High School

Because a legal secretary must be able to communicate the attorneys ideas in written and oral form, its important to get a firm grounding in English (especially writing), spelling, typing, and public speaking. Computers are used extensively in law offices, so be sure to gain computer experience while in high school. Government and political science courses will get you started on the road to legal knowledge as well. Classes that give you experience with research are also important.

Postsecondary Training

Many legal secretaries get their training through established one- or two-year legal secretary programs. These programs are available at most business, vocational, and junior colleges. You could also obtain a four-year degree to get a more well-rounded education. Courses taken should focus on specific skills and knowledge needed by a legal secretary, such as computers, keyboarding, English, legal writing, editing, researching, and communication. NALS…the association for legal professionals also offers basic and advanced legal secretary training courses. 

As businesses continue to expand worldwide, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with bachelors degrees and professional certifications.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in legal studies, paralegal studies, legal research, business writing and communication, and related areas. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs. 

Those who earn certification from NALS...the association for legal professionals may pursue specialty certificates in one or more of the following areas: Administrative Law; Appellate Law; Bankruptcy Law; Business Law; Civil Litigation; Contract Law; Corporate Law; Criminal Law; E-Discovery; Elder Law; Employment Law; Estate Planning/Probate; Family Law; Immigration Law; Insurance Law; Intellectual Property; Juvenile Law; Law Office Management; Personal Injury Law; Real Estate Law; and Trial Management. Visit https://www.nals.org/page/specialtycertificate for more information. 

Other Education or Training

NALS...the association for legal professionals offers a variety of continuing legal education opportunities, including webinars, educational events, seminars, and conferences. Recent opportunities included Ethical Issues for Legal Support Professionals, Bridge the Gap: Effective Communication Across Generations, and Speak with Confidence: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking. Some courses help students prepare for certification. Contact NALS for more information.

Certification or Licensing

For those just getting started as legal secretaries, NALS…the association for legal professionals offers the accredited legal professional certification credential to applicants who complete a business/legal course from an accredited institution, have one year of general office experience, and pass a multiple-choice examination, which has three components: Communications; The Law Firm: Legal Procedures and Knowledge; and Legal Ethics and Authority. The certified legal professional and professional paralegal credentials are also available. These require a higher level of practical experience and educational achievement, as well as passing an examination. To learn more, visit https://www.nals.org/page/certification.

No experience is needed, but those with experience are more likely to land jobs, earn higher pay, and get promoted.

To be employed as a legal secretary, you must learn a great deal of legal terminology and court structures and practices. Whether through study or experience, you must be able to grasp the inner workings of the law. You must also be able to quickly learn computer programs, especially word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation programs such as PowerPoint, and be able to use them skillfully. The ability to prioritize and balance different tasks is also necessary for the job. Legal secretaries must be organized, resourceful, and focused to handle their varying responsibilities. They should also be good communicators and have excellent grammar and composition skills.

Large law firms usually require legal secretaries to be able to type 65 to 80 words per minute (WPM) and government entry-level jobs will often accept legal secretaries who can type 45 to 50 WPM.