What does a Legal Secretary do?
A legal secretary is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support to one or more lawyers. This varies from transcribing and proofreading legal documents, scheduling court depositions, hearings, and meetings to filing and organizing important documents. Essentially, legal secretaries maintain the efficiency of all office procedures and case management to guarantee reliability and consistency. Legal secretaries may work in law firms and legal departments of private corporations.
Most legal secretaries hold an Associate's degree or higher in Legal Studies or a related field. A typing speed of fifty words per minute with high accuracy is required as well as 3 years of experience as a paralegal or legal secretary. Successful legal secretaries possess excellent written and oral communication skills with a friendly and professional demeanor.
- Transcribe and proofread legal documents
- Accurately file documents with the court ahead of deadlines
- Process third party and vendor invoices
- Arrange travel arrangements for attorneys
- File, organize, scan, copy and fax legal documents in a timely manner
- `Answer phone calls, take notes/messages and redirect calls when appropriate
- Schedule court depositions, hearings, and other meetings
- Facilitate the meeting of deadlines by keeping multiple agendas and provide timely reminders
- 3+ years' experience as a paralegal or legal secretary
- Familiarity with legal documents and terminology
- Working knowledge of litigation management software systems
- Ability to type with a speed of at least 50 wpm with high accuracy
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
- Able to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines
- Able to work as a team with attorneys and other colleagues
- Demonstrate a courteous and professional demeanor
- Superior written and oral communication skills
How much does a Legal Secretary make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$48,400
/ yrLegal Secretary Career Path
Learn how to become a Legal Secretary, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Legal Secretary Insights
Intex Technologies“Intex is truly one of the best examples of what great corporate culture looks like.”
Drexler Litigation Lawyers“No career progression is offered but they obviously cannot keep staff so have to hire from within.”
Hinckley Allen“They offer good benefits but I am not happy there and I am really interested in a remote work at home position full time.”
Gujarat Guardian Limited“Organization culture is based on MBM philosophy and is one of the best in the world.”
Wood Smith Henning & Berman“Everyone was so kind and pleasant to work with.”
Debevoise & Plimpton“Attorneys and professional staffs are pleasant to work with; everyone is well respected.”
Knight Law Group“Paycheck every two weeks and a few nice and honest people.”
“Attorneys are nice and great to work with.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Legal Secretary
When working as a Legal Secretary, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Filing, Microsoft Office Suite, Excellent Organizational, Typing, and Outlook.
- Paralegal
- Public Defender
- Legal Assistant
- Law Clerk
The most common qualifications to become a Legal Secretary include a minimum of a Associate's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.