Training As A Legal Secretary - Legal Secretarial Courses
If you're looking to get into Legal Secretarial work, you'll need to be orderly and disciplined, with a good aptitude for common sense! First of all let's get into what a legal secretary does, and then go through the kind of training options available to develop your skills.
Most days, the bulk of a legal secretary's work will be typing up official papers such as contracts or wills, and letters from lawyers to their clients. Depending on the size of the business, there may also be supplementary admin jobs to take care of as well. There are also some jobs that are specific to the legal industry, such as accompanying lawyers to court attendances.
A lot of legal secretaries started their careers in a more general secretarial role, but employment chances are always better for those who've had some legal training. Different law firms will have their own specialities, and focus on one area of the law, such as criminal law or civil law.
Consequently a legal secretary's work could range from Conveyancing to Probate to Divorce settlements. If you're the only legal secretary working in a small office, the diversity of your work is likely to be greater than if you work with many others in a big office. Although the work varies between companies, the majority of it will be office and PC based. The work is mostly done during standard office hours, and although positions are usually full-time you will find some part-time work being advertised. Salaries vary from up to 15K at entry level to over 30K for an experienced professional.
Legal Secretarial Certification & Training Requirements
So, what does an employer look for when considering a legal secretary? High importance will be placed on excellent audio-typing abilities and copy speeds (60wpm plus - ideally reaching 70wpm or more). Moreover employers place a high emphasis on loyalty and trust, so client confidentiality must be honoured at all times.
There aren't any clear cut exam qualifications, but legal secretaries should have an English Language GCSE as a minimum. Naturally, spelling and grammar are key skills for the job, and no professional should rely on spell-check.
Many companies now utilise Microsoft Office Products, and therefore a good practical understanding of Microsoft Word along with PowerPoint and Excel are definitely welcomed.
An ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) is a good starting point - but the more advanced Microsoft MOS/MCAS Office Expert certifications would certainly impress more.
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There are some very good business admin and general secretarial courses on offer from UK colleges - these can certainly help. As many people want to get into this type of work, you need to have a good edge. Employers are looking for people who can bring benefits to their organisation so don't be afraid to blow your own trumpet - if you excel at something let them know how that skill could make their life easier. Having said that, always be honest. People appreciate honesty, and claiming to be something you're not usually ends up causing you more problems.
What Is My Route To Get In?
As we mentioned earlier many companies are highly specialised, and so legal secretaries often receive training on specifics once they're in the job. Sometimes that involves training in the workplace itself, and other times it means continuing to do more advanced external training.
Training courses for legal secretaries cover a broad range of disciplines. Elementary courses will introduce you to legal paperwork and deal with legal working practices. Other modules might deal with the legal system itself, or how a court is structured. But the specialist area you're employed in will be where most attention is focused - and so you will most likely choose from family law, company law, criminal law, civil litigation, wills and probate or conveyancing.
Professional training to become a Legal Secretary usually costs in the region of 600 to 850 pounds, but expect to pay more in some areas. (That would usually not include professional computer training, although some reference may be made to it.) Some training requires college attendance, but more usually courses can be taken in your own time on a distance learning basis.
Training as a Legal Executive
If your ambitions go beyond the remit of Legal Secretary, you could progress onto becoming a Legal Executive in time. These are exciting times for Legal Executives. The work is very similar to that of a solicitor, but Legal Execs cannot represent clients in the High Court. Nevertheless, many Legal Executives now work in the lower courts on certain applications and arbitrations. Their subject training and experience will determine which courts they have access to. Legal Executives often become the main point of contact for clients seeking professional advice on legal matters.
So to re-cap, training to become a Legal Secretary can lead to a very fulfilling and rewarding career. Shouldn't you start immediately to uncover the possibilities waiting for you?
