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What skills does a legal secretary need?

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Helena Kudiabor

Last updated 13th July 2022

Legal secretaries perform administrative tasks for a law firm, ensuring that all legal documents are organised and that everything runs smoothly. If you’ve ever been interested in a career as a legal secretary, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, you’ll learn about the day to day responsibilities of a legal secretary and the skills you’ll need to succeed as one.

What is a legal secretary?

A legal secretary is someone who works to provide administrative support for the law firm that they work for, to minimise disruption to clients. Unlike paralegals and solicitors, legal secretaries are not qualified to give legal advice, but still get to witness the impact of the law first-hand.

Typical tasks undertaken by a legal secretary include: typing up dictations, record keeping and preparing legal documents such as wills and subpoenas. 

How much do legal secretaries get paid?

The average salary of a legal secretary ranges from £20,000-£45,000, with £20,000 for those who are just starting out, and £45,000 for those with a few years of experience.

However, just like all job opportunities, the average salary varies between locations. Legal secretaries working in London, for instance, will earn higher salaries than those outside of London, to allow for the higher cost of living in the capital.

What practical skills does a legal secretary need?

To become a legal secretary, you’ll need a basic understanding of the law and legal procedures. Legal secretaries are often required to produce legal documents, and a general understanding of the law will make sure you understand what you’re writing about.

You’ll also need strong computer literacy skills, for example how to use Excel or Microsoft Word. Similarly, you’ll need to be able to type quickly and accurately, as well as having good handwriting. It will damage the firm’s credibility if their documents contain spelling and grammar mistakes.

What other skills does a legal secretary need?

As a legal secretary, you’ll need strong written and verbal communication skills. This will allow you to communicate effectively with the lawyers of the firm, as well as with clients. Communication skills are also vital in case something goes wrong, as you’ll need to stay calm and find a way to resolve the situation.

You’ll also need good organisational skills, as you’ll often organise and file away legal documents. Finally, you’ll need a good idea for detail, to be able to spot mistakes in documents. Working on these skills will help you succeed as a legal secretary. Ways you can do this include: completing free spelling and grammar exercises online and reading up on the English legal system.

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