Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Legal Secretary
What legal secretaries actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a legal secretary?
Check the court calendar. From there, the day usually includes prepare legal documents, e-file court papers, and manage deadlines. Full time, with longer hours before trials and filing deadlines.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a legal secretary working full time.
- Check the court calendar.
- Format a motion.
- E-file with the court.
- Schedule a deposition.
- Prepare exhibits.
- Answer client calls.
- Enter billable time.
Where legal secretaries work
Legal secretaries work in law firms, corporate legal departments and government offices.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with longer hours before trials and filing deadlines.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Prepare legal documents
- E-file court papers
- Manage deadlines
- Schedule depositions and hearings
- Organize case files
- Handle client calls
- Track billing
Tools you’ll use every day
- Microsoft Word
- Court e-filing systems
- Docketing software
- Practice management software
- Billing software
- PDF tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Professional environment
- No degree needed
- Good pay for admin work
- Path to paralegal
What’s hard
- Declining employment
- Deadline pressure
- Demanding attorneys
- Detail-heavy
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m very organized
- I type fast and accurately
- I keep things confidential
- I handle deadlines well
- I like a professional setting
- I want a path to paralegal
Not sure? Take the free Legal Secretary fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect client confidentiality
- Follow privilege rules
- Secure documents
- Use ergonomic setups