Are you interested in starting a legal career without having to spend years in law school? Are you well-organized with strong office-management skills?
If so, consider becoming a certified legal secretary.
In this article, we'll talk about what certified legal secretaries do and the steps you can take to become one.
What Does a Certified Legal Secretary Do?
A certified legal secretary is sometimes called a certified legal assistant. This is a professional who performs secretarial work for a lawyer or law office.
Certified legal secretaries focus on keeping the office organized and running efficiently, allowing the lawyers and paralegals to focus on legal work.
Certified legal secretaries perform many typical secretarial duties, but they are also responsible for law-specific tasks such as:
- transcribing motions, subpoenas, pleadings, and other legal documents
- indexing discovery binders and pleadings
- scheduling hearings, closings, meetings, and more
- drafting various legal documents and forms
- assisting with research into legal cases
Certified legal secretaries typically work in law firms and companies with legal departments. They spend much of their time in an office setting, though they may travel to courthouses or other sites as needed.
They typically work normal business hours, though specific cases and tight deadlines may require some overtime.
What Skills Do Certified Legal Secretaries Have?
Certified legal secretaries must be organized, able to multitask, and have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
They often speak with lawyers, attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals, so they must have good interpersonal skills.
They must be active listeners with strong transcription skills to be able to draft error-free documents. They must also be able to type quickly.
They must have a knack for research and an eye for detail, ensuring all legal cases, situations, and documents are handled with the utmost professionalism.
Finally, they must have a sense of teamwork, as they are required to work closely with colleagues, superiors, and others within the legal field.
So, are you ready to become a certified legal secretary? Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Obtain a High School Diploma or GED
Having a high school diploma or GED is the most basic form of education you can have to enter the legal profession as a secretary.
There are entry-level positions for secretaries holding a diploma or GED, even if you have no relevant work experience. A few of these positions may be available within the legal field.
However, most law firms and legal departments prefer to hire those with a higher degree or significant work experience.
What's more, most certifications require candidates to have a degree or relevant post-secondary education.
So, if you want to become a certified legal secretary, it's best to view your diploma or GED as a stepping stone, not the ultimate educational goal.
Step 2: Complete a Training or Degree Program
Specialized legal secretary training programs are often available through vocational schools and community colleges. These programs may last one to two years, depending on the school offering them.
Some aspiring legal secretaries opt to pursue an associate or bachelor's degree. Though these advanced degrees are not always required, many employers prefer candidates who have them.
What's more, pursuing a degree can help you qualify for a greater number of certifications in a shorter amount of time than if you only have a diploma or complete a short-term training program.
Consider pursuing a degree in office procedures or paralegal studies. Associate degrees typically take two years to complete, while bachelor's degrees take about four years.
Step 3: Gain Work Experience
During or after completing your education, look for internship opportunities and entry-level job openings. Even if you cannot find a legal position right away, it's important to gain experience as a secretary.
Some law offices and agencies offer internship programs for students and recent graduates. Look for these opportunities to gain experience and work closely with paralegals to build your skills.
Work experience is a necessary step on your path to becoming certified. If you are unable to find entry-level positions or internships, consider applying for a short-term job through a temp agency.
Step 4: Get Certified
Getting certified isn't always required to work as a legal secretary. However, many employers prefer to hire certified candidates.
Various certifications are available, many of them through the National Association of Legal Secretaries.
Options include:
- Professional Legal Secretary/Certified Legal Professional
- Accredited Legal Professional
- Professional Paralegal
You could also obtain a Certified Legal Secretary Special certification through Legal Secretaries International.
Each organization and certification has different eligibility requirements. For each one, however, a basic level of education and work experience is required.
To receive these certifications, you must take examinations that test your knowledge and skills of legal secretarial work.
Step 5: Maintain Certification
Once you pass your exams and become certified, you will need to maintain your certifications, or else they will expire.
Again, each certification has different requirements. Find out what is specifically required for your certification by contacting the certifying organization.
Common requirements to maintain certification include completing continuing education and obtaining additional certifications.
Start Your Path to Becoming a Certified Legal Secretary Today
With time and patience, you can pursue a rewarding career in the legal field. Just follow the steps above to become a certified legal secretary.
