Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Legal and paralegal jobs do require training and certification because people who work in these fields handle sensitive matters. Depending on your goals, you could receive the training you need as little as one year. Typical degree and certification programs include:
- Job-specific Certificate
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Juris Doctor (Law Degree)
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
Legal jobs are continually growing and available, but job openings can become competitive when state and local budgets are cut. Many legal jobs are tied to local taxes, so be sure to continue your education and training to remain competitive in the job market.
Most jobs in the legal world take between one and three years for primary certification. A career as a lawyer can take up to seven years for complete certification and training – plus lawyers have to pass their state’s bar exam.
How to Become a Legal Secretary
A career as a legal secretary means doing performing specialized legal work and requires knowledge of legal terminology and procedures as well as the ability to perform a multitude of administrative tasks. Also known as a legal administrative assistant, to become a legal secretary you will need to complete at least a one-year training course at a vocational school for an entry level position. Many employers prefer to hire those with a college degree, so by earning at least an Associate’s degree will give you a large advantage in the hiring field.
Education You Need to Become a Legal Secretary
Legal secretary career training will require at least a one to two semester program to earn certification. Besides standard office training in computers, keyboarding, and word processing you will also take classes in legal terminology, law office practices, and law. Associate’s degree courses should include legal transcription, legal office management, and business math as well as core classes in English, composition, and other basic subjects; some entering a legal secretary career prepare by also completing a paralegal program. Look for a school or training facility that offers certification through The National Association of Legal Secretaries or Legal Secretaries International for optimum employment opportunities.
Legal Secretary Salaries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2008 the median annual legal secretary salary was $39,870. The lowest ten percent, typically representing entry-level positions, earned under $25,580. The highest ten percent of legal secretary salaries reported earned over $62,290 per year.
As technology advances, some legal secretaries are becoming virtual assistants and are setting their own rates based on the type of work accepted. Depending on the specialties of you legal secretary career you may bill at an hourly rate from $25 to $100, by the project, or by the page. (Salary data retrieved 7/11/11)
To find a legal secretary certification and training program, look for a program now!