Career roadmap
How to Become a Legal Secretary
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a legal secretary, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a legal secretary: (1) finish high school, (2) take legal secretary courses, (3) build typing and Word skills, (4) get hired at a firm, (5) earn ALS or PLS. Most people need about Several months on the job. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a legal secretary
Finish high school
Or GED.
Take legal secretary courses
Certificate.
Build typing and Word skills
Speed.
Get hired at a firm
Entry role.
Earn ALS or PLS
Advance.
Education and training requirements
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical; legal secretary certificates help.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | Several months on the job |
Certifications and licenses
- ALS: Accredited Legal Professional (NALS).
- PLS: Professional Legal Secretary.
- Legal secretary certificate: Community college.
- Microsoft Office Specialist: Helpful.
Skills to build now
Start with legal document formatting, court e-filing, and docketing, and practice accuracy and discretion. Learning the legal secretary vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Legal Secretary: Entry.
- Senior Legal Secretary: Lead support.
- Paralegal: Legal work.
- Office Manager: Lead firm.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Legal Secretary training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do legal secretaries need a degree?
No, though certificates help.
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.
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.
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.