Legal Secretaries
Description OES Code: 55102
Legal Secretaries perform specialized clerical and administrative tasks to help lawyers and staff to carry out their work and ensure efficient operation of the law office. Their work involves knowledge and use of legal terminology, forms, procedures, computers, and case management.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $15.16
25th Percentile $17.25
50th Percentile $20.36
75th Percentile $24.13

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $15.76
25th Percentile $16.38
50th Percentile $18.13
75th Percentile $20.10

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Legal Secretaries usually work 35 to 40 hours per week, but overtime is frequently needed. Overtime pay is calculated by time-and-a-half or equivalent time off. Legal Secretaries generally receive benefits such as paid vacations, sick leave, and health insurance. Annual bonuses are frequently paid to Legal Secretaries working for private law firms.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 35,200
Projected Employment 2008 40,400
Percent Change 1998-2008 14.8%
Separations 1998-2008 6,200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 210
Projected Employment 2006 230
Percent Change 1999-2006 9.5%
Separations 1999-2006 30

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Generally, Legal Secretaries work in an office environment. Since the job involves editing legal documents, Legal Secretaries may sit for long periods of time. There is a chance of a moderate to high stress level due to the pressure of working to meet deadlines.

With more firms automating their offices, Legal Secretaries are assuming responsibilities previously handled by managers and professionals. These responsibilities may include running spreadsheet programs and maintaining database files.

Advancement
Legal Secretaries can advance to supervisory or lead positions with experience and certification. A Legal Secretary with a minimum of a two-year degree and a paralegal training certificate can advance to a Paralegal position. In addition, some go to law school to become an Attorney.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods for Legal Secretaries.

Job seekers should search:

* Classified ads in local newspapers
* Law journals
* High school, college and university career centers
* Personnel departments of federal, state, city, and county government agencies
* National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) Job Bank at http://www.nals.org

Private firms are listed in the Yellow Pages under Legal Services, Secretarial Services, and Paralegals.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Prospective Legal Secretaries should have a high school diploma with a concentration of business and computer classes. Community colleges, business schools, adult education centers, and professional associations offer Legal Secretary training.

Some employers will hire and train workers with good office skills obtained through several years of general secretarial experience. However, most employers prefer workers with several years of law office experience. Attorneys who specialize in litigation often require specific litigation experience.

The National Association for Legal Secretaries (NALS) offers legal education classes for beginners and experienced Legal Secretaries. NALS offers two types of certification classes: Accredited Legal Secretary (ALS) and Professional Legal Secretary (PLS).

Skills & Other Requirements
* Type 50 to 90 words per minute.
* Transcribe dictation at 80 to 120 words per minute.
* Use proper grammar and communicate effectively.
* Understand legal terminology and procedures.
* Show initiative and good judgment.
* Function well under pressure.
* Be familiar with personal computers, office machine operation, and bookkeeping principles.

References
California Occupational Guide #172

Related Occupations: General Secretaries, Court Reporters

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)