does anyone know about how long it would take to complete schooling as a legal secretary?
Asked by Audrey
I know its not that long. But right now I am in Houston and my husband is deployed. We are stationed in San Diego and I was wonder if I would be able to complete the program before he came back or not.

Best Answer:
Hi check around your local colleges for a "fast-track" program. that means you are in school for a shorter period but more quick program so instead of 2 yrs with breaks--it could be 10 months but you're in school Every day minus Sundays. But make sure the legal assistant class you are in is run by a school that is supported by your local paralegal foundation, I already found it for you: http://www.sdparalegals.org/ Give them a shout & ask them for a list of recommended schools--that would be the way to go. In Canada, its done a little differently BUT its run by the actual Law society (which also does lawyers) but its still the same job. So its best to stay with the one that impresses the lawyers--seeing how they are the ones that are HIRING you! Good luck
legal assistant too
Answered by belligerent assistant

The only programs I know for Legal Secretary are through community colleges. Generally it takes 2 year to get an A.A.S. degree.
Answered by Angie

You can have a BS in any major you like, or some private practice lawyers will hire any person as long as they can prove they will be able to do the work. I am a sophmore at college, Chemistry major and Pre-Law minor, and work full time at a law firm this summer. While one of the secretaries (paralegals) was on vacation, they had me do all her work. I am technically not qualified for it, but I learned so much! But anyways back to your question. You can just have high school diploma to be a secretary, but will have to have a certificate to be a paralegal (which most of the lawyers will probably be looking for). You don't clarify what kind of education you have, but my advice is try to become a certified paralegal, and you will find a job at a law firm in no time.
Answered by Neli4

I don't believe you need to have any schooling to be a legal secretary - most of it is learned on the job. If you start at a small firm as a receptionist, you can gradually work your way up to a secretary without any schooling (because most small firms try to use the receptionist as a secretary too and will train them for that job).
Answered by Star

I went to legal secretary school in San Diego in the 70's. It took 9 months to complete the course, but that particular trade school is no longer in existence. I am not sure what is available now. You could start by calling Kelsey-Jenney College. If I were you, I would even call around to some law offices and ask the secretaries where they went to school. The legal secretary field is a great choice for you. There are a lot of job openings, and it pays well. You might not complete the course before your husband gets home, but it will be worth getting the education, no matter how long the schooling takes.
Answered by Annie Oakley