This intensive program is designed for both beginning and experienced secretaries who are interested in improving their skills and working more efficiently within the law office. Students will study such topics as: legal terminology; legal process; jurisdiction and venue; ethics; written communications including letters, pleadings, discovery, notices and motions; filing procedures, billing and accounting; time management; records management; an overview of commonly used word and data processing programs; legal research; memoranda preparation, and citation format.

Session 1: During this first session students will receive an introduction to the theory of law, the legal process, and the nature of the practice of law. Discussion will include the process of law as well as the specific legal terminology. Ethics are also covered.

Session 2: This session addresses the particulars of law office management. Also, this session studies technology in the law office. Students will be exposed to actual court documents and will prepare some of these documents as part of their homework.

Session 3: The final session will be spent examining the intricacies of the law office, including office procedure manuals, billing techniques, and overall management techniques of the law office. Students will also be introduced to the basics of legal research and proper citation format. Job search strategies and placement possibilities will also be discussed.

Formats available:

• Live Lecture
• Online
• Video and Audio

• Professional certificate awarded by a college or university
• Three or Four Weekends
• 42 hours of instruction
• View the Course Syllabus
• Students will be qualified to assist attorneys, paralegals, insurance companies, private businesses and state and federal government agencies.
• This course will provide those interested in a career change with new, marketable job skills and help those already working as legal secretaries to increase efficiency and productivity in their offices.
• Schools offering the Live format - Schedule
• Financial Aid Information
• Order Books Online

• View the Course Syllabus
• Review the material as many times as necessary for full retention of the information.
• Students benefit from direct interaction with the instructor and other students by way of email and a discussion board.
• Students have 7 weeks to complete the online course.
• Students e-mail assignments and exams
• Schools offering the Online format - Schedule
• Once registered, your password and access information will be sent in time for the start of class.
• Financial Aid Information
• Order Books Online

• Students mail or fax assignments and take-home exams
• View the Course Syllabus
• Review the material as many times as necessary for full retention of the information.
• Questions can be directed to the instructor via a toll-free number.
• Twelve (12) hours of taped live lecture.
• Students have a maximum of six months to complete the Legal Secretary Certificate Course.
• Schools offering the VHS and Audio format - Schedule
• Order Books Online

The instructor of the VHS and Audio format is Scott Hatch, J.D. of The Center for Legal Studies, who has been offering law courses nationally since 1980.

• The Legal Secretary Handbook, by Scott and Lisa Hatch, ISBN# 0-9637248-4-3. This book is only available for purchase through CLS.
• Uniform System of Citation, 18th edition, by the Harvard Law Review
• Order Books Online
• Order VHS Online
• Order Audio Online

• Uniform System of Citation, 18th edition, by the Harvard Law Review
• Your State Rules of Court
• Order Books Online

• WESTLAW legal research access, only $75. Please call 1-800-522-7737 for more information. Order online
• Black's Law Dictionary, 3rd pocket edition, $32
• Order Books Online