Legal secretaries perform secretarial duties in legal firms or magistrates’ offices. They handle a wide variety of specialised tasks that require knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.
Their duties would include the preparation of legal documentation and correspondence such as subpoenas, summonses, complaints, responses and motions under the supervision of a lawyer. They might be required to assist with legal research, such as citations in legal briefs and verifying quotes.
Their work is similar to that of other secretaries and receptionists in other organisations as far as administrative duties are concerned. They work on computers, do research, prepare statistical reports and may supervise other clerical staff.
They may be expected to assist with conference arrangements, training juniors, scheduling appointments, receiving visitors and providing information to the general public. Some legal secretaries specialise further in the legal field.
Satisfying Aspects
- chance to work in a legal environment without studying law
- doing specialised work
Demanding aspects
- frequently being expected to work overtime
- sitting for long periods at a time
- sitting in front of the computer could cause eye-strain, stress, back-ache, etc
Requirements
- proficient in typing / word-processing
- good at spelling and grammar
- knowledge of software applications
- tactful, with good interpersonal skills
- be discrete, with sound judgement
- have excellent organisational ability
- be adaptable and versatile
- be ethical, especially with confidential matters
- excellent communicator
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Computer Applications
Recommended Subjects: Accounting, Economics, Business Science
Training
Diploma: Legal Secretary - FET Colleges such as Northlink, SW Gauteng, also private institutions such as Damelin etc.
Employer
- magistrates’ offices
- legal firms
Contact
Law Society of South Africa
P O Box 36626
Menlo Park, 1729
304 Brooks Street
Menlo Park
Tel: (012) 366-8800 Fax: (012) 362-0969
www.issa.org.za