I want to work in legal as a secretary or typist what skills do I need besides a fast typing?

RuneAmok

LOL - I have a degree in secretarial science. Two years of classes! Not all secy specific though. Back then I learned shorthand (don't bother), typing, how to fold envelopes (hey, you gotta learn sometime) and filing. That's all I remember.

Basic skills are good telephone etiquette, how to file, how to fold those aforementioned envelopes.....really nothing special. There's a lot you will learn on the job.

Learning a bit about the legal industry would be a good idea but not strictly necessary either. These are things you'll also learn on the job. You'll run into a certain amount of latin: writ of certiorari, prima facie, etc.

You should be aware that lawyers do things called time charges. Every time they pick up the phone to call a client, they note down how long it took. Their entire day is tracked in this way so that they can ultimately bill clients for their time.

Also know that many lawyers are unpleasant people. Not all but many. And some are completely arrogant monsters. The legal field can be very high stress and last-minute. It depends of course on the individual, the firm if there is one and to some extent the area of law. I suspect it's much like working for doctors. Everything is life or death.

Frankly I don't recommend it. I don't know if the pay is better - it supposedly used to be - but I don't think the environment is a healthy happy one to work in. Better to work for happy people in a happy company doing happy things.

DOH! I forgot to mention all the software. You will almost certainly need some experience with a word processor (Word or WordPerfect) and email (Outlook or Groupwise). Those are the basics. You'll probably also be trained in using a document management system, possibly spreadsheet and presentation software, some legal specific apps. such as Westlaw or Lexis, etc.

You'll be able to find classes in word processing, email and internet. I don't think you need a degree like I got.

chatsplas

General business courses and legal terminology would be good
many junior colleges and technical have courses for paralegals and legal secretaries
Fast and ACCURATE typing is important
Knowledge of word processing is important--take courses in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.

Charlene

Mostly it is audiotyping these days which is easy. If you are efficient and have some brains cells you will be fine. I work with the laziest people ever and how they have a job I do not know. None of the secs here have any legal training - you can pick it up as you go along.

OriginalBubble

It depends on what area of law you want to work in. I work in property and I need to know how to fill in specific types of forms - AP1, LR1 that kind of thing. I also need to know how to do searches, such as water & drainage. Im also expected to obtain office copies of the title deeds etc.

Carol L

You will probably need to be able to dicatate and audio type also, perhaps also need to know shorthand you may also need to have an idea of legal terminolgy you can take courses im sure for these, contact your local uni, college or learning centre where you will get further details, hope this helps.

Jenna

Being a receptionist takes the right skills but you also need the training to compete. Souters training has been training receptionists and secretaries for over 23 years in London. With clients including The Royal Receptionists. We also have opportunities for secretaries and receptionists in intern and permanent positions. Find out more information at http://www.souterstraining.com/Receptionist_Courses/Secretary_and_or_Receptionist_Foundation_Course/. Quite CIVNOM when booking and get a 10% Discount.

Marie

Hey! Try http://www.mariebailey.com/ and they would advice you on what you need to be capable of! They would also provide all the necessary training! I have used them about 2 years ago and really had no cue what I need to know in order to become a secretary. Now I have my job and really happy to do what I am doing! Good luck and thanks!

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