Legal Secretaries Essay, Research Paper
LEGAL SECRETARIES
Legal secretaries perform many of the same tasks as any other secretaries. For
example, they answer phones and type letters. Legal secretaries must follow strict
guidelines thats why they must be specialized in format for legal documents. For example
is some pleadings must be on legal size paper while other be on legal size. Some of the
documents that legal secretaries prepare are subpoenas, complaints, motions. Some legal
secretaries read legal journals and assist with legal research. Legal secretaries are
supervised by attorneys.
Legal Secretaries need excellent people skills. These skills are important when
dealing with angry or upset clients. Secretaries must be trustworthy because they often
deal with confidential material. Legal secretaries must be highly organized because
documents must go out on time. Legal Secretaries need good ability to check written
material, such as letters, for errors in grammar or typing and to move the fingers quickly,
as paging through a file. They also need good ability to see details and slight differences in
objects and to use words well when speaking or writing.
The physical demands are most common in an everyday lifestyle. They need to be
able to frequently use hands and arms to reach and hold objects, such as files and books.
They also need to be able to listen and talk to others and to use fingers to make fine
movements, such as type. They also need to sit for long periods of time.
Legal secretaries work in clean, quiet, well-lighted offices. They usually work 40
hours per week. They may work overtime to help meet deadlines. Legal secretaries sit for
long periods. Typing often requires working from materials that are difficult to read.
Working at a computer for long period may cause back and neck pain, eyestrain, and
repetitive motion injuries.
Nationally, the median wage for legal secretaries is $14.45 per hour. Half of all
legal secretaries earn between $11.24 and $18.10. Pay varies with the worker s skill,
experience, and level of responsibility. It also varies with the location. Earning generally
are lowest in southern cities and highest in northern and western cities. Beginning salaries
are slightly more in areas where the average local pay level is higher . legal secretaries earn
more than some secretaries because they must be very accurate and have special skills.
This includes knowledge of legal terms and procedures.
Nationally, about 285,120 legal secretaries work in this medium-sized occupation.
Almost all legal secretaries work in law firms. A small number work for government
agencies or insurance companies. Jobs for legal secretaries are available all over the
country. In Ohio, this is a medium-sized occupation. About 10,330 legal secretaries work
in the state.
Nationally, employment of legal secretaries is expected to grow about as fast as
average through 2008. The use of automated equipment is changing the work flow in
many offices. Administrative duties are being reassigned because secretaries can now
handle more work. In some cases, traditional secretarial duties as typing, filling, example,
paralegals are assuming some tasks formerly done by secretaries. In Ohio, employment of
legal secretaries is expected to grow about as fast as average. About 290 job openings are
expected each year.
Legal secretaries must have a high school diploma or GED. In addition, they
should have a background in typing, business accounting, office practices, and English. A
strong background in computers is very important. Specialized training programs are
available for students who want to become legal secretaries. These programs are available
from junior colleges and technical schools as well as through the mail.
Certification is optional for legal secretaries. It is rarely required for employment
or advancement Legal secretaries who have less than three years of experience can
become Accredited Legal Secretaries. Those who have three or more years of experience
can be certified as a Professional Legal Secretary. Applicants for the PLS title must pass
an exam.
The reason I picked this job is because my sister went to collage for this and I
thought it would be a good job to uptake. It think I would be good at this job because I
love working on computers and I love to learn new things about business.