Do legal secretaries need a degree?

Jul 13, 2022

Written By Helena Kudiabor

There are numerous routes to becoming a legal secretary, and not all of them involve a university degree. In this article, you’ll learn about the different routes to becoming a legal secretary, and some advice to work out which one is best for you.

What is a legal secretary?

A legal secretary is someone who provides administrative support for their place of work (typically a law firm), to ensure that everything runs smoothly. They are similar to secretaries, but work in the legal field.

Tasks a legal secretary might complete include: preparing legal documents such as wills and subpoenas, typing up dictations and record keeping.

How can I become a legal secretary?

There are a number of different ways to become a legal secretary. One way is by completing a college course. For instance, you could take a legal secretaries level three diploma. The course will teach you transferable skills such as touch typing and proofreading, as well as providing valuable insights into key areas of legal practice (such as criminal and civil litigation).

Although the course is not mandatory, completing it will show employers that you are serious about a legal career, and that you have the skills needed to succeed.

Another way to become a legal secretary is by completing an apprenticeship. Many law firms offer legal apprenticeships, which provide on-the-job training. This allows you to gain practical, hands-on experience, while also being paid for your work. Once you finish your apprenticeship, you’ll be a fully qualified legal professional, and may even secure a full-time position with the firm who conducted your apprenticeship.

The final way to become a legal secretary is simply by working your way up. You could look for an entry-level position as a legal assistant, or start off as a secretary. As long as you remain motivated and work hard, you could easily progress to a fully-fledged legal secretary.

Alternative Routes into Law