Job Spotlight

How to become a Legal Secretary

Legal secretaries (also known as legal assistants or clerks) provide crucial administrative support to lawyers and other legal professionals, ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently. This can involve managing legal documents, coordinating court deadlines, and communicating with clients.

If you're highly organised, detail-oriented, and interested in law and justice, a career as a legal secretary could be an excellent fit for you.

What skills do I need as a legal secretary?

• Excellent organisational skills

• Strong attention to detail

• Great written and verbal communicator

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Great time management

• Flexible and reliable

• Good teamworker and collaborator

• Can work under pressure and meet deadlines

What does the job involve?

• Preparing and filing legal documents, contracts, and reports

• Managing calendars and scheduling appointments

• Organising and maintaining files and records

• Liaising with clients, court staff, and other legal professionals

• Taking notes in meetings and preparing correspondence

• Conducting basic legal research and gathering case information

• Answering phone calls and emails

• Handling billing and time recording for client matters

What industries do legal secretaries typically work in?

• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

• Public Administration and Safety

• Financial and Insurance Services

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Legal secretaries typically work full-time during standard business hours, though some positions may require occasional overtime, particularly when approaching court deadlines or during busy periods. Part-time opportunities are also available in some cases.

Most legal secretaries can expect to earn an average wage throughout their career.

You'll work primarily in an office environment, usually in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, or court systems. The work environment is generally professional and structured, with clear processes and procedures to follow.

How to become a legal secretary

While formal qualifications aren’t strictly necessary to become a legal secretary, many start by completing a relevant vocational qualification (usually a Certificate III or IV in Legal Services). You may even be able to study your course as part of a traineeship.

Experience in general office administration can be handy too, with many law firms offering entry-level positions for people keen to develop their skills in the legal field.

What can I do right now to work towards this career?

If you're in high school and you'd like to find out if a career as a legal secretary is right for you, here are a few things you could do:

• Seek work experience in law firms or legal departments to understand the working environment

• Practice using common office software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, as these are all essential tools in legal offices

• Consider volunteering at community legal centres to gain exposure to the legal environment

Where can I find more information?

• Your Career (Australia)

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• Paralegal

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• Administrator

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