Legal secretaries play a key role in law offices. They handle important paperwork, keep things organised, and assist lawyers with daily tasks. If you want to become a legal secretary, you’ll need the right training. This guide will show you how long it takes and what to expect.
How Long Does It Take To Complete Legal Secretary Courses?
The NATED Legal Secretary programme is a structured way to become a qualified legal secretary. It has three levels, and each one takes about 12 months to complete:
Once you finish these courses, you need 18 months of practical work experience. This is to ensure you gain real-world skills. After completing everything, you will receive a National Diploma in Legal Secretary.
N4 Legal Secretary Course
This is the first step in becoming a legal secretary. It takes 12 months to complete. You will learn about legal office work, basic legal terms, and how to communicate in a professional setting. These skills will help you assist lawyers and keep legal documents in order.
N5 Legal Secretary Course
The N5 course builds on what you learned in N4. It also takes 12 months. You will develop strong office management skills, learn how to work with legal clients, and gain a deeper understanding of legal procedures. This course helps you become more confident in handling legal paperwork and working in a law office.
N6 Legal Secretary Course
This is the final course before earning your diploma. It also takes 12 months to complete. You will learn advanced legal secretary skills, including managing a legal office and handling complex legal documents. This course prepares you for senior legal secretary roles with more responsibility.
In total, becoming a Legal Secretary takes about three years of study, plus 18 months of practical experience. Once completed, you’ll have the skills and qualifications to work in a legal office and build a successful career.
Where Can I Study A Legal Secretary Course?
Becoming a legal secretary is a great career choice. You’ll learn how to manage legal documents, assist lawyers, and keep a legal office running smoothly. But where should you study?
Skills Academy is the best place to learn at your own pace, get tutor support, and study from home. You’ll get everything you need to succeed in a legal office.
Why Study Legal Secretary Courses With Skills Academy?
- Study From Home
- No Matric Needed
- Helpful Tutors
- Flexible Study Plans
- Easy Payment Options
Study From Home
No need to go to a campus! You can study anywhere in South Africa. This makes it easier for students who have jobs or other responsibilities.
No Matric Needed
You don’t need Matric to start. There are open-access courses that allow anyone to study. This is great if you want to enter the legal field without a Matric certificate.
Helpful Tutors
You won’t be alone in your studies. Tutors are available to help you if you have any questions. They assist through email, phone calls, and study groups.
Flexible Study Plans
You decide how fast you study. There are no strict deadlines, so you can balance your studies with work or family life.
Easy Payment Options
You don’t have to pay everything at once. There are monthly payment plans to help you afford your studies.
What Is A Legal Secretary Course?
A legal secretary course teaches you how to work in a law office. You’ll learn about legal documents, office management, and professional communication. After finishing the course, you can work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or courts.
What Courses Are Offered In Legal Secretary?
Skills Academy offers three NATED Legal Secretary courses. Each course builds on the one before, helping you grow your skills step by step.
These courses will teach you legal office work, communication, and how to handle legal documents. You’ll start with the basics in N4 and move on to more advanced skills in N5 and N6.
| Courses | Course Description | Course Modules |
|---|---|---|
| N4 Legal Secretary Course | This is the first course. You will learn basic legal terms, office work, and how to communicate in a legal office. | Office Practice N4, Communication N4, Information Processing N4, Legal Practice N4, Mercantile Law N4 |
| N5 Legal Secretary Course | In N5, you will improve your legal writing skills, learn about office management, and work with legal clients. | Office Practice N5, Communication N5, Information Processing N5, Legal Practice N5 |
| N6 Legal Secretary Course | This is the final course. You will gain advanced legal office skills, manage legal documents, and learn about law office administration. | Office Practice N6, Communication N6, Information Processing N6, Legal Practice N6, Mercantile Law N6 |
These courses prepare you for a career in the legal field. Each level gives you new skills, so you can handle more tasks in a law office. After completing all three courses and your 18-month work experience, you will receive a National Diploma in Legal Secretary.
What Subjects Are In Legal Secretary Courses?
Each course has different subjects that teach you about the legal world. These subjects focus on legal paperwork, office work, and communication skills.
What Are Legal Secretary N4 Subjects?
The N4 Legal Secretary course introduces the basic skills you need in a legal office. Here are the subjects you will study:
- Office Practice N4
- Communication N4
- Information Processing N4
- Legal Practice N4
- Mercantile Law N4
Office Practice N4
This subject teaches you how a legal office works. You will learn about organising files, handling legal paperwork, and scheduling appointments.
Communication N4
Good communication is important in a legal office. You will learn how to write professional emails, take calls, and prepare legal documents.
Information Processing N4
This subject helps you type legal documents, use computers, and store legal information properly. It is important to be organised in a legal office.
Legal Practice N4
You will learn basic legal terms, court systems, and how legal cases work. This will help you understand the legal environment.
Mercantile Law N4
This subject introduces you to business and trade laws. You will learn about contracts, consumer rights, and how businesses operate within the law. Understanding these rules will help you work with legal documents related to businesses and trade.
What Are Legal Secretary N5 Subjects?
The N5 Legal Secretary course builds on what you learned in N4. It introduces more advanced office work and legal procedures. Here are the subjects:
- Office Practice N5
- Communication N5
- Information Processing N5
- Legal Practice N5
Office Practice N5
You will learn how to manage legal paperwork, prepare case files, and assist lawyers in handling legal matters.
Communication N5
This subject improves your legal writing, report drafting, and how to communicate in a legal environment.
Information Processing N5
You will get better at handling legal documents, working with office software, and managing client records.
Legal Practice N5
This subject focuses on contracts, legal research, and case files. It helps you understand how South African law applies to different cases.
What Are Legal Secretary N6 Subjects?
The N6 Legal Secretary course is the last step before getting your diploma. It prepares you for senior roles in a law office. These are the subjects you will study:
- Office Practice N6
- Communication N6
- Information Processing N6
- Legal Practice N6
- Mercantile Law N6
Office Practice N6
You will learn how to manage an entire legal office, organise legal meetings, and handle confidential case files.
Communication N6
This subject teaches you how to handle legal disputes, draft official legal letters, and interact with lawyers and clients.
Information Processing N6
You will become skilled in document preparation, record keeping, and working with legal databases.
Legal Practice N6
You will study legal regulations, court procedures, and South African legal systems. This will help you apply legal knowledge in real-world situations.
Mercantile Law N6
This subject focuses on business and commercial law. You will learn about company regulations, trade laws, and financial contracts. This knowledge will help you work with legal cases involving businesses and commercial transactions.
What Are The Requirements To Study A Legal Secretary Course?
Becoming a legal secretary is an exciting career choice. You’ll work with lawyers, legal documents, and office systems while keeping a legal office organised. To study this course, you need the right qualifications, skills, and tools.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Study A Legal Secretary Course?
Some legal secretary courses require Matric, but there are other ways to qualify. Skills Academy offers Matric courses for students who need to complete or improve their results.
Here are three Matric courses available:
Matric Rewrite
If you didn’t pass Matric or want higher marks, this course gives you another chance. You can rewrite your exams to improve your results. This is a great option if you want to qualify for more study or career opportunities.
Matric Upgrade
This course is for students who already have Matric but want better subject marks. You can choose new subjects or rewrite old ones to improve your overall score. This helps you qualify for more study and job options.
Adult Matric
If you never finished Matric, you can do Adult Matric. This programme is for students 21 years and older who want a Matric certificate. The exams follow the same structure as traditional Matric but are designed for adult learners.
What Skills Do You Need To Study Legal Secretary?
To succeed as a legal secretary, you need a mix of communication, organisation, and computer skills. These skills will help you manage documents, assist lawyers, and work in a legal office.
Here are seven important skills you need:
- English speaking skills
- Writing and grammar skills
- Typing speed and accuracy
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Time management
- Basic computer skills
English Speaking Skills
Legal secretaries talk to lawyers, clients, and court officials. You need to speak clearly and understand legal terms to do your job well.
Writing And Grammar Skills
Writing is a big part of this career. You will prepare letters, reports, and legal documents. Your spelling and grammar must be correct to avoid legal mistakes.
Typing Speed And Accuracy
Legal secretaries type many documents. A good legal secretary must type quickly and without mistakes to complete work efficiently.
Attention To Detail
Legal documents must be correct and well-organised. A small mistake can cause big problems. Paying close attention to detail is essential.
Organisation Skills
You will handle documents, case files, and schedules. Being organised helps you manage tasks, find files easily, and meet deadlines.
Time Management
Legal offices are fast-paced environments. You must be able to prioritise tasks and complete work on time.
Basic Computer Skills
Most legal work is done on computers. You need to use word processors, spreadsheets, and email. Learning legal software will also help you in this career.
What Tools Do You Need To Study Legal Secretary?
If you’re studying through distance learning, you need the right tools to stay organised and complete your course.
Here are seven important study tools:
- Study area
- Laptop or computer
- Internet connection
- Study materials
- Notebook and stationery
- Headphones or speakers
- Email and communication tools
Study Area
Having a quiet and organised space helps you focus. A desk, chair, and good lighting make studying easier.
Laptop Or Computer
Legal secretaries use computers every day. A laptop or desktop will help you type documents, send emails, and complete assignments.
Internet Connection
A stable internet connection lets you download course materials, submit assignments, and contact tutors.
Study Materials
You will receive study guides, textbooks, and course notes. Keeping them organised and accessible will help you complete your work.
Notebook And Stationery
Taking notes helps you remember important legal terms and procedures. A notebook, pens, and highlighters are useful for studying.
Headphones Or Speakers
If your course includes video lessons or online meetings, headphones or speakers make it easier to hear and focus.
Email And Communication Tools
Since distance learning is online, you will need email, WhatsApp, or an online student portal to stay in touch with tutors and submit assignments.
Ready to start your legal secretary studies contact skills academy today and start working towards your future!
Is Legal Secretary The Right Course For Me?
Choosing the right course is important. A legal secretary course is perfect for someone who enjoys working in an office and wants to assist in legal matters. To succeed, you need specific traits that help you stay organised, focused, and professional:
- Detail-oriented
- Good communicator
- Organised
- Able to work under pressure
- Strong typing skills
- Professional attitude
- Problem-solving skills
Detail-Oriented
Legal secretaries handle important documents that must be accurate. Small mistakes can cause big problems in legal cases. Paying attention to details ensures everything is correct.
Good Communicator
A legal secretary interacts with lawyers, clients, and court officials. You need to speak clearly, listen carefully, and write professionally. Strong communication makes legal processes run smoothly.
Organised
Law offices handle many cases at once. A legal secretary must keep track of files, schedules, and paperwork. Being organised helps you work efficiently.
Able To Work Under Pressure
Deadlines in law firms are tight. You must stay calm and focused when handling urgent tasks. Managing stress well will help you succeed.
Strong Typing Skills
Typing is a big part of this job. A legal secretary must type quickly and accurately. This helps complete legal documents, contracts, and reports on time.
Professional Attitude
Law offices require respect and professionalism. A legal secretary must be polite, confidential, and responsible when dealing with sensitive legal matters.
Problem-Solving Skills
Unexpected issues come up in law offices. A good legal secretary must think quickly, find solutions, and support the legal team when challenges arise.
How Do I Apply To Study Legal Secretary?
Applying for a legal secretary course is simple. With distance learning, you can apply online and start studying from home. Follow these steps to get started:
- Choose your course
- Check entry requirements
- Contact a course advisor
- Complete the registration form
- Submit required documents
- Choose a payment plan
- Receive your study material
Choose Your Course
Decide which legal secretary course is right for you. There are different levels, including N4, N5, and N6 courses.
Check Entry Requirements
Make sure you meet the entry requirements. Some courses require Matric, but there are other options available.
Contact A Course Advisor
Speaking to an advisor helps you understand the course details. They will guide you through the application process.
Complete The Registration Form
Fill out the application form with your personal details. Make sure everything is correct before submitting.
Submit Required Documents
Send in the documents needed for registration. This may include your ID and previous academic records.
Choose A Payment Plan
Decide on a payment option that works for you. Many courses offer affordable monthly plans.
Receive Your Study Material
Once registered, you will get your study guides and textbooks. You can now start your course and work towards your qualifications.
How Do I Pass Legal Secretary Courses?
Succeeding in a legal secretary course requires commitment and focus. With the right study habits, you can pass your exams and gain a valuable qualification.
Here are a study tips to help you succeed at legal secretary courses:
- Create a study schedule
- Stay organised
- Practice typing skills
- Improve your writing
- Understand legal terms
- Use your study materials
- Ask for help when needed
Create A Study Schedule
Plan your study time to cover all subjects. A schedule helps you stay on track and complete assignments on time.
Stay Organised
Keep your notes, textbooks, and assignments in order. A neat study space makes it easier to focus.
Practice Typing Skills
Typing speed is important for legal secretaries. Practise typing quickly and accurately to prepare for real office work.
Improve Your Writing
Legal documents must be clear and professional. Work on your grammar and spelling to write legal letters and reports correctly.
Understand Legal Terms
Law has its own language. Learning legal terms will help you understand documents and communicate effectively.
Use Your Study Materials
Textbooks and course notes are there to help you. Review them regularly to understand the course content.
Ask For Help When Needed
If you don’t understand something, reach out to your tutors. They are there to support you.
How Do Legal Secretary Exams And Certificates Work?
Becoming a legal secretary is a step-by-step process. You need to complete your coursework, write exams, and earn a recognised certificate. Understanding how exams and certificates work will help you prepare for success.
When Do I Register For Legal Secretary Exams?
Legal secretary exams take place twice a year. You must register early to make sure you can write in the exam period you want. Giving yourself enough time to study and prepare will help you do well. Here are the legal secretary exam dates:
- May/June Exam – Register between February and April
- October/November Exam – Register between August and September
May/June Exam
The first exam session is in May or June. You must register between February and April to be able to write.
October/November Exam
The second session is in October or November. If you want to write at this time, you must register between August and September.
How Do Legal Secretary Exams Work?
Legal secretary exams test your understanding of legal work, office tasks, and document handling. You will write an exam for each subject in your course. These exams are set by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Before you can write the final exam, you must complete three open-book assignments. These assignments can be done at home. Your final mark will be a mix of your assignment scores and your exam results.
How Do Legal Secretary Certificates Work?
When you pass your exams, you will receive a National Certificate for each level you complete (N4, N5, and N6). These certificates show that you have successfully finished your coursework.
To get your National Diploma in Legal Secretary, you must complete all three levels and complete 18 months of work experience. This diploma allows you to apply for legal secretary jobs in law firms, corporate offices, and government departments.
Legal secretary exams and certificates open the door to a great career. If you’re ready to start, register today and begin your journey. Contact Skills Academy to get started!
Is Legal Secretary A Good Career?
A legal secretary plays an important role in a law office. They help lawyers stay organised, prepare legal documents, and manage client communication. If you enjoy working with documents, handling office tasks, and assisting legal professionals, this could be a great career for you.
What Are The Benefits Of Being A Legal Secretary?
A career as a legal secretary offers many benefits. You get to work in a professional environment, develop new skills, and have a stable job. Many industries need legal secretaries, which means there are plenty of opportunities. Here are some more benefits:
- Stable job
- Career growth
- Work in different industries
- Develop useful skills
- Choose a specialisation
- Good salary potential
- Learn about the legal system
Stable Job
Legal work is always needed. Law firms, businesses, and government offices hire legal secretaries to handle paperwork and assist lawyers. This means you can find a job in many places.
Career Growth
There are many ways to grow in this career. With experience, you can become a senior legal secretary, office manager, or even a paralegal.
Work In Different Industries
Legal secretaries do not only work in law firms. You can find jobs in corporate offices, government departments, and banks.
Develop Useful Skills
You will learn how to write legal documents, organise case files, and manage office tasks. These skills are useful in any office job.
Choose A Specialisation
Some legal secretaries work in family law, real estate, or business law. Specialising in a legal field can help you earn more and gain more job options.
Good Salary Potential
Legal secretaries earn competitive salaries, especially with experience. The more skills you gain, the more you can earn.
Learn About The Legal System
You will learn how courts work, how legal cases are handled, and how contracts are written. This knowledge can be useful in many careers.
What Can I Do With A Legal Secretary Diploma?
A Legal Secretary N6 Diploma prepares you for different jobs. You can work in law firms, corporate offices, and courts. If you want to continue studying, you can become a paralegal or legal assistant. Here are more careers you can pursue:
- Legal Secretary
- Paralegal Assistant
- Office Administrator
- Court Clerk
- Corporate Legal Assistant
- Legal Receptionist
- Personal Assistant to a Lawyer
Legal Secretary
Legal secretaries prepare legal documents, organise case files, and assist lawyers in their daily work.
Paralegal Assistant
A paralegal helps lawyers research cases, draft legal paperwork, and organise legal files.
Office Administrator
Office administrators manage the office, schedule meetings, and handle important paperwork.
Court Clerk
Court clerks work in courthouses, handling legal records and schedules.
Corporate Legal Assistant
These legal assistants help businesses manage legal contracts and compliance.
Legal Receptionist
Legal receptionists greet clients, schedule meetings, and handle calls in a law office.
Personal Assistant To A Lawyer
Personal assistants help lawyers manage their workload, set appointments, and handle important documents.
What Is A Legal Secretary?
A legal secretary works in a law office, helping lawyers with paperwork, case files, and client communication. They make sure documents are prepared correctly, meetings are scheduled, and records are well-organised. This role requires good organisation, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You do not need maths to study Legal Secretary. This course focuses on office work, legal documents, and communication skills. If you are good at reading, writing, and organising, you can do well in this career.
Legal secretaries work in many places. They are needed anywhere legal documents, contracts, or court cases are handled. Here are four common workplaces for a legal secretary:
- Law Firms
- Government Departments
- Corporate Legal Offices
- Courts
Law Firms
Many legal secretaries work in law firms. They help lawyers with case files, client documents, and office tasks. This is a great place to gain experience in legal work.
Government Departments
Government offices hire legal secretaries to prepare legal documents, process contracts, and support legal teams. This type of job offers job security and career growth.
Corporate Legal Offices
Big businesses have legal departments that handle contracts and company policies. A legal secretary in this role helps with document preparation, meeting schedules, and legal support.
Courts
Some legal secretaries work in courts. They prepare case files, organise schedules, and assist legal professionals during court cases. This job requires good organisation and attention to detail.
Yes, but it takes more study. A legal secretary would need to complete an LLB degree and then complete practical legal training to become a lawyer. Working as a legal secretary is a great way to gain experience and understand the legal field before studying further.
A legal secretary is an important part of a legal office. They help lawyers and legal teams with documents, scheduling, and office tasks. This job is all about keeping a legal office organised and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Start Your Legal Secretary Career Today
Legal secretaries have many job opportunities in law firms, corporate offices, and government departments. If you are organised and enjoy working in a legal environment, this could be the perfect career for you. Contact Skills Academy today and take the first step towards your future!
Author: Jodie Jacobs
