How to Become a Legal Secretary

Updated October 28, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

Organized, reliable, and fascinated by the legal system?
A career as a legal secretary combines administrative expertise with legal knowledge — the backbone of any successful law office.

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.

Median Pay $54,140 $26.03/hr Top 10%: $87,660
Job Outlook (2024–2034) -5.8% 19,600 openings/yr
Employment (2024) 154,540
🏁Wage Percentiles
25th $42,720 75th $72,090
🎓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 Columbia New York Delaware
🏢Top Industries
Cross-industry
✅Certification
Optional but recommended (NALS ALP/CLP)
Data Year: 2024 SOC: 43-6012 Source: BLS OEWS

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 correspondence
  • Manage calendars and schedule hearings or meetings
  • Maintain organized case files and records
  • File court documents electronically (e-filing)
  • Communicate with clients, witnesses, and court officials
  • Assist 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 skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Organization and multitasking under deadlines
  • Familiarity with legal terminology and procedures
  • Professional demeanor and confidentiality
  • Comfort with legal software (Clio, MyCase, etc.)

Common Work Settings

  • Private law firms (civil, criminal, or corporate)
  • Government and court offices
  • Corporate legal departments
  • Real estate and title companies
  • Nonprofit legal advocacy organizations

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Start by focusing on English, business, and computer skills to prepare for legal office work.

Enroll in a certificate or associate degree program covering topics such as legal writing, document preparation, and court procedures.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Look for internships or entry-level administrative roles in legal offices to learn real-world document and case management skills.

4. Obtain Certification (Optional)

Certification enhances credibility and advancement potential:

  • Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) - NALS
  • Certified Legal Professional (CLP) - NALS

Use your skills and certification to apply for positions in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government offices.

BLS OEWS, May 2024

State Median annual Top 10% annual
District of Columbia $101,170 $122,370
California $61,320 $106,130
New York $74,400 $103,380
Illinois $58,070 $100,370
Connecticut $61,440 $96,020
Colorado $56,560 $95,960
Massachusetts $61,440 $95,720
Alaska $59,600 $84,660
Minnesota $61,300 $84,040
New Jersey $60,400 $83,990
Delaware $63,740 $83,100
Georgia $51,000 $83,010
Rhode Island $61,970 $82,720
Maryland $63,110 $82,580
Washington $59,680 $81,990
Florida $53,790 $81,940
New Hampshire $49,880 $81,410
Michigan $56,030 $80,950
Texas $49,150 $80,740
Oregon $55,590 $80,690
Arizona $47,990 $79,310
Nevada $51,540 $78,470
Hawaii $57,030 $77,190
Missouri $47,650 $77,050
Virginia $51,010 $75,660
Pennsylvania $49,330 $74,750
Indiana $47,260 $74,710
Wisconsin $48,980 $73,660
Ohio $46,710 $72,990
Louisiana $42,560 $71,830
Utah $46,050 $69,390
North Carolina $43,830 $69,100
Mississippi $43,830 $66,580
New Mexico $47,900 $66,350
North Dakota $53,460 $65,210
Nebraska $47,770 $64,290
Kentucky $38,330 $63,690
Maine $49,950 $62,490
Wyoming $42,590 $61,370
Tennessee $44,280 $61,210
Idaho $41,920 $60,960
Oklahoma $47,440 $59,310
West Virginia $46,940 $58,720
South Dakota $46,020 $58,670
Alabama $46,390 $58,390
Vermont $47,050 $57,880
Montana $43,230 $57,660
South Carolina $39,670 $55,450
Kansas $41,640 $55,350
Arkansas $39,400 $48,450
Iowa N/A N/A

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.

💡 Legal secretaries with experience in litigation or corporate law tend to earn higher salaries.

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

Legal secretaries can grow into higher-paying or more specialized roles such as:

  • Paralegal or Legal Assistant
  • Office Manager or Executive Assistant
  • Court Clerk or Legal Administrator
  • Compliance Specialist

Many experienced legal secretaries pursue additional education to transition into paralegal or compliance careers.

Cost and Duration of Training

  • Program Cost: $3,000–$10,000 depending on school and credential
  • Duration: 6 months to 2 years
  • Certification Exam: NALS fees range from $150–$275

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • Fast training and quick entry into the workforce
  • Stable demand in legal and corporate sectors
  • Strong foundation for legal career advancement
  • Predictable office environment

⚠️ Cons

  • Repetitive administrative tasks
  • Strict deadlines and detailed accuracy required
  • Limited upward mobility without further education

Becoming 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

Legal Secretary Salary by State

BLS OEWS, May 2024

State Median annual Top 10% annual
District of Columbia $101,170 $122,370
California $61,320 $106,130
New York $74,400 $103,380
Illinois $58,070 $100,370
Connecticut $61,440 $96,020
Colorado $56,560 $95,960
Massachusetts $61,440 $95,720
Alaska $59,600 $84,660
Minnesota $61,300 $84,040
New Jersey $60,400 $83,990
Delaware $63,740 $83,100
Georgia $51,000 $83,010
Rhode Island $61,970 $82,720
Maryland $63,110 $82,580
Washington $59,680 $81,990
Florida $53,790 $81,940
New Hampshire $49,880 $81,410
Michigan $56,030 $80,950
Texas $49,150 $80,740
Oregon $55,590 $80,690
Arizona $47,990 $79,310
Nevada $51,540 $78,470
Hawaii $57,030 $77,190
Missouri $47,650 $77,050
Virginia $51,010 $75,660
Pennsylvania $49,330 $74,750
Indiana $47,260 $74,710
Wisconsin $48,980 $73,660
Ohio $46,710 $72,990
Louisiana $42,560 $71,830
Utah $46,050 $69,390
North Carolina $43,830 $69,100
Mississippi $43,830 $66,580
New Mexico $47,900 $66,350
North Dakota $53,460 $65,210
Nebraska $47,770 $64,290
Kentucky $38,330 $63,690
Maine $49,950 $62,490
Wyoming $42,590 $61,370
Tennessee $44,280 $61,210
Idaho $41,920 $60,960
Oklahoma $47,440 $59,310
West Virginia $46,940 $58,720
South Dakota $46,020 $58,670
Alabama $46,390 $58,390
Vermont $47,050 $57,880
Montana $43,230 $57,660
South Carolina $39,670 $55,450
Kansas $41,640 $55,350
Arkansas $39,400 $48,450
Iowa N/A N/A

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.

Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

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