If you are interested in learning how to become a legal secretary, you have come to the right place. While it is possible to get an entry level job as a legal secretary based on a liberal arts undergraduate degree, you will increase the odds by completing a relevant bachelor’s degree.
As mentioned, above you don’t need a particular degree to become a legal secretary. So you can become a legal secretary by completing any undergraduate degree that focuses on reading, writing and research skills.
However, selecting coursework relevant to the legal world is really how to become a legal secretary. By taking classes specific to the legal world, you can express more familiarity with relevant terminology and a greater aptitude for working in the field.
Legal secretaries play an important role in law firms across the nation. 
If you are trying to understand how to become a legal secretary, you must realize that there are certain skills that are indispensable for a legal secretary. You need to be skilled at taking short hand. You need to be a fast typist. You need to be organized and have a strong knack for organizing material. You need to be able to put together presentations and manage emails and contacts. You may often be called upon to manage sensitive content for lawyers and researchers.
So in learning how to become a legal secretary, it is important for you to give due emphasis to the soft skills that could define your performance in the field. If you truly want to maximize your chances of placing as a legal secretary at a top firm, consider clearing one of the licensing examinations offered for legal secretaries. The kind of courses you would take for a liberal arts undergraduate degree plus some courses from paralegal study would be more than enough to prepare you for how to become a legal secretary.
How to become a legal secretary through online study?
Online study to become a legal secretary is a great option for those who wish to continue to earn income and work part time through their studies. It is quite common for people to complete their undergraduate degree online. In this case, all lecture videos, class handouts and assignments are made available in electronic format that allows flexibility in your study schedule.
What are my career options after learning how to become a legal secretary?
Now that you know how to become a legal secretary, it is worth considering whether this plan of study will get you the career options you are looking for. A legal secretary is ultimately a specialized secretary who contributes to the administration of law courts, law rooms and law firms. Your best chance of landing a top job as a legal secretary is to take the certification exams that signal your true intent to work in the field. In addition, any coursework you take in the legal field will allow you to distinguish yourself through your contributions in the workplace.
How to become a Legal Secretary in Texas?
To become a Legal Secretary in Texas, there are no specific degree requirements. However, some employers may prefer to hire individuals holding an Associate’s degree in legal studies. In any case, you will need at least a high school diploma or an equivalent GED certificate. A number of professional certifications for legal secretaries are available, though these are not mandatory. They are offered by Legal Secretaries International and the National Association for Legal Secretaries (NALS).
How to become a Legal Secretary in California?
To become a Legal Secretary in California, you need at least a high school diploma or an equivalent GED certificate. There is no requirement of a formal degree but some employers may prefer Associate degree holders in legal studies for such positions. There are also a number of professional certifications available. However, they are not mandatory in order to work as a legal secretary. These are provided by the National Association for Legal Secretaries as well as Legal Secretaries International.
States with the highest employment level in this occupation:
State
|
Employment
|
Employment per thousand jobs
|
Location quotient
|
Hourly mean wage
|
Annual mean wage
|
|
California |
1660 |
0.11 |
1.26 |
18.13 |
37720 |
|
Florida |
1130 |
0.14 |
1.68 |
17.97 |
37370 |
|
Illinois |
960 |
0.16 |
1.92 |
17.9 |
37240 |
|
Texas |
760 |
0.07 |
0.78 |
16.62 |
34570 |
|
New York |
650 |
0.07 |
0.85 |
20.12 |
41840 |
Source: bls.gov
How Long Does It Take to Become a Legal Secretary?
An individual can be hired as a Legal Secretary right after graduating from an Associate of Science (A.A.S) program; however students are advised that they get a relevant undergraduate degree to increase their chances of employment. Students can enroll in a 4-year long Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Legal Studies, Legal Support Services, Legal Assistance, or Paralegal Studies. They can also enroll in an Associate of Science (A.A.S) in Legal Assisting or a Legal Secretary Certificate Program. The Certificate programs can be completed within 14 weeks, while the associate's degrees can be completed within 1-2 years.
What Are the Requirements to Complete a Law Program?
In order to obtain a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Paralegal Studies, program participants have to complete approximately 120 semester hours of coursework and in order to earn a post-bachelor’s certificate in Paralegal Studies, students have to complete 18 semester hours. They have to study modules like The Judicial System, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Litigation, Family Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Cyber Law, and Business Law.
How Much Can I Make after Completing a Law Program?
After completing a degree in Law, graduates can pursue their careers as legal secretaries and paralegals. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median pay of Paralegals and Legal Assistants was $50,940 in 2018. The number of jobs available in this field in 2018 was 325,700. Moreover, the employment of these professionals is expected to increase by 12% from 2018-2028, which is much faster than the average for all other professions.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Q:While I was searching the chances becoming of Legal Secretary, I came across the Legal Secretary Diploma. What is taught in it?
A:To work at corporate houses and law firms, individuals pursue Legal Secretary Studies, which includes diplomas as well as degree programs. In a Legal Secretary Diploma, individual gets to learn about important areas such as records management and filing techniques, ethics, professionalism and record management.
Q:Is there any way to become a Legal Secretary online?
A:After you complete your high school diploma, you can pursue a paralegal course online. There are many colleges offering online courses in this field. All you need is a computer and an internet connection to study online. The coursework is typically covered through videos, online lectures, and classroom conferencing.
Q:I need help to know about How to Become a Legal Secretary
A:Legal secretaries are also known as paralegal assistants. This profession has become a fast growing field and is being pursued by many individuals. There is degree requirement for this field. However, it is recommended that you enroll in a paralegal degree program or a training course to prepare for the position. Legal secretaries must have knowledge about the legal system.
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