Have you ever been to a law firm and been greeted by a person at the front desk who made you feel like you were their most important client? Did the person greet you professionally and take the time to explain what he needed to do before meeting with his attorney? Did he or she offer to help you with any questions? Most importantly, was he greeted with a warm and welcoming smile? If so, it was probably received by a legal secretary. In the legal secretarial world, attorneys look for people they know will represent their firm in a positive and professional manner.

A legal secretary makes your visit to your attorney’s office less stressful. He or she has been trained in many legal processes and can often help you with her concerns and questions. A good legal secretary is basically your employer’s “right hand” and is there to help provide you with the excellent service you deserve.

Legal secretaries are a very important part of a law firm’s team. Although a legal secretary is not fully capable of performing complicated legal functions, he or she is familiar with legal terminology and performs many other tasks for the firm. Some of the things a legal secretary does routinely are: Keeps track of the daily activities of the firm, makes appointments, writes correspondence, arranges meetings for staff and clients, organizes events, orders supplies, liaises between attorneys and clients. and performs many general office and administrative functions.

A legal secretary doesn’t have to have any specific training, but many law firms are beginning to limit their interviews to people with a legal secretarial or business-related degree. Many of today’s applicants come to a law firm fresh out of college and are willing to start their careers working as legal secretaries before moving up the ranks. This is a great way to “learn the ropes” and become intimately acquainted with the daily routine of the office. Some applicants come to a law firm after receiving their education at a vocational school. Many applicants have taken the initiative to take the state boards and become certified law clerks.