Job Description
Legal secretaries perform many of the same tasks as other secretaries, such as answering telephones and typing letters. Many of the documents they prepare must follow strict guidelines, so it’s essential to know the specialized formats for legal documents. Other critical office functions in this role include maintaining supplies and equipment, receiving, preparing and transmitting communications, planning conferences, receiving clients and instructing staff.

Legal secretaries prepare correspondence and legal papers such as summonses, complaints, motions, responses and subpoenas under the supervision of an attorney or a paralegal. They may also review legal journals and assist with legal research—for example, by verifying quotes and citations in legal briefs.

All administrative work takes a great deal of dedication, motivation and tact. It also calls for a comfort with technology and openness to training. When figuring out if becoming a legal secretary is the best fit for you, ask and answer the following questions:

• Do I like the environment of a law office or court?
• Does working under pressure and with a deadline excite me?
• Do I like greeting and helping people? In person and over the phone?
• Can I keep close track of confidential information?

Median Salary
$41,226

Education Requirements
A Legal Secretary must have a high school degree or equivalent certification. More than ever, however, employers are demanding advanced degrees from potential Legal Secretaries. Two options are earning either your Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree. The most popular tracks are Legal Studies, Office Skills or Legal Office Administration.

Job Outlook
In 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that there were 275,000 legal secretaries in the U.S. By 2016, this number is projected to grow by 12% or 32,000 jobs to 308,000 legal secretaries. This is faster than the average for all jobs in the U.S., which means the opportunities in this area are plentiful.