Log In
Log In to Save
Sign Up to Save
Sign Up to Dismiss
The email and password you specified are invalid. Please, try again.
Email and password are mandatory
Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Sign Up
reset password
Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password.
Where do you want to work?
Mostly Sitting
Repetitive
Stressful
$54,513
Average Salary
Show More
Show Less
High school graduates who have experience using computer software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets, usually qualify for entry-level positions. Although most secretaries learn their job in several weeks, many legal and medical secretaries require additional training to learn industry-specific terminology. Executive secretaries usually need several years of related work experience.
EducationHigh school graduates can take courses in word processing and office procedures at technical schools or community colleges. Some temporary placement agencies also provide training in word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
Some medical and legal secretaries learn industry-specific terminology and practices by attending courses offered at community colleges or technical schools. For executive secretary positions, employers increasingly prefer to hire those who have taken some college courses or have a bachelor’s degree.
TrainingSecretaries and administrative assistants typically learn their skills through short-term on-the-job training, usually lasting a few weeks. During this time they learn about administrative procedures, including how to prepare documents. Medical and legal secretaries’ training may last several months as they learn industry-specific terminology and practices.
Work Experience in a Related OccupationExecutive secretaries can gain experience by working in administrative positions that have less challenging responsibilities. Many secretaries and administrative assistants advance to higher level administrative positions.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsAlthough not required, certification can demonstrate competency to employers.
The International Association of Administrative Professionals offers the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 to 4 years of administrative work experience, depending on their level of education, and pass an examination.
Legal secretaries have several certification options. For example, those with 1 year of general office experience, or who have completed an approved training course, can acquire the Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) certification through a testing process administered by NALS (previously known as National Association of Legal Secretaries). NALS also offers the Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) certification, considered to be an advanced certification for legal support professionals.
The Certified Legal Secretary Specialist (CLSS) certification is conferred by Legal Secretaries International in areas such as intellectual property, criminal law, civil litigation, probate, and business law. Candidates typically need to have 5 years of legal experience and pass an examination to become certified.
AdvancementSecretaries and administrative assistants generally advance to other administrative positions with more responsibilities, such as office supervisor, office manager, or executive secretary.
With additional training, many legal secretaries become paralegals or legal assistants.
Important QualitiesIntegrity. Many secretaries and administrative assistants are trusted to handle sensitive information. For example, medical secretaries collect patient data that is required, by law, to be kept confidential in order to protect patient privacy.
Interpersonal skills. Secretaries and administrative assistants interact with clients, customers, or staff. They should communicate effectively and be courteous when interacting with others to create a positive work environment and client experience.
Organizational skills. Secretaries and administrative assistants keep files, folders, and schedules in proper order so an office can run efficiently.
Writing skills. Secretaries and administrative assistants write memos and emails when communicating with managers, employees, and customers. Therefore, they must have good grammar, ensure accuracy, and maintain a professional tone.
Show More
Show Less
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Legal Administrator
Top Careers After Legal Administrator
Gender
Female
73.5%Male
25.0%Unknown
1.6%Ethnicity
White
77.9%Hispanic or Latino
11.9%Asian
7.6%Unknown
1.9%Black or African American
0.7%Languages Spoken
Spanish
50.8%Chinese
6.2%Arabic
6.2%Japanese
4.6%Mandarin
4.6%Russian
4.6%Portuguese
3.1%French
3.1%Amharic
3.1%Italian
3.1%Hawaiian
1.5%Ukrainian
1.5%German
1.5%Hindi
1.5%Tagalog
1.5%Polish
1.5%Bengali
1.5%Legal Administrator
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
University of Phoenix
18.0%George Washington University
5.7%Fordham University
5.7%University of Miami
5.7%New York University
4.9%San Francisco State University
4.9%University of Maryland - University College
4.9%Boston University
4.9%Arizona State University
4.1%University of Washington
4.1%University of Denver
4.1%California State University - Los Angeles
4.1%Bellevue University
4.1%Northeastern University
4.1%Grand Canyon University
4.1%University of Alabama
3.3%Central Piedmont Community College
3.3%San Diego State University
3.3%Southern Methodist University
3.3%Kaplan University
3.3%Majors
Degrees
Bachelors
31.7%Other
22.5%Masters
17.0%Doctorate
9.5%Associate
9.3%Certificate
8.1%Diploma
1.5%License
0.5%Legal Administrator
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Show More
Borowitz, Lozano & Clark, L.L.P
Placement Pros
FHC & Groton, CT FHC
GTECH CORPORATION - LEGAL DEPARTMENT
National Data Corporation
Show More
Laura Legere: Let's Put The Power Back In The Laps of We The People! December 1, 2015