Legal Secretary
Job description, Salary, Resume, and Interview Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT DOES A LEGAL SECRETARY DO?
A Legal Secretary is essential in supporting the day-to-day operations of a law office or legal department. This role includes tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing correspondence, preparing legal documents, and maintaining files. They are responsible for facilitating communication between attorneys, clients, and courts, as well as organizing and coordinating legal procedures. Skills in legal terminology, document preparation, and office software are crucial.
To succeed as a Legal Secretary, one should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in office software and legal applications. They are expected to collaborate with legal staff, contribute to efficient office management, and support legal professionals in various administrative tasks. Their role is key in ensuring the smooth operation of legal processes and maintaining organized legal records.
NATIONAL AVERAGE
LEGAL SECRETARY SALARY
Legal Secretary salaries vary based on factors such as education, experience, legal specialty, location, firm size, and market conditions.
$62,641
LEGAL SECRETARY JOB DESCRIPTIONS
A clear job description is important when hiring a Legal Secretary. Whether for a growing law firm or an established corporate legal department, these examples can help define the requirements and expectations for your next Legal Secretary.
On Call Counsel is seeking a detail-oriented Corporate Legal Secretary to provide comprehensive administrative support to our corporate legal team. The candidate will play a key role in managing legal documentation and assisting in corporate legal proceedings.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and manage legal documents related to corporate law, such as contracts, agreements, and corporate filings.
- Schedule and coordinate meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for attorneys.
- Maintain corporate minute books and handle filing of annual reports.
- Assist in the preparation for board meetings and corporate transactions.
- Manage correspondence and communication with clients and other legal professionals.
Qualifications: - Associate’s degree or equivalent legal secretarial training.
- 3+ years of experience as a legal secretary, preferably in corporate law.
- Proficient in legal document formatting and corporate terminology.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
On Call Counsel requires a skilled Litigation Legal Secretary to provide support to our litigation team. The successful candidate will assist in the preparation and management of litigation processes, including trials and appeals.
Responsibilities:
- Draft, format, and file legal documents such as pleadings, briefs, and subpoenas.
- Manage case files and maintain an organized filing system.
- Coordinate scheduling of depositions, hearings, and trials.
- Assist in gathering and organizing evidence and documentation.
- Communicate with clients, witnesses, and court personnel.
Qualifications: - Associate’s degree or legal secretarial certification.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a litigation secretary role.
- Familiarity with court procedures and legal terminology.
- Strong typing and computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office and legal software.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
On Call Counsel is looking for an experienced Real Estate Legal Secretary to support our real estate legal team. The ideal candidate will handle administrative tasks related to real estate transactions and legal proceedings.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and manage legal documents related to real estate transactions, such as deeds, leases, and closing documents.
- Coordinate and schedule real estate closings.
- Liaise with clients, real estate agents, and other parties involved in transactions.
- Maintain and organize real estate files and records.
- Assist with real estate litigation tasks as needed.
Qualifications: - Associate’s degree or professional certification in legal secretarial studies.
- 3+ years of experience as a legal secretary, with a focus on real estate.
- Knowledge of real estate terminology and transaction processes.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
On Call Counsel seeks a compassionate and organized Family Law Legal Secretary to provide administrative support to our family law attorneys. The candidate will assist in managing cases related to divorce, custody, and other family law matters.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and manage legal documents related to family law, such as petitions, orders, and agreements.
- Schedule appointments, court dates, and mediations.
- Organize and maintain case files and documentation.
- Assist in communication with clients, providing empathetic and efficient service.
- Handle routine administrative duties, including answering phones and managing correspondence.
Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree or legal secretarial certification.
- 2+ years of experience in a legal secretary role, preferably in family law.
- Understanding of family law procedures and terminology.
- Strong empathy and discretion in handling sensitive personal matters.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Candidate Certifications
to Look For
Continual skill and knowledge development is important for Legal Secretaries. While not all roles require certifications, they can be part of professional growth. Valuable certifications for a Legal Secretary include:
Certifies basic legal knowledge and skills, ideal for entry-level legal secretaries.
Specializes in specific areas of law, enhancing a legal secretary’s expertise.
Recognizes a higher level of proficiency in legal secretarial skills.
Validates proficiency in Microsoft Office, essential for legal secretaries handling documentation.
PARALEGAL RESUME EXAMPLES
Download our expertly crafted Paralegal resume examples to showcase your skills and experiences in the legal sector.
HOW TO HIRE A LEGAL SECRETARY
Hiring a Legal Secretary involves several considerations. Here are tips for employers:
Define the Role Clearly: Detail responsibilities and expectations in the job description, including document preparation, scheduling, and administrative tasks.
Assess Legal Administrative Knowledge: Look for candidates with an understanding of legal procedures and experience in relevant legal areas.
Evaluate Organizational Skills: Test for strong organizational abilities vital for managing legal documents and office workflows.
Check for Relevant Qualifications: Consider certifications as indicators of dedication and expertise in the legal administrative field.
Assess Communication Skills: Ensure the candidate can effectively communicate with legal teams, clients, and court officials.
Consider Cultural Fit: The candidate should align with your firm’s values and work environment.
Verify Past Performance: Check references for reliability, accuracy in administrative tasks, and ability to work collaboratively.
Sample Interview Questions
- How do you manage and organize legal documents and schedules?
- Can you describe your experience with legal document preparation?
- How do you handle confidential legal information and client privacy?
- Describe your experience with legal software and case management systems.
- How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced legal environment?
- Tell us about a time you contributed to the efficiency of a legal team.
- How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple tasks simultaneously?
- What strategies do you use to maintain effective communication with legal teams and clients?
- Can you discuss your experience with any specific area of law or legal procedures?
- Explain how you adapt to changes in legal requirements or office procedures.
THREE EASY WAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR LEGAL TEAM
On Call Counsel can assist you in finding the right Legal Assistant for your team. Here are three ways to complete your legal team:
- Use On Call Counsel, a specialized legal staffing agency.
- Post your job on leading legal job boards.
- Leverage your professional network in the legal sector. On Call Counsel offers a network of pre-screened and qualified legal professionals, saving time and ensuring you find the right fit for your team.
NEED HELP HIRING A PARALEGAL?
Discover how On Call Counsel can elevate your hiring process with tailored staffing solutions. Contact us today to experience a partnership that transforms your recruitment strategy and connects you with top-tier talent.
