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What do you need to be a office secretary for a lawyer office
I like to organize paper files i'm very looking detailed person who likes to keep everything on order and well checked. #business #officeadministration
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Linda’s Answer
Mildred - I agree with the other answers that you have gotten and will add the being organized and efficient is a very important skill. Most importantly you need a good foundation in computer applications like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Outlook for emails and scheduling. I would recommend going to school to become a Paralegal and taking the certification exam. The will allow you the take continuing education credits and to network with other Paralegals in both the law office and corporate settings. I personally prefer the corporate world because they offer more in the way of benefits such as healthcare and paid time off - Linda
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Anne’s Answer
Hi Mildred -
I worked in a corporate (or in-house) Legal Department for about 17 years, and I would say the top three skillsets you should have to be successful are : working with a sense of urgency (just about everything in a legal department has a due date attached to it); having a keen eye for detail, and yes - learn Microsoft Office Suite, plus any other type of litigation-based applications that are commonly used in law offices or corporate legal departments. Strong organizational skills are a must, and you should familiarize yourself with some of the terminology that you will hear (contractual language, what are pleadings and responses, answer dates, what is a deposition, etc).
Try to find a summer internship with a lawfirm; it would at least give you a peek at how business is conducted and perhaps clarify your educational requirements.
Best of luck to you!
I worked in a corporate (or in-house) Legal Department for about 17 years, and I would say the top three skillsets you should have to be successful are : working with a sense of urgency (just about everything in a legal department has a due date attached to it); having a keen eye for detail, and yes - learn Microsoft Office Suite, plus any other type of litigation-based applications that are commonly used in law offices or corporate legal departments. Strong organizational skills are a must, and you should familiarize yourself with some of the terminology that you will hear (contractual language, what are pleadings and responses, answer dates, what is a deposition, etc).
Try to find a summer internship with a lawfirm; it would at least give you a peek at how business is conducted and perhaps clarify your educational requirements.
Best of luck to you!
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hello Mildred,
To get started, I would take classes or get certified in microsoft suites. This will give you adequate soft organizational skills, which you will need. I would look for at a small office administrative job to get some experience as well. It will be slower paced and allow you to learn.
Thanks
Sheila
To get started, I would take classes or get certified in microsoft suites. This will give you adequate soft organizational skills, which you will need. I would look for at a small office administrative job to get some experience as well. It will be slower paced and allow you to learn.
Thanks
Sheila
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Hi Mildred,
To elaborate on Chiara's answer, if you are interested in working in a secretarial/assisting capacity in a law office, you can always start with some productivity certifications - one example is a Microsoft Office Specialist, which can get you comfortable working with MS Office tools frequently used in general office work. If you aren't set on working in a law office, education in an area like business administration might interest you!
If you are interested in becoming a paralegal or legal assistant, there are associate degrees for paralegal studies and those typically take 2 years to complete. If you are interested in law, have an attention to detail, enjoy doing research, and like working with people and contributing to a team, paralegal might be the career path for you! I recommend doing some reading about paralegals through the Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-2.
Interested in paralegal studies or business administration? Contact a community college in your area to learn more about their programs!
Do you have an acquaintance who works in a law office? Maybe you could have a conversation with them about their work!
To elaborate on Chiara's answer, if you are interested in working in a secretarial/assisting capacity in a law office, you can always start with some productivity certifications - one example is a Microsoft Office Specialist, which can get you comfortable working with MS Office tools frequently used in general office work. If you aren't set on working in a law office, education in an area like business administration might interest you!
If you are interested in becoming a paralegal or legal assistant, there are associate degrees for paralegal studies and those typically take 2 years to complete. If you are interested in law, have an attention to detail, enjoy doing research, and like working with people and contributing to a team, paralegal might be the career path for you! I recommend doing some reading about paralegals through the Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-2.
Hannah recommends the following next steps:
Updated
chiara’s Answer
Mildred, what a great idea! Are you looking to be a secretary or more specifically a paralegal?
To be a secretary, you need to be a practical, efficient, detail oriented person and professional, if I were you I would start looking in your local area, for law firms and see if they are positions open.
If you were to want to become a paralegal, then there are diverse courses out there, online or in person , that you can take so as to become a valued member of a legal team, often assisting lawyers with trias and case preparations.
Either way, it is an exciting field to work in!
To be a secretary, you need to be a practical, efficient, detail oriented person and professional, if I were you I would start looking in your local area, for law firms and see if they are positions open.
If you were to want to become a paralegal, then there are diverse courses out there, online or in person , that you can take so as to become a valued member of a legal team, often assisting lawyers with trias and case preparations.
Either way, it is an exciting field to work in!