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Legal Secretary: Career Diploma Summary

As a legal secretary you will play a vital role in the workings of a law firm or private legal practice. This article describes some of the qualifications you will derive from a legal secretarial program.

Recommended Schools for Law Professions:

  • Kaplan University

    • » Associate: Paralegal Studies
    • » Bachelor: Criminal Justice
    • » Bachelor: Criminal Justice Admin and Mgmt
    • » Bachelor: Intl. and Comparative Criminal Justice
    • » Bachelor: Legal Studies
  • Everest

    • » Associate: Legal Admin. Secretary
    • » Associate: Paralegal
    • » Bachelor: Paralegal
    • » Diploma: Legal Admin. Assistant
    • » Diploma: Paralegal
  • South University Online

    • » Associate of Criminal Justice
    • » Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
    • » Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
    • » Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies
  • Grand Canyon University

    • » Bachelor: Justice Studies
    • » Master: Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
    • » Master: Criminal Justice - Legal Studies
  • Walden University

    • » Bachelor: Crim. Justice - Crime & Criminals
    • » Bachelor: Crim. Justice - Criminal Justice Mgmt & Admin
    • » BS in Political Science & Public Administration - Law & Legal Studies

What is a Legal Secretary Diploma Program?

A good legal secretarial diploma program will train you to perform highly specialized work requiring detailed knowledge of legal terminology and various procedures pertaining to the practice of law. As a legal secretary, you will be called upon to prepare correspondence and legal papers such as subpoenas, court motions, witness summonses, client response and complaints, and other necessary procedural components, under the supervision of the attorney or paralegal you work for. You may be needed to review legal journals in search of pertinent articles, or assist with legal research, fact checking, or quote verification. Most diploma programs will cover the various aspects and routines common to law offices.

Skills Acquired

A diploma program to become a legal secretary will provide you with the necessary skills to enter the job market with a competitive edge, and be able to step into your new role as seamlessly as possible. You will learn the language of the law office, and become versed in the various modes of expression common to legal communications and correspondence. You will learn techniques for proofreading and editing copy such as transcriptions, client statements, and other relevant paperwork. Most offices are fully automated and rely heavily on computers for record keeping, accounting, and word processing. A good legal secretarial diploma program will prepare you for the use of specialized software and various forms of computer technology, including advanced techniques for using the Internet. You will gain proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, presentation software, telephone and fax hardware, information management, arranging travel and accommodations, and more. Testing and certification for proficiency in entry-level law office skills can enhance your qualifications. This testing is available through organizations such as the National Association of Legal Secretaries, and Legal Secretaries International.

Coursework in a Legal Secretary Diploma Program May Include:

  • Law Office Management
  • Business English
  • Office Software
  • Corporate Records
  • Interview Documentation
  • Shorthand
  • Litigation Basics
  • Wills & Estates

Career Outlook and Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth in the legal services industry should lead to job growth for legal secretaries. While opportunities are always best for experienced secretaries and administrative assistants, people trained to proficiency with modern software, and schooled in legal specific operations and procedures will have a distinct advantage in the job hunt. In 2004, the median annual earnings for legal secretaries were about $36K, with the highest paid earning as much as $56K per year.

Your Search Returned 5 Recommended Schools:

Selected Search Criteria:

Subject Category
Law Professions Programs
Subject Subcategory
Legal Assistant
Specific Program
Legal Administrative Assistant Classes

Kaplan University

Kaplan University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

Program suggestions:

  • Associate: Paralegal Studies,
  • Bachelor: Criminal Justice,
  • Bachelor: Criminal Justice Admin and Mgmt,
  • Bachelor: Intl. and Comparative Criminal Justice,
  • Bachelor: Legal Studies

Academic fields:

Law Professions Programs, Criminal Justice, Corrections, and Law Enforcement, Fire Safety Classes, Legal Assistant, Legal Administrative Assistant Classes,...

Degree levels:

Certificate Courses, Certificate - Post-Degree Classes, Graduate Classes, Undergraduate

Everest

Everest responds quickly to information requests through this site.

Program suggestions:

  • Associate: Legal Admin. Secretary,
  • Associate: Paralegal,
  • Bachelor: Paralegal,
  • Diploma: Legal Admin. Assistant,
  • Diploma: Paralegal

Academic fields:

Law Professions Programs, Criminal Justice, Corrections, and Law Enforcement, Legal Assistant, Legal Administrative Assistant Classes, Paralegal or Legal...

Degree levels:

Certificate Courses, Undergraduate

South University Online

South University Online responds quickly to information requests through this site.

Program suggestions:

  • Associate of Criminal Justice,
  • Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies,
  • Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice,
  • Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies

Academic fields:

Law Professions Programs, Criminal Justice, Corrections, and Law Enforcement, Legal Assistant, Paralegal or Legal Assistant Programs, Research and...

Degree levels:

Graduate Classes, Undergraduate

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

Program suggestions:

  • Bachelor: Justice Studies,
  • Master: Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement,
  • Master: Criminal Justice - Legal Studies

Academic fields:

Law Professions Programs, Criminal Justice, Corrections, and Law Enforcement, Fire Safety Classes, Research and Professional Studies

Degree levels:

Graduate Classes, Undergraduate

Walden University

Walden University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

Program suggestions:

  • Bachelor: Crim. Justice - Crime & Criminals,
  • Bachelor: Crim. Justice - Criminal Justice Mgmt & Admin,
  • BS in Political Science & Public Administration - Law & Legal Studies

Academic fields:

Law Professions Programs, Criminal Justice, Corrections, and Law Enforcement, Research and Professional Studies

Degree levels:

Certificate - Post-Degree Classes, Graduate Classes, Undergraduate

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