six months is nothing! You really have to earn your stripes, so to speak. Most firms, especially the big ones, like to see a few years of experience and a track record of you taking on more and more responsibility in your role. Do you know how to EDGARize documents? Do you do transcription and or take dictation? Who do you support? First years, second years, counsel, partners? What skills do you bring to the table? Also, in many instances salary dependents on where you live. For instance, I may make less if I were to work in Florida as opposed to New York. In short, give yourself time to grow into your profession and to prove your worth to the people you support before you concern yourself with money. In the long run, if you don't work on your skills, the money won't come anyway!"
annabanana
asked:
"I need to get a job in the legal field, but I do not have any experience other than my current customer service/clerical/admin full time work. I've been having a hard time deciding if I should say something simple like, " Seeking a legal secretary position for a progressive organization" or " Responsible position in the legal industry involving multiple detail oriented responsibilities"."
Question posted courtesy of:
mj69catz replied:
"Of the two you have, I prefer "Responsible position in the legal industry involving multiple detail oriented responsibilities" -- but neither really catches my eye. The -- this one has too much responsibleness (i.e. responsible twice) in it -- it seems like you are trying too hard. Personally, I am a fan of putting something about your love of the legal industry together with your experience in clerical work together to the advantage of a firm."
Star replied:
"Here are a few:1. A clerical profession in a legal field to assist others and increase my experience.2. Accomplish the assigned workload in a timely manner and meet established performance standards and objectives.3. A position as a legal secretary that will fully utilize my skills"
merrybodner replied:
"Remember: your objective should not be about you, but about them-- what can you do for them, how can you add value to their organization."
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