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Not Just a Legal Secretary
As the advancement of technology progresses, the role of the legal secretary changes. In years past, being a secretary (legal or otherwise) was considered a "job." That has changed; this is a profession.
Becoming a legal secretary is a career choice in today's world, and more and more the legal secretary realizes the importance of being in the forefront of legal procedures, terminology, communication skills, inter-personal skills (conflict resolution, time management, staff training, and supervision), and accounting skills. Legal secretaries need to know research tactics, the latest automation equipment, and what effect new technology will have on our specific careers.
The duties of a legal secretary include but, of course, are not limited to:
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Transcribing dictation, including correspondence, legal pleadings, and documents
Incorporating dictation into standard office or legal forms
Calendaring office appointments and court hearings
Preparing and using tickler systems for numerous procedural steps required in various legal actions and procedures
Setting up and maintaining office filing systems
Telephone and personal contact with clients, court personnel, other law offices, banks, title companies, governmental agencies, and the general public
Maintaining office and/or attorney checkbooks
Maintaining client accounting records when applicable
Obtaining and maintaining office supplies as needed
Familiarity with court rules, including local rules and statutes applicable to work product
Filing or arranging for filing of court pleadings
Arranging for service of pleadings and follow up on return of service
Arranging depositions, including contacting clients, court reporters, other attorneys, and interested parties
Maintaining law library
Billing clients, including follow up and rebilling unpaid statements
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- Code of Ethics
- It shall be the duty of each member of Legal Secretaries, Incorporated to observe all laws, rules and regulations now or hereafter in effect relating to confidentiality and privileged communication, acting with loyalty, integrity, competence and diplomacy in accordance with the highest standards of professional conduct.
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