What does a Litigation Secretary do?
Published 4 min read
A litigation secretary is responsible for providing administrative and secretarial support to lawyers who are working on legal cases. Their duties may include preparing and filing documents, scheduling appointments, and maintaining records.
Litigation Secretary job duties include:
- Answer phones and direct calls to the appropriate party.
- Open and distribute mail.
- Maintain filing systems, both electronic and paper.
- Prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, and discovery documents.
- Handle scheduling and calendar management for attorneys.
- Make travel arrangements as needed.
- Assist with trial preparation, including organizing exhibits and witness materials.
- Manage client billing and invoicing.
- Perform general office duties such as ordering supplies and maintaining equipment.
Litigation Secretary Job Requirements
Most litigation secretaries have an associate's degree, although some have a bachelor's degree. Many legal secretaries also have certification from a professional organization, such as the National Association of Legal Secretaries. Litigation secretaries typically have several years of experience working in a law firm. They must be able to type quickly and accurately and have strong computer skills. They must also be able to handle sensitive and confidential information.
Litigation Secretary Skills
- Communication
- Writing
- Organization
- Time Management
- Research
- Microsoft Office
- Client Interaction
- Court Filing
- Calendaring
- Scheduling
- Deposition Preparation
Related: Top Litigation Secretary Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Litigation Secretary
A litigation secretary is a professional who provides administrative and secretarial support to lawyers and other legal professionals in a law firm or government agency. The job requires excellent organizational skills, as well as the ability to multitask and handle a high volume of work. If you are interested in becoming a litigation secretary, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Get a degree. While you can become a litigation secretary with just a high school diploma, having a college degree will make you more competitive for jobs. Consider pursuing a degree in business administration, paralegal studies, or another field related to the legal profession.
2. Develop strong administrative skills. Litigation secretaries must be able to handle a variety of administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, preparing correspondence, and maintaining files. hone your administrative skills by taking on additional responsibilities at your current job, or through volunteering or internships.
3. Build your knowledge of the legal system. A good way to learn about the legal system is to work in a law firm or government agency. However, if that is not possible, there are many resources available online and at your local library that can help you develop a basic understanding of how the legal system works.
4. Stay up-to-date on technology. Many of the tasks that litigation secretaries perform are now done electronically. As such, it is important to be proficient in the use of computers and various software programs. Consider taking some computer classes or attending seminars on new technology trends in the legal field.
5. Be detail-oriented and able to work under pressure. Litigation secretaries must be able to pay close attention to detail and meet deadlines, even when working under pressure. If you have these qualities, highlight them when applying for jobs or during interviews
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