Legal Secretary

Organized, reliable, and fascinated by the legal system? A career as a legal secretary combines administrative expertise with legal knowledge. Legal secretaries are the backbone of many law offices. Legal secretaries assist attorneys and paralegals with document preparation, scheduling, and communication. They keep case files organized, manage client correspondence, and ensure the office runs smoothly. If you’re detail-oriented and thrive in a professional setting, this role can be a great entry point into the legal field. Quick answers What does a legal secretary do? Legal secretaries support attorneys and paralegals with document preparation, scheduling, and communication. They keep case files organized and manage client correspondence. Where do legal secretaries work? Common settings include private law firms, government and court offices, corporate legal departments, real estate and title companies, and nonprofit legal advocacy organizations. What education or training do I need? A typical path starts with a high school diploma or GED, then a legal secretary or paralegal studies program. Programs may be a certificate or an associate degree. Is certification required? Certification is optional. This page lists NALS credentials such as Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) and Certified Legal Professional (CLP). How long does training take and what does it cost? Training can range from about 6 months to 2 years, depending on the program. Typical program costs are varies by school, format and location plus optional certification exam fees. What are typical next steps after training? This guide includes gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level roles and applying for jobs in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government offices. At a glance Typical duties: drafting documents, filing, scheduling, and client communicationCommon workplaces: law firms, courts, corporate legal departments, and government officesTraining options: certificate or associate degree (about 6 months to 2 years)Certification: optional (NALS ALP or CLP)Next steps: gain experience, then apply for roles What Legal Secretaries Do Legal secretaries perform a mix of administrative and legal support tasks. They handle everything from drafting documents and filing motions to scheduling court appearances and communicating with clients. Typical Responsibilities Draft and format legal documents, pleadings, and correspondenceManage calendars and schedule hearings or meetingsMaintain organized case files and recordsFile court documents electronically (e-filing)Communicate with clients, witnesses, and court officialsAssist attorneys and paralegals with case preparation Legal secretaries play a vital role in ensuring accuracy and efficiency in busy law offices. Key Skills and Traits for Success Excellent typing and proofreading skillsStrong written and verbal communicationOrganization and multitasking under deadlinesFamiliarity with legal terminology and proceduresProfessional demeanor and confidentialityComfort with legal software (Clio, MyCase, etc.) Common Work Settings Private law firms (civil, criminal, or corporate)Government and court officesCorporate legal departmentsReal estate and title companiesNonprofit legal advocacy organizations How to Become a Legal Secretary (5 Steps) Earn a High School Diploma or GED Start by focusing on English, business, and computer skills to prepare for legal office work. Complete a Legal Secretary or Paralegal Studies Program Enroll in a certificate or associate degree program covering topics such as legal writing, document preparation, and court procedures. Gain Hands-On Experience Look for internships or entry-level administrative roles in legal offices to learn real-world document and case management skills. Obtain Certification (Optional) Certification is optional, but it can enhance credibility and advancement potential: Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) - NALSCertified Legal Professional (CLP) - NALS Apply for Legal Secretary Jobs Use your skills and optional certification to apply for positions in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government offices. Compare training programs near you Browse program lengths, formats, and start dates from accredited schools that match your goals. See programs near you ↑ Education and Certification Paths Pathway Typical Duration Outcome Legal Secretary Certificate 6-12 months Entry-level employment Associate Degree in Legal Studies 2 years Broader advancement options NALS ALP/CLP Certification After 1 year Professional recognition Paralegal Studies Certificate 1-2 years Career mobility toward paralegal roles Career Growth and Advancement Projected job growth for legal secretaries and administrative assistants Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page. Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Legal secretaries can grow into higher-paying or more specialized roles such as: Paralegal or Legal AssistantOffice Manager or Executive AssistantCourt Clerk or Legal AdministratorCompliance Specialist Many experienced legal secretaries pursue additional education to transition into paralegal or compliance careers. Cost and Duration of Training Program Cost: varies by school, format and location depending on school and credentialDuration: 6 months to 2 yearsCertification Exam: NALS fees range from $150-$275 Pros and Cons ✅ Pros Fast training and quick entry into the workforceStable demand in legal and corporate sectorsStrong foundation for legal career advancementPredictable office environment ⚠️ Cons Repetitive administrative tasksStrict deadlines and detailed accuracy requiredLimited upward mobility without further education Start Your Legal Secretary Career Today Training as a legal secretary offers a professional, stable, and respected entry into the legal field. You can start your training in less than a year and build valuable skills that open the door to higher legal roles. Find Legal Programs Near You Quick Facts: Legal Secretary Salary, Education, and Outlook Median Pay $55,570 $26.72/hr Top 10%: $91,730 Job Outlook (2024-2034) -5.8% 19,600 openings/yr Employment (2025) 156,280 Wage Percentiles 25th $44,450 75th $71,970 Typical Education High school diploma or certificate in legal studies On-the-Job Training Moderate-term on-the-job training Highest Paying States District of ColumbiaNew YorkConnecticut Top Industries Cross-industry Certification Optional but recommended (NALS ALP/CLP) 2025 data | SOC 43-6012 | Source: BLS OEWS What legal secretaries and administrative assistants earn across the pay scale Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page. Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Industry Organizations & Certifying Bodies These are the recognized national organizations, unions, certifying bodies, and regulatory authorities that shape this trade. They issue the credentials, sponsor the apprenticeships, publish the codes, and represent workers and employers. National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS) Issues the ALS (Accredited Legal Professional) and PLS (Professional Legal Secretary) credentials. Wage and Employment Charts Annual Wage by Percentile, United States - Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants annual wage percentiles, BLS OEWS May 2025 P10 $36500, P25 $44450, P50 $55570, P75 $71970, P90 $91730. 10th $36,500 25th $44,450 50th (median) $55,570 75th $71,970 90th $91,730 Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants annual wage percentiles Percentile Annual wage 10th $36,500 25th $44,450 50th (median) $55,570 75th $71,970 90th $91,730 Top-paying states for legal secretaries and administrative assistants Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page. Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Projected employment growth, United States, Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, 2024-2034 Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants employment 2024 vs 2034 projection, BLS Employment Projections 2024 employment 156300; 2034 projected employment 147300; percent change -5.8%. 2024 156,300 jobs 2034 (proj.) 147,300 jobs Change: -5.8% Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034 Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants employment projection 2024 to 2034 Year Employment 2024 156,300 2034 projected 147,300 Percent change -5.8% Compare training programs near you Browse program lengths, formats, and start dates from accredited schools that match your goals. See schools near you ↑ Workplace Safety Snapshot BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 2.6 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in legal secretaries and administrative assistants (about 0.03 per 100 FTE). Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98. Frequently Asked Questions How long does legal secretary training take? It typically takes typically 6 months to 2 years of training. The most common entry path is through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is generally required to get started. How much do legal secretarys make? The median annual salary for legal secretarys is $55,570 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). Entry-level workers earn around $36,500, while those in the 90th percentile earn over $91,730. Pay varies by state, experience, and specialization. What is the job outlook for legal secretarys? The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -5.8% employment growth for this occupation from 2024 to 2034, which is roughly on pace with the overall economy. Approximately 19,600 job openings are expected each year due to growth, retirements, and workers leaving the field. Do you need a college degree to work as a legal secretary? No. A college degree is not required to work as a legal secretary. Most people enter the field through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational prerequisite. Which states pay legal secretaries the most? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 OEWS), the highest-paying states for legal secretaries are District of Columbia, New York, and Connecticut. Median annual wages: District of Columbia ($99,280); New York ($72,230); Connecticut ($66,220). Which states employ the most legal secretaries? BLS reports the largest concentrations of legal secretaries in California, Texas, and Florida. Employment levels: California (27,470 workers); Texas (13,380 workers); Florida (10,920 workers) (May 2025). How much do experienced legal secretaries earn? The top 10% of legal secretaries earn more than $91,730 per year, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Experienced workers in this band typically hold senior credentials, supervisory roles, or specialty certifications. What is entry-level pay for legal secretaries? BLS reports the bottom 10% of legal secretaries earn under $36,500 per year. New workers often start near this level and see pay rise as they accumulate experience and credentials. How many legal secretaries work in the United States? BLS reports approximately 156,280 legal secretaries employed nationwide as of May 2025. How many job openings are expected for legal secretaries each year? BLS projects approximately 19,600 openings per year for legal secretaries from 2024 through 2034, including new positions, retirements, and workers transitioning out. The occupation is projected to grow -5.8% from 2024 to 2034, classified as in decline growth. How much do legal secretaries make per hour? The median hourly wage for legal secretaries is $26.72, according to BLS (May 2025). Hourly pay ranges from about $17.55 (bottom 10%) to $44.10 (top 10%). How Legal Secretary Pay Compares to Similar Trades Side-by-side comparison of Paralegal and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections). Career Median Pay 10-Year Growth Annual Openings Paralegal this guide $55,570 -5.8% 19,600 Paralegal $62,890 +0.2% 39,300 Digital Court Reporter $72,420 -0.3% 1,700 Medical Office Administration $45,930 +4.2% 85,900 Bookkeeper $50,670 -5.8% 170,000 Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections. Related Careers ParalegalDigital Court ReporterMedical Office AdministrationBookkeeper Sources U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026) Legal Secretary Salary by State BLS OEWS, May 2025 Filter states State Median annual Top 10% annual Montana N/A N/A District of Columbia $99,280 $123,060 New York $72,230 $107,780 California $62,860 $106,580 Colorado $59,490 $103,200 Massachusetts $62,120 $100,430 Illinois $52,790 $99,470 Oregon $59,610 $95,260 Connecticut $66,220 $93,930 Washington $58,360 $93,600 Rhode Island $63,020 $93,560 Minnesota $63,180 $93,290 Delaware $66,130 $91,310 Virginia $55,320 $89,320 New Jersey $63,080 $89,010 Maryland $61,440 $84,390 Alaska $61,280 $83,210 Texas $45,940 $82,680 Florida $48,510 $81,340 New Hampshire $51,830 $81,060 Utah $52,860 $80,510 Michigan $56,870 $78,510 Arizona $55,120 $78,470 Louisiana $48,050 $77,920 Indiana $47,740 $77,450 Pennsylvania $51,430 $77,420 Missouri $38,560 $76,640 Ohio $51,080 $76,410 Wisconsin $55,410 $75,860 Nevada $56,470 $75,630 Hawaii $49,460 $75,080 Georgia $48,460 $72,030 New Mexico $57,800 $71,800 North Carolina $43,720 $71,640 Tennessee $45,340 $71,330 North Dakota $53,540 $68,510 South Carolina $52,840 $67,740 Alabama $45,950 $67,340 Nebraska $45,800 $64,860 Iowa $46,590 $64,330 Mississippi $45,140 $63,160 Maine $48,040 $63,120 Vermont $49,090 $62,920 Kentucky $39,300 $61,500 Oklahoma $45,950 $60,800 West Virginia $46,960 $60,590 Idaho $41,880 $60,400 Wyoming $46,960 $59,720 South Dakota $47,790 $58,300 Arkansas $41,410 $58,060 Kansas $36,620 $56,380 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.