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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have any legal concerns we suggest you consult a solicitor.

Legal matters

Advice needed on becoming a legal secretary?

14 replies

taylorsweet · 11/06/2011 20:28

Hi All,

I need some advice from all of you out there in the legal profession. I have been thinking of working as a legal secretary and was wondering if anyone can give me any tips on how to enter the profession. I have a degree in Criminal justice and English Literature and have worked as a volunteer in Blackfriars Crown Court. I was a project worker...working with families of offenders. I don't have any secretarial skills and I need to learn to touch type!!!! Should I embark on one of those legal secretarial courses online (ILEX) or should i just find a junior role in a legal firm and train from there? I would appreciate any tips and advice from the more experienced out there! thanks in advance and apologies for the long post

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virgiltracey · 11/06/2011 20:32

Hi

Why do you want to be a legal secretary? A legal secretary types and files and makes appointments and does things like expenses forms etc for a group of solicitors. If you are interested in the law and have a degree I would have thought you'd be better looking at paralegal work or training to become a legal executive (ILEX). I can't imagine any law firm will take you on as a legal secretary without being able to type.

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taylorsweet · 11/06/2011 20:43

hi,

well I have thought about studying to become a legal executive but I have had a bankruptcy in the past (am discharged now) and I think I can't be a legal executive if I have been bankrupt!!!! I am not sure if that is true but have read it on the internet. I am learning to touch type now and with practice I think I would improve! But yes I do have an interest in law so maybe I should enquire a bit more! thanks

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K999 · 11/06/2011 20:47

If you have a degree in Criminal Justice I would approach the MoJ to see if they have any vacancies. Or approach the PDS. I would aim higher than a legal secretary tbh (and that's not putting down legal secretaries as I used to be one!)

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taylorsweet · 11/06/2011 20:58

hi,

well my degree is a mixture of English language, Crime, Justice, Welfare and Society! Where should I enquire about whether a bankruptcy in the past would stop me from becoming a legal executive? k999 are you a solicitor?

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taylorsweet · 11/06/2011 21:00

excuse my ignorance but what do you mean by PDS?

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virgiltracey · 11/06/2011 21:00

I don't know whether bankruptcy would prevent you from being a legal exec but I wouldn't have thought so.

legal jobs aren't particularly easy to come by though.

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virgiltracey · 11/06/2011 21:05

actually just from googling it seems it would impact on you becoming a solicitor and so may well prevent you from being a legal exec.

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taylorsweet · 11/06/2011 21:05

well nowadays it's hard to get into any job but I know what you mean Virgiltracey ! I work as a call centre agent at present as I could't find anything else and I needed to earn money but now I am so bored with it! I have to move on and do something better as a career! hmmm

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K999 · 11/06/2011 21:06

Public Defender Service. They make take on paralegals ( I'm in Scotland so not sure if legal executives are the equivalent?) When I was studying for my law degree I worked part time as a paralegal. It was brilliant experience.

Your qualification may also be suited to social work specialising in criminal justice. If I were you I would go and see a careers advisor.

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mumoverseas · 13/06/2011 09:09

Why don't you contact ILEX and ask. I know there are some limitations but depending on how long ago you were bankrupt you might be ok.

A friend of mine did the ILEX legal secretary course and found it really good. She did it whilst living abroad due to her DH's work and is now returning to the UK and will hopefully get a job as a legal secretary.

If ILEX isn't an option, paralegal may be the way to go. Have you looked into working for the CPS?

Good luck

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mumblechum1 · 13/06/2011 10:00

I'm a legal exec and every year when I renew my membership I have to certify that I haven't been made bankrupt, had any complaints against me etc etc.

So I think it may be a bar, but there must be some sort of time limit on that. I'd contact Ilex for advice if I were you.

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Snowme · 25/02/2013 09:33

Bump
for more up to date views.

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MOSagain · 25/02/2013 15:37

agree with Mumblechum, I have to declare every year as well. It might well be that once discharged for 'x' years you might be ok. Phone ILEX and find out, best way. 01234 841000 or email [email protected]