How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- training with a professional body
College
You could take a course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed to get a role as a trainee legal secretary. Courses include:
- law
- law and legal work
- T Level in Legal Services
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with a legal firm.
This takes around 2 years to complete and combines on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as an admin assistant with a legal services company, then apply for a trainee position as a legal secretary.
For trainee roles, you'll need:
- a good standard of spoken and written English
- to be well organised
- excellent IT skills, especially word processing
Other Routes
You could complete a qualification, like the Legal Secretaries Diploma, through a professional body, such as The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs.
Alternatively, you might do the Foundation Stage of the CILEx Professional Qualification.
These qualifications are aimed at people who are working in a legal setting, as well as those looking for a career change into law.
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Career tips
Some employers will look for typing speeds of 50 words a minute or higher.
All employers will value accuracy and you may be tested on this as part of an interview task.
Further information
You can learn more about a career as a legal secretary from The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs.