Legal Secretary Training & Career Guide

Updated October 29, 2025 Table of Contents

Support justice through organization and precision.
Legal secretaries assist attorneys by managing documents, scheduling, and correspondence within law firms and corporate legal departments. This 2025 guide explains how to train, certify, and begin a rewarding administrative career in the legal field.

What Does a Legal Secretary Do?

Legal secretaries ensure that legal offices run efficiently by handling documentation, filing, and communication tasks that support lawyers and paralegals.

Typical responsibilities include:

Drafting and proofreading legal correspondence and contracts
Organizing case files, pleadings, and discovery materials
Scheduling meetings, hearings, and depositions
Managing billing, timekeeping, and filing systems
Maintaining confidentiality and client communication
Coordinating with courts and opposing counsel for filing deadlines

Legal secretaries play an essential administrative and compliance role within every type of legal organization.

What You’ll Learn in Legal Secretary Training

Programs combine business administration, legal terminology, and office technology to prepare students for entry-level law office positions.

Core topics include:

Legal Terminology & Documentation: Contracts, pleadings, and case law
Office Administration: Scheduling, record management, and billing
Legal Writing & Proofreading: Drafting correspondence and accurate formatting
Computer Applications: Word processing, spreadsheets, and legal software (e.g., Clio, MyCase)
Court Procedures & Filing Systems: Understanding local, state, and federal processes
Professional Ethics & Confidentiality: Managing client information appropriately

Some programs also include externships or internships in law firms or public agencies.

Education & Program Options

Legal secretary education is available through community colleges, technical institutes, and online schools.

Common training paths:

Certificate or Diploma Programs (6–12 months): Focused legal office training
Associate Degree (2 years): Broader coursework in business and legal administration
Online or Hybrid Options: Flexible programs for working adults
Continuing Education: Advanced skills in e-filing, case management software, or legal transcription

Accredited programs often align with the National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS) or Legal Secretaries International (LSI) standards.

Skills You’ll Need to Succeed

Legal secretaries balance organization, professionalism, and technical competence.

Top skills include:

Strong grammar, editing, and attention to detail
Excellent time management and multitasking
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal software tools
Confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information
Interpersonal communication and teamwork

These competencies ensure accuracy and efficiency in fast-paced legal environments.

Certification & Professional Credentials

While certification is not always required, it can demonstrate professionalism and help candidates stand out to employers.

Common credentials include:

Accredited Legal Professional (ALP): Entry-level certification by NALS
Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) / Certified Legal Professional (CLP): Advanced NALS credential
Certified Legal Secretary Specialist (CLSS): Offered by Legal Secretaries International (LSI)
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): For proficiency in office software

Many certifications require continuing education and annual renewal.

How to Become a Legal Secretary

Earn a high school diploma or GED with strong English and computer skills
Complete a legal secretary or administrative training program
Gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level office work
Pursue certification from NALS or LSI to enhance credentials
Apply for positions in law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal offices

With experience, legal secretaries can advance into paralegal, legal assistant, or office manager roles.

Median Pay (2024) $54,140 $26.03 per hour

Job Outlook (2024–2034) -5.8% -9,000 jobs (2024–2034) • 19,600 annual openings

Mean Pay (2024)

$60,320 per year $29.00 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $35,530

$17.08 per hour

25th Percentile $42,720

$20.54 per hour

75th Percentile $72,090

$34.66 per hour

90th Percentile $87,660

$42.15 per hour

Employment Outlook

2024 156,300

2034 147,300

Employment: 156,300 → 147,300 jobs by 2034 (-5.8%)

19,600 projected openings each year

Additional Details

Share of U.S. Employment: 0.1%
Employment per 1,000 Jobs: 1.00
Employment RSE: 3.0%
Projected Annual Openings: 19,600

While technology continues to streamline document management, skilled legal secretaries remain essential for organization, compliance, and professional communication within law firms and corporate legal departments.

Professional Associations & Resources

NALS – The Association for Legal Professionals: Certification, training, and networking
Legal Secretaries International (LSI): Continuing education and specialization
American Bar Association (ABA): Paralegal and legal support career resources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Employment data and career outlook

Career Paths

Legal secretaries can specialize or advance into roles such as:

Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Office or Practice Manager
Litigation or Corporate Legal Secretary
Executive Legal Administrator
Legal Document Specialist or Court Clerk

Many transition to paralegal studies for higher-level responsibilities.

Find Legal Secretary Programs Near You

Ready to build a career supporting attorneys and legal teams?
Compare accredited legal secretary programs near you and take the first step toward a professional future in the legal field.

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