Legal Secretaries
Overview
Legal secretaries are the backbone of law offices, helping attorneys stay organized and efficient by preparing important legal documents like court papers, motions, and subpoenas. They schedule appointments, maintain case files, conduct research, and handle communications with clients and court officials using specialized legal software and databases. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of legal terminology, which can be gained through certificate programs or associate degrees. Many legal secretaries work in collaborative environments where they support multiple attorneys and often have opportunities for hybrid or flexible work arrangements.
Did you know?
Most employers prefer candidates with post-secondary legal secretary training or paralegal certification, though requirements vary significantly across different states and law firm sizes.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$52,147.80 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Operations Monitoring
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.
- Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.
- Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
- Review legal publications and perform database searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases.
- Make travel arrangements for attorneys.
- Schedule and make appointments.
- Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Complete various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients.
- Draft and type office memos.
- Submit articles and information from searches to attorneys for review and approval for use.
- Prepare, proofread, or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.
- Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.
- Attend legal meetings, such as client interviews, hearings, or depositions, and take notes.
- Receive and place telephone calls.
Career Considerations
Education and Certification Requirements
Most employers prefer candidates with post-secondary legal secretary training or paralegal certification, though requirements vary significantly across different states and law firm sizes.
Technology Proficiency
Modern legal secretaries must be proficient in legal software, case management systems, and electronic filing procedures as American law firms increasingly adopt digital workflows.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Legal secretaries can advance to paralegal positions, legal administrative roles, or specialize in areas like litigation support, with salary potential varying widely based on geographic location and practice area.