Legal Secretary

Updated January 10, 2026 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.

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 Training Programs Cover

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 for the Role

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.

  1. Earn a high school diploma or GED with strong English and computer skills
  2. Complete a legal secretary or administrative training program
  3. Gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level office work
  4. Pursue certification from NALS or LSI to enhance credentials
  5. 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.

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.

Compare programs near you.
Eligibility requirements, tuition, schedules, and licensing rules vary by state and employer. Confirm details directly with schools and agencies.

Related: Top Legal Programs · Legal Career Certifications

Legal Secretary roles can vary by employer and location, but most positions share a core mix of hands-on tasks, safety or quality checks, and routine documentation. In this guide we focus on the typical responsibilities so you can compare programs and decide whether the day-to-day work fits your goals.

Common activities may include:

  • Following written procedures or protocols and documenting outcomes
  • Using standard tools, software, or equipment safely
  • Communicating with supervisors, clients, or team members
  • Keeping workspaces organized and meeting quality standards

Training Paths and Education Options

Programs commonly emphasize:

  • Core technical skills and terminology
  • Safety, compliance, or industry standards
  • Practical labs, simulations, or supervised work
  • Job-readiness topics like professionalism and communication

Skills That Translate Across Employers

Employers often look for a mix of technical ability and reliable work habits. Even when specific tools differ, the following skills tend to be important:

  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Problem solving and basic troubleshooting
  • Time management and task prioritization
  • Clear communication and teamwork

Work Settings and Daily Routine

Legal Secretary professionals may work in a variety of settings. Some roles are primarily desk-based while others are hands-on or field-based. Schedules can be steady or shift-based depending on the industry. If you have preferences about hours, physical demands, or environment, use them as filters when comparing programs and employers.

Licensing, Certification, and Compliance

Some Legal Secretary roles require state licensing or industry certifications, while others do not. Requirements can differ by state and even by employer, so it is important to verify the rules where you plan to work. If a credential is required, confirm whether the program prepares you for the related exam or supervised hours.

How to Compare Programs

When choosing a school or training provider, focus on outcomes that matter for your path rather than marketing claims. Useful factors to compare include:

  • Program length and scheduling options
  • Real-world practice hours and lab access
  • Career services, externships, or apprenticeship connections
  • Total cost, fees, and what is included
  • Credential or certificate earned at completion

Questions to Ask Before You Enroll

  • Does the program cover the skills employers in my area expect?
  • What portion of the training is hands-on?
  • Are tools, uniforms, or exam fees included in tuition?
  • What are typical class sizes and instructor experience?
  • Are there local employer partnerships or placement support?

Start by confirming the requirements for your state or target employers, then compare programs that align with those expectations. If you are balancing work or family responsibilities, ask about evening or hybrid options. Use the school listings on this page to explore programs and request details directly from providers.

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