Is legal secretarial work really as cut-throat as they make out?
Asked by Poopsy
I'd love to try legal sec work (as the pay is good), but a lot of people say the people you have to work for in law are w*nkers! Are the people really that horrible? I feel my hopes have now been dashed.

Best Answer:
No, they're not, I am always placing legal secretaries within top law firms and none of them have ever come back to me and said that they hate it. They all love it cause its fast paced, and highly paid. You will get some people who are rude, but that comes with every job. The only thing is that you should have a legal secretarial course done, and you really have to try hard to sell yourself at interview otherwise it is very hard to get a job as a legal sec. Best of Luck.
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Answered by gary l

well from my experience some of them are really nice, chatty and quite laid back, while others are arrogant, pompous, ignorant and down right rude!! if ur thick skinned and can put up with that then go for it, if not then i suggest u go in a different direction as i was a emotional wreck by the end of my first week!! lol :o) good luck!
Answered by Kirsty

Don't let people discourage you. Yes, lawyers are wankers for themost part, but they are harmless. The wanker in them is what makes them a good lawyer. Regardless of what you do there are wankers, so why not work with wankers that pay well! The legal system is so corrupt it is ridiculous, so be prepared for some eye opening experiences, unbelievable travesties, and heartbreaking outcomes. Depending on what area of law you go into. Family law is by far the hardest - watching people divorce, and seeing the children involved. Criminal law or Criminal defense is the best, because the people you are helping actually want your help.Criminal Prosecution is also a good field, but you will make enemies - after all, the wanker you work for is putting folks behind bars. Legal Secretary is a great job with plenty of flexibility and a good paycheck. If it is something you want to do - then go for it. It will pay off in the long run!
Answered by Basil M

I done legal secretary work several years ago and all of what you say is right exept the wages are no different than general secretary, obviously you have secretarial experience and qualifications and you know how enjoyable working in an office can be - not legal work, its sit down work till you finish with breaks at designated times.
Answered by jackie m

I have a B.A. in Criminal Justice and have been doing it for over 3 1/2 years working in both criminal and civil practice and if you don't mind doing all the work and not making the big bucks like the attorneys you work for than by all means go for it. I didn't go to college to be a secretary I'm hoping to get into probation soon because I can't stand doing this desk job forever.
Answered by Izzy

As a lawyer I can tell you that most lawyers are type A personalities -- when you go to court you must be. We want things done right and sometimes when we have a deadline pressing down on us, we all can be short with out secretaries. However the majority of lawyers value their secretary because without her/him we would be late for appointments, disorganized and up all night typing our own briefs. Prior to being an attorney I worked at several large companies I can tell you that many corporate executives are really horrible. I have been called f**n b**ch in front of co-workers, had things thrown at me, and been inappropriately touched by corporate managers. Bottom line is that there are bad/horrid bosses everywhere, they are not limited to one profession. If you are unfortunate enough to get one, find another job.
Answered by CatLaw

i worked as a legal secretary for many years. it depends on the company you work for i guess some are better than others but i enjoyed it very much and the company i worked for were very good.
Answered by Bren

I think if you just do your best you'll be allright. There is so much employment law protection for staff, lawyers are always wary of upsetting people as they work, and will even do things themselves if it needs themselves to do it! Good thing to. Shows a bit of initiative and responsibility. Mainly legal seccies do document typing and amending, and also take calls and do diary management. I think the lawyers would want to get on with the law and the content of what documents say, so it should be quite straightforward.
Answered by Worked