by Natalie Peeterse
npeeterse@armystudyguide.com
Army Study Guide Columnist Without competent legal secretaries, our legal system would probably collapse.
Legal secretaries
manage important documents and also prepare legal papers like summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. Legal secretaries also assist with important research and review legal journals. Without this administrative support—things would be a mess.
Legal Secretaries Earn Good WagesThe Bureau of Labor Statistics states that there were more than 4 million
administrative assistant jobs
in the United States in 2004. Administrative assistant positions specializing in law were at about 272,000. In order to compete for one of these specialized positions, you need to combine the discipline and work ethic you honed in the service with an education. You could earn anywhere from $28,000 to $52,000 in this field. General experience in the legal field is required—as well as a stable work history and, most often,
a paralegal degree. Computer skills, like a familiarity with MS Office, are also needed.
Online Education Makes Sense for SoldiersStudying to become a legal secretary is a very practical option if you are still in the service, but are preparing for a stable career after you leave. There are many online options out there so that no matter where you are stationed, you can begin taking classes now (and don’t forget your tuition benefits through the Army Tuition Assistance Program). You can also
earn up to 100 Army Promotion Points for civilian education, so you can advance both your Army and post-Army career at the same time.
If you are interested in preparing for a stable and highly specialized career, begin educating yourself today.
SourcesBureau of Labor StatisticsMonster.comAbout the AuthorNatalie Peeterse lives in Washington, D.C. She is a freelance writer and teaches on-line courses to soldiers.
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