what does an attorney secretary do

by Thad Volkman 9 min read

A legal secretary's job is to assist attorneys and paralegals in a law firm or other organizations. Attorneys, clerical employees, courtroom staff members, clients, expert witnesses, and commercial suppliers are all people with whom legal secretaries interact.

What does a Legal Secretary do? Legal Secretaries ensure that a legal office runs efficiently and smoothly to enable Lawyers to focus on the clients' needs. They help ease the workload of Lawyers by providing general administrative support, such as answering telephone calls, taking messages and photocopying documents.

Full Answer

What does a legal secretary do?

What does a Legal Secretary do? Legal Secretaries ensure that a legal office runs efficiently and smoothly to enable Lawyers to focus on the clients’ needs. They help ease the workload of Lawyers by providing general administrative support, such as answering telephone calls, taking messages and photocopying documents.

What is the difference between a legal assistant and a secretary?

What a Legal Secretary Does. Legal secretaries play an integral part in the day-to-day functions of a law office. These professionals can also find employment in corporate offices and government agencies. Legal secretaries may specialize in real estate, family law, criminal and civil procedures, workers compensation and estate planning areas of a law practice as well.

What does it take to become a legal secretary?

Legal Secretary What does a Legal Secretary do? A legal secretary is a specialized administrative assistant who has been trained to perform responsibilities such as clerical work or filing in a legal working environment such as a law office.

What is the difference between a legal secretary&a paralegal?

Working as a Legal Secretary. Legal secretaries are responsible for a variety of duties such as: Drafting correspondence and legal documents as needed. Correctly recording billable hours. Schedule meetings, appointments or court dates. Create legal documents such as briefs or subpoenas. Maintain an organized work environment.

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What are the main duties of a legal secretary?

At the core, this is a secretarial role which requires good organisational skills – from scheduling meetings and travel plans, drafting multiple legal documents and correspondences, to maintaining complex docket systems and engage in legal research.

Is a legal secretary a good job?

Every law firm needs a good legal secretary to function properly. While lawyers enjoy the limelight, legal secretaries often do their job quietly behind the scenes. If you're passionate about a law career that has a low barrier to entry, becoming a legal secretary is a great option for you!

What is the difference between a legal secretary and a paralegal?

A legal secretary serves in more of an clerical capacity, typing, transcribing and filing, while a paralegal typically assumes more legal responsibility, often writing legal drafts and creating legal correspondence on behalf of the attorney.

Is legal secretary hard?

Gaining experience as a Legal Secretary can be difficult, as most firms will look for previous legal experience. However, once you gain even 1 years' experience you will have a skill that is high in demand.Feb 26, 2016

What are the five personal qualities of a legal secretary?

The answer is learning how to be a good legal secretary by going above and beyond to master these seven important work traits.Be Reliable. PeopleImages / Getty Images. ... Be a Self-Starter. The most successful secretaries possess drive and initiative. ... Be Efficient. ... Be Discrete. ... Be Pleasant. ... Be Patient. ... Be Compassionate.Nov 20, 2019

How long is a legal secretary course?

approximately 12 monthsHow long does the training take? Each N-level course takes approximately 12 months to complete. You will, however, be able to start applying for legal secretary jobs once you've completed your N4 course.

Is a paralegal higher than a secretary?

They both provide assistance to the lawyer that they work for. Generally speaking however, a paralegal usually holds a higher position than that of a legal secretary. Paralegals typically have a higher level of educational attainment.Jun 7, 2016

How do I interview a legal secretary?

Legal Secretary Interview QuestionsAs a legal secretary, what kind of experience do you have communicating with attorneys and judges? ... What kind of legal transcription experience did you gain through your previous employer? ... What computer-related skills do you possess that are beneficial to a law firm?More items...

Is a legal secretary similar to a paralegal?

Although these positions are often used interchangeably, they differ greatly. A paralegal assists and contributes to the work conducted by lawyers....

Can you become a legal secretary with no work experience?

Some jobs may not require much experience, but experience is always preferred. If an aspiring legal secretary wants to earn on-the-job training the...

Is a legal secretary the same as a legal assistant?

Legal secretaries tend to far clerical work such as typing, filing and transcribing. Legal assistants are closer to the role of paralegal, as they...

How much do similar professions to Legal Secretary get paid?

Check the below indeed career pages for the detailed pay ranges for the similar professions here: Legal Assistant Paralegal Administrative Assistan...