Division of Workforce Development (Careers and Continuing Education)

Frequently Asked Questions for the Legal Secretary Student

What is a legal secretary?

• Legal support for attorneys
• Transcribes dictation
• Maintains calendars
• Handles travel and conference scheduling
• Greets clients
• Makes appointments for attorneys
  Coordinates mailings
  

What skills should a legal secretary have?

• Excellent keyboarding skills are required (60 wpm)
• Excellent computer skills (Word or WordPerfect, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, and E-mail)
• Basic writing skills, including grammar, spelling and punctuation
• An understanding of legal ethics

Professionals who are proficient with Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect but also are skilled in software applications including Microsoft Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook are highly marketable.

Many law firms also want legal secretaries with expertise in case management software and time billing applications. In addition, more firms view a legal secretary’s knowledge of local court rules and procedures as a tremendous asset.

Other key skills

• Legal secretaries should be skilled in the proper formatting of legal documents such as motions and pleadings.
• Qualified candidates should be able to handle duties such as scheduling for court appearances and client meetings–and be skilled in software applications designed to facilitate these tasks.
• Many law offices, particularly large firms, require candidates to possess a college degree or professional certificate.

What are the credentials of the legal secretary course faculty?

The legal secretary course faculty is comprised of practicing attorneys, paralegals, and legal secretaries skilled in their field. The attorneys are licensed to practice law.

Tuition

Tuition for the accelerated legal secretary course is $245.00.

Once I complete this course, will Florida Community College help me get a job?

Upon course completion, you will have access to our Career Development Center, where you can receive advice on the latest techniques used on resumes, cover letter preparation, networking, interviewing skills, and more.

What are legal secretaries paid?

The pay for legal secretary positions depends on education, experience, administrative skills, level of responsibility, and job location. Salaries may begin at $24,000 to $30,000 depending on location and experience.

Why do I need to take a legal secretary course if I'm already in the administrative field?

Because legal secretaries perform highly specialized work requiring knowledge of technical terminology and procedures. For instance, legal secretaries prepare correspondence and legal papers as summonses, motions, responses, complaints, and subpoenas under the supervision of an attorney. Without special training in the legal aspects, you will not have the knowledge needed to become a legal secretary.

Is now a good time to start my legal secretary career?

Absolutely! Now is the best time for you to begin your new career.

How to register!

Follow the link to Professional Development and Personal Enrichment schedules in order to register for this CWK0020 course.