Legal Secretary
Tasks & duties
Legal secretaries may do some or all of the following:
-
word process letters, reports, court documents, wills and complaints
-
proofread legal documents
-
arrange appointments and meetings
-
answer telephone calls
-
handle incoming and outgoing mail and email
-
file documents
-
take and transcribe dictation
-
format documents including track changes
-
organise and attend functions
-
organise travel
-
do accounts and billing work
Skills & knowledge
Legal secretaries need to have:
-
good word processing skills
-
proofreading skills and knowledge of spelling, grammar and vocabulary
-
planning and organisational ability
-
an understanding of basic maths and accounting
Entry requirements
To become a legal secretary you need to have relevant work experience in a law firm or other secretarial work. Many employers prefer that legal secretaries have completed a secretarial course. However, other secretarial or office administration courses may also be useful.
Secondary education
Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent English, typing, maths and computer studies are useful.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job, including legal terms and meanings. Legal secretaries may also attend in-house training courses or study towards a Legal Executive Certificate.
Useful experience
Useful experience includes work in a law office, or work such as word processing, other secretarial work or office administration.
Related courses
Legal Studies
Secretarial and Office Studies
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
Document Actions