Tucson, Arizona is home to a number of law firms, both big and small, that are always on the lookout for competent legal secretaries to join their team. If you are interested in becoming a legal secretary in Tucson, you will need to undergo extensive training to gain the necessary skills and knowledge required for the job. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of training to become a legal secretary in Tucson.
What is a legal secretary?
A legal secretary is an essential member of a law firm's support staff. They provide administrative support to attorneys and paralegals by typing legal documents, managing the calendar of court appearances and deadlines, filing documents with the court, answering phones, and handling other clerical tasks. They may also be responsible for conducting research and drafting correspondence on behalf of the attorneys they support.
The first step in becoming a legal secretary is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. While not required, some employers may prefer candidates who have completed post-secondary education or have legal secretarial training.
Legal secretarial training programs
Many post-secondary institutions offer legal secretarial training programs. These programs can range from certificate programs that can be completed in a few weeks to associate's degree programs that take two years to complete. Some of the schools in Tucson that offer legal secretarial training programs include Pima Community College and the University of Arizona.
Certificate programs typically cover the basic skills required to become a successful legal secretary, including legal terminology, document formatting, and transcription. Associate's degree programs provide a more in-depth education that includes courses in civil litigation, criminal law, and legal research and writing.
Online training programs
If you cannot attend classes in person, online training programs may be a good option for you. There are many online programs that offer legal secretarial training that you can complete from the comfort of your own home. These programs may include video lectures, online forums, and assignments that can be submitted electronically.
Some online training programs may offer courses that are specifically tailored to the laws and regulations of Arizona, which can be helpful for those planning to work in Tucson.
On-the-job training
Another way to become a legal secretary is to start as an entry-level administrative assistant and work your way up while gaining experience on the job. Many law firms offer on-the-job training to their administrative staff to prepare them for the legal secretarial role.
While this method may take longer than completing a formal training program, it can be a great way to gain practical experience and build connections within the legal industry.
Skills required for legal secretaries
To be a successful legal secretary, you will need to have a number of essential skills. These include excellent organizational and multitasking abilities, attention to detail, strong communication skills, and proficiency in using Microsoft Office and other software commonly used in law firms.
Legal secretaries will also need to be familiar with the legal system and have a basic understanding of legal terminology and procedures. They must possess a high level of discretion and be able to maintain confidentiality when working on sensitive legal matters.
Certification
While it is not required, some legal secretaries choose to obtain certification to demonstrate their expertise in the field. The National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) offers certification for legal secretaries, paralegals, and other legal support professionals. To obtain certification, you must pass an examination that tests your knowledge of legal terminology, ethics, and other topics relevant to the field.
Certification can be a valuable tool when seeking employment as it demonstrates to potential employers that you have the knowledge and expertise required to perform the job effectively.
Job outlook
The job outlook for legal secretaries in Tucson and across the country is fairly stable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of legal secretaries is expected to decline slightly over the next decade, as many law firms are shifting towards using technology to perform tasks that were traditionally done by administrative staff.
That being said, there will still be a need for legal secretaries in the future. Those with experience and advanced skills, such as proficiency in using legal research software, may have an advantage when seeking employment.
Conclusion
Training to work as a legal secretary in Tucson can take many different forms, from formal certificate and degree programs to on-the-job training and self-study. The key to becoming a successful legal secretary is to have a solid understanding of legal terminology and procedures, be organized and detail-oriented, and possess strong communication skills. While the job market may be competitive, those who are dedicated to their craft and stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends will have the best chances of success.