A legal secretary helps lawyers by handling important office work. They type documents, organise files, and keep things running smoothly. This career is a great choice because there are many job opportunities, good salaries, and ways to grow in the legal field. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know, including job demand, where to study, why this career is a great choice, the courses available, the requirements, and how long it takes to qualify.
Why is a Legal Secretary a Good Career?
A legal secretary job is a smart choice if you like being organised, working in an office, and learning about the law. It offers good job security and career growth. Here are six reasons why this is a great career:
- There are plenty of jobs available
- You can work in different places
- The salary and benefits are good
- You can grow in your career
- You learn skills that can be used anywhere
- The job is interesting and rewarding
There Are Plenty of Jobs Available
Legal secretaries are needed in law firms, government offices, banks, and big companies. The legal industry is always growing, so there are always jobs for people with the right skills. If you study this course, you will have a good chance of finding work.
You Can Work in Different Places
This job is not just for law firms. You can work in many industries like real estate, corporate offices, or even courts. This gives you options to find a workplace that suits you best.
The Salary and Benefits Are Good
Legal secretaries earn a decent salary, and with experience, they can earn even more. Many jobs also offer extra benefits like medical aid, pension funds, and paid holidays. This makes it a secure career choice.
You Can Grow in Your Career
Starting as a legal secretary can lead to better positions like office manager or paralegal. If you take more courses, you can specialise in different areas of law and earn more money. You can check out some legal courses to build your skills.
You Learn Skills That Can Be Used Anywhere
In this job, you will learn how to type legal documents, do research, and handle clients. These skills can help you in other office jobs too, making you valuable in different workplaces. Office administration courses can also help if you want to expand your career options.
The Job Is Interesting and Rewarding
Legal secretaries play an important role in legal work. They help lawyers prepare cases and organise information. This makes the job exciting because you get to be part of important cases that affect people’s lives. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, this career might be the right fit for you.
Where Can I Obtain a Legal Secretary Qualification?
Getting a legal secretary qualification is a great step towards a successful career in the legal field. Studying through distance learning gives you flexibility, allowing you to work while studying. Skills Academy offers quality distance learning courses to help you qualify and start your career.
Why Choose Distance Learning with Skills Academy?
Distance learning makes it possible to study from anywhere while managing other responsibilities. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:
- Flexible study schedule
- Study from anywhere in South Africa
- Affordable fees with payment plans
- No strict study deadlines
- Course material delivered to your door
- Access to academic support when you need it
Flexible Study Schedule
With distance learning, you can study at your own pace. Whether you have a job or family commitments, you can plan your studies around your daily routine.
Study from Anywhere in South Africa
No need to travel to a campus! You can study from home, work, or anywhere with a stable internet connection. This makes learning more convenient.
Affordable Fees with Payment Plans
Education should be within reach. Skills Academy offers affordable courses with flexible payment options, helping students manage their education costs.
No Strict Study Deadlines
Unlike traditional colleges, distance learning does not force you to stick to a fixed timetable. You can complete assignments when you are ready, giving you full control over your progress.
Course Material Delivered to Your Door
Everything you need is sent directly to you. There’s no need to buy expensive textbooks or spend time searching for study guides. Your materials are included in your course.
Access to Academic Support When You Need It
Even though you are studying from home, you are never alone. Academic support is available to assist you with coursework, study tips, and advice.
Why Should I Study Legal Secretary with Skills Academy?
Choosing the right institution is just as important as choosing the right course. Skills Academy provides quality education with great benefits. Here’s why students choose to study here:
- Accredited courses
- No matric needed for some courses
- Short courses and full qualifications available
- Recognised qualifications
- Study support from start to finish
- Fast and easy registration process
- Gain valuable legal and administrative skills
Accredited Courses
The legal secretary courses are recognised and accredited. Employers trust these qualifications, giving you a better chance of finding a job.
No Matric Needed for Some Courses
Not having matric does not mean you cannot study. Some legal secretary courses accept students without matric, helping more people start their careers.
Short Courses and Full Qualifications Available
Whether you want a short course to get skills quickly or a full qualification for long-term success, there are options to suit your needs.
Recognised Qualifications
A legal secretary qualification can help you find work in law firms, government offices, and businesses. It is a great way to improve your job prospects.
Study Support from Start to Finish
You will receive full study support, ensuring you understand your coursework and have help when needed.
Fast and Easy Registration Process
Getting started is simple. You do not have to wait for a new semester. You can register anytime and begin your studies right away.
Gain Valuable Legal and Administrative Skills
Legal secretary courses teach essential skills such as document preparation, legal research, and office management, making you an asset in any workplace.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Legal Secretary?
Becoming a legal secretary has many advantages. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Good job opportunities
- Work in different industries
- Competitive salaries
- Opportunity to advance in your career
- Learn transferable skills
- Work with professionals in the legal field
- Be part of important legal cases
- Gain job security in a growing field
Good Job Opportunities
Legal secretaries are in demand in many workplaces. This increases your chances of finding a stable job.
Work in Different Industries
You can work in law firms, corporate offices, government departments, or real estate companies. This gives you flexibility in your career.
Competitive Salaries
Legal secretaries earn good salaries, with the potential for increases as they gain experience. Many jobs also offer benefits like medical aid and pension plans.
Opportunity to Advance in Your Career
Starting as a legal secretary can lead to promotions. You can become a paralegal, office manager, or legal consultant.
Learn Transferable Skills
You will develop skills such as communication, time management, and problem-solving. These abilities can help you succeed in many careers.
Work with Professionals in the Legal Field
You will gain experience working with lawyers, judges, and legal advisors. This gives you insight into how the legal system operates.
Be Part of Important Legal Cases
Legal secretaries assist with preparing cases that impact businesses and individuals.
Gain Job Security in a Growing Field
The legal industry is always growing, ensuring that skilled secretaries are in demand.
Who Should Study Legal Secretary?
If you have the right skills and interests, a legal secretary course could be the perfect fit. Here are some traits that make a good legal secretary:
- Organised and detail-oriented
- Good at working under pressure
- Interested in the legal field
- Strong communication skills
- Able to multitask
- Enjoys working with documents and legal information
- Comfortable using computers and office software
- Reliable and professional
Organised and Detail-Oriented
Legal secretaries handle important paperwork. Attention to detail is key for ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Good at Working Under Pressure
Deadlines can be tight, so being able to work under pressure while staying calm is essential.
Interested in the Legal Field
If you enjoy legal topics and structured environments, this career is a great fit.
Strong Communication Skills
You will need to write emails, answer calls, and interact with clients. Good communication makes this job easier.
Able to Multitask
This role involves handling multiple tasks, from scheduling meetings to preparing legal documents.
Enjoys Working with Documents and Legal Information
A big part of the job involves legal paperwork. If you like organisation, this is the right career for you.
Comfortable Using Computers and Office Software
Most of the work is done on a computer, so knowing how to use office software is important.
Reliable and Professional
Law firms and businesses need employees they can trust. Being responsible will help you succeed.
What Are Legal Secretary Courses?
Legal secretary courses teach you the skills needed to work in law offices and legal departments. You will learn how to prepare documents, manage legal files, and handle office tasks. Skills Academy offers recognised courses that help you start your legal career.
Accredited NATED Legal Secretary Courses
| Course | What You’ll Learn | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| N4 Legal Secretary | Learn legal office procedures, typing, and communication. | QCTO |
| N5 Legal Secretary | Gain deeper knowledge of legal admin and research. | QCTO |
| N6 Legal Secretary | Prepare for high-level legal office work. | QCTO |
These courses help you build a strong foundation in legal administration. You’ll develop office skills, learn legal processes, and get ready for the workplace. Completing all three levels and gaining work experience can earn you a National Diploma in Legal Secretary.
How Does a Legal Secretary Course Work?
Legal secretary courses are divided into three levels: N4, N5, and N6. Each level takes about 12 months to complete. After finishing all three courses and 18 months of work experience, you can earn a National Diploma.
What Are the Subjects in Legal Secretary Courses?
Legal secretary courses include different subjects to help you develop the skills needed for a legal office. Here’s a breakdown of what you will study at each level:
Legal Secretary N4
Legal Secretary N5
Legal Secretary N6
Legal Secretary N4
Office Practice N4
Learn how a legal office runs. This subject covers filing, scheduling, and managing legal documents. You’ll also learn how to organise client records.
Information Processing N4
Typing and formatting legal documents is a big part of this job. This subject teaches you how to create legal contracts, letters, and case files.
Communication N4
Good communication is key in a legal office. You will learn how to write professional emails, take phone messages, and handle client questions.
Legal Practice N4
This subject introduces you to legal terms and documents. You will learn about different types of cases and how to prepare legal paperwork.
Legal Secretary N5
Office Practice N5
This builds on what you learned in N4. You will manage office records, schedule meetings, and improve your time management skills.
Information Processing N5
You’ll become faster and more accurate at typing legal documents. This includes contracts, affidavits, and court applications.
Communication N5
Strong writing skills are important in law. You will learn how to draft letters, reports, and formal legal documents.
Legal Practice N5
Legal procedures become more detailed at this level. You’ll study case law, legal research, and how to manage legal files.
Legal Secretary N6
Office Practice N6
You’ll take on more responsibilities in office management. This subject prepares you for senior roles by teaching leadership skills.
Information Processing N6
You’ll work with more complex legal documents. This includes contracts, litigation files, and court submissions.
Communication N6
Learn advanced communication techniques, including professional negotiation and legal writing. These skills help you work with lawyers and clients.
Legal Practice N6
This subject covers advanced legal administration. You’ll learn about different courts, legal ethics, and case management.
How Do I Apply to Study Legal Secretary?
Applying for a legal secretary course is simple. Skills Academy makes it easy to enrol and start learning. Follow these steps:
- Choose your course level
- Check the entry requirements
- Fill in the online application form
- Submit your documents
- Select a payment plan
- Start your studies
Choose Your Course Level
Decide if you need to start with N4, N5, or N6. If you’re new to the field, begin with N4 Legal Secretary.
Check the Entry Requirements
Some courses need matric, but some legal secretary courses allow you to study without it. Check the requirements before applying.
Fill in the Online Application Form
Go to the application page and enter your details. Make sure all information is correct.
Submit Your Documents
You may need to send a copy of your ID and previous qualifications. This helps verify your application.
Select a Payment Plan
Skills Academy offers flexible payment options. Choose the best plan for you.
Start Your Studies
Once your application is complete, you can begin learning. Your study materials will be sent to your home, and you’ll have access to academic support.
What Are the Requirements to Study Legal Secretary?
If you want to become a legal secretary, you need the right education and skills. The good news is that you don’t need a law degree! With the right training, you can work in law firms, corporate offices, and government departments. Let’s look at what you need to get started.
What Education Do I Need to Be a Legal Secretary?
To study a legal secretary course, you need a good educational background. If you don’t have matric, there are options to help you qualify. Here are three matric courses you can take at Skills Academy:
Adult Matric
If you never finished school, you can still get your matric as an adult. The Adult Matric course gives you a second chance to earn your Senior Certificate. This qualification is accepted by employers and will help you meet the requirements for a legal secretary course.
Matric Upgrade
Not happy with your matric marks? The Matric Upgrade course lets you improve your results. You can rewrite selected subjects to get better marks and meet the entry requirements for legal secretary studies.
Matric Equivalent Courses
Some courses give you the same level of qualification as matric, even if it’s not a standard matric certificate. Matric Equivalent Courses can help you study further without needing traditional matric results.
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Legal Secretary?
Being a legal secretary is more than just typing and filing papers. You need to have the right skills to do the job well. Here are the most important ones:
- English language skills
- Typing and computer literacy
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Organisational abilities
- Confidentiality and professionalism
- Legal knowledge and research skills
English Language Skills
Legal secretaries must write professional emails, reports, and legal documents. You need strong reading and writing skills to make sure everything is clear and correct.
Typing and Computer Literacy
You will spend a lot of time typing legal documents, letters, and case files. Knowing how to use office software like Microsoft Word and Excel is also important.
Attention to Detail
Small mistakes can cause big problems in legal documents. You must check your work carefully to avoid errors that could delay a case or cause legal issues.
Time Management
Law firms are busy places with tight deadlines. A good legal secretary knows how to manage their time and stay organised, even when there’s a lot to do.
Communication Skills
You will talk to clients, lawyers, and court officials. Being able to explain things clearly and handle phone calls in a professional way is an important part of the job.
Organisational Abilities
Keeping track of legal documents, court dates, and client records is a big part of the job. If you like planning and organising, you will do well as a legal secretary.
Confidentiality and Professionalism
Legal work involves private and sensitive information. You must be trustworthy and follow professional rules to keep client information safe.
Legal Knowledge and Research Skills
While you don’t need to be a lawyer, you must understand legal terms and how a law office works. You may also help with legal research to find information for cases.
How Long Does It Take to Study Legal Secretary?
Becoming a legal secretary does not take as long as studying to be a lawyer. You can complete your studies in a short time and start working in a law firm, business, or government office. The time it takes depends on the course level you choose.
How Long Does It Take to Study a Legal Secretary Course?
Legal secretary courses are divided into three levels: N4, N5, and N6. Each level takes 12 months to complete. If you finish all three courses and gain 18 months of work experience, you can qualify for a National Diploma in Legal Secretary.
Here are the legal secretary courses you can study at Skills Academy:
N4 Legal Secretary Course
This is the first step in becoming a legal secretary. It takes 12 months to complete. You will learn the basics of legal office work, typing legal documents, and professional communication.
N5 Legal Secretary Course
The N5 Legal Secretary Course builds on what you learned in N4. It also takes 12 months to complete. This level teaches you how to handle advanced legal documents, manage legal files, and assist lawyers with research.
N6 Legal Secretary Course
The N6 Legal Secretary Course is the final step. It takes 12 months to finish. You will learn high-level legal administration skills, how to prepare legal cases, and how to manage legal offices.
Once you have completed N4, N5, and N6, you need to do 18 months of practical work experience. This helps you apply what you have learned in real legal workplaces. After completing both the coursework and work experience, you can earn a National Diploma in Legal Secretary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a legal secretary can become a lawyer, but it requires further study. To qualify as a lawyer in South Africa, you need to complete an LLB degree at a recognised university. Studying a legal secretary course is a great way to gain experience in law before deciding to take the next step.
Yes, you can! Many legal secretary courses do not require Maths. If you have strong reading, writing, and organisational skills, you can do well in this course. Your ability to communicate clearly and work with legal documents is more important than Maths.
Legal secretary exams happen twice a year. You must register early to make sure you can write the exam. The registration deadlines are usually in February for the May/June exams and August for the October/November exams. Check with your course provider to confirm the exact dates.
Author: Jodie Jacobs
