How do i get to be a legal secretary?

Question

I've workied within property for 5 years now, mainly as an admin assistant, but due to the credit crunch the property market isnt a brill place to work. With work being a little quiet at the mo, I've been thinking about want I want out of my career. I would really love to be a legal secretary, not really sure how to go about it. I've done a few secretarial courses but when i've applied for the job no-one is willing to give me that chance to put my knowledge into practice. I know i could apply for a trainee legal secretary job but the pay isnt great and dont want to end up earning less than I'm on now. Any ideas?

Answer 1

You have answered that for yourself. Solicitors firms will only take you on as a trainee. Typing legal documents is a specialised job and you will need training.

To the lady below. This is the Uk things are different here.

Answer 2

You do NOT want to do this.

WARNING:   Jobs in the field of Law are drying up FAST!!!  This is NOT a good field to invest in right now.  Reasons:  There are just too many attorneys right now, very bad economy, today people think they can do their own legal work now thanks to the WWWeb, there are WAY TOO MANY law schools (this includes those that train legal support professionals such as Legal Secretaries) churning out WAY TOO MANY graduates to be supported by today's economy.  Even if you do graduate, you probably won't be able to find a job.  If you do find a job, you will discover that the law office environment is:  very political and competitive (everyone fights like cats and dogs), they will work you to death. typically law office administrators do not care about the employees' best interests - only about making more money for the partners.

Suggestion:  Go into the field of Healthcare <<< LOTS of jobs there - even with your background.

Good luck.