FAQ
Legal Secretary FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a legal secretary.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a legal secretary: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about legal secretaries
Do legal secretaries need a degree?
No, though certificates help.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline.
Can it lead to paralegal work?
Yes, often.
How much does a legal secretary make?
The median annual wage for legal secretaries was $55,570 ($26.72 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,500 and the highest 10% earned more than $91,730.
How long does it take to become a legal secretary?
Most people need about Several months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical; legal secretary certificates help.
Do you need a degree to be a legal secretary?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is legal secretary a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -5.2% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 18,100 openings each year. Upsides include professional environment; a common challenge is that declining employment.
What skills does a legal secretary need?
Key technical skills include legal document formatting, court e-filing, docketing, and legal terminology. Employers also value accuracy, discretion, and organization.
What certifications are available for legal secretaries?
Common credentials include ALS, PLS, Legal secretary certificate, and Microsoft Office Specialist. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Legal Secretary fit quiz, compare with Paralegal, or explore Legal Secretary training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-6012 (Legal secretaries and administrative assistants).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Legal secretaries and administrative assistants (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.