How to Become a Legal Secretary

Showing that you have an interest through your academics is a strong start; if you have a law-related diploma or degree this will provide you with an introduction to legal terminology and processes, which is invaluable. It can be competitive for graduates to gain initial experience within a law firm environment, so we recommend that you look to secure administrative work within professional services first, as this is a strong foundation and launch pad.

Once you have 6 – 12 months’ experience in an administrative/ secretarial position, you will then become eligible for Junior Legal Assistant and Secretarial opportunities with the legal firms with whom we work. We have seen attractive opportunities for Junior LA’s across some of the World’s most well-known and successful law firms in Melbourne and we still have plenty more to offer before the year is out.

I have provided a snapshot of some of the junior legal roles which are currently available as at November 2018:

The Legal Secretary position has seen an exciting transition in the last 12 months and we are now seeing more experienced Secretaries get involved in Paralegal and Business Development type duties. There are also opportunities to become a Mentor, Trainer or Legal Support Coordinator for those desiring a step towards management.

This has been achieved due to technology taking more of a front seat in support services and allowing the role of a Secretary to evolve. There are now plenty more opportunities to get hands on and real involvement in matters that are changing your city, country and maybe even on a global scale. No longer are Secretaries limited to typing documents and diarising appointments for the Lawyers. Not only can you expect career progression throughout, the legal industry have seen massive improvements in salary offerings and benefits. The benefits you can likely expect are salary continuance programs, professional development schemes, award recognition, discounted health insurance, flexible working arrangements, salary sacrificing, social committee and events.

If you are looking to make that first step into a law firm and wanting to explore our current opportunities, please don’t hesitate in contacting me on 03 9098 7433. For immediate consideration, please forward your resume to aimee.burton@people2people.com.au