120-Legal secretaries

Job Title: 

Legal secretaries

Job Description: 

Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. Use legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Undertake secretarial duties. May also assist with legal research.

Summary: 

Legal secretaries apply specialized knowledge of legal terminology and procedures in providing support to legal professionals with communication, documentation and internal managerial coordination activities, in law offices, legal departments of large firms and governments. They design and format, proofread and assist in interpreting legal documents, attend meetings and implement related actions. They also organize and coordinate office support services, monitor and control resources and oversee spending including supervising or performing related clerical and administrative duties related to legal work. They may undertake research and assist in writing reports as required.

Tasks: 

Job activities and tasks include:

  • preparing and processing legal documents and papers, such as deeds, wills, affidavits and briefs
  • reviewing and proofreading documents and correspondence to ensure compliance with legal procedures
  • mailing, faxing, or arranging for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials
  • organizing and maintaining documents, case files and law libraries
  • screening requests for meetings, scheduling and organizing meetings
  • assisting in the preparation of budgets, monitoring of expenditures, drafting of contracts and purchasing or acquisition orders
  • supervising the work of office support workers
Knowledge: 

Specialist knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in field of work and/or discipline

  • Higher knowledge of analyzing, planning, organizing and establishing policies, strategies, projections and/or conditions in the field of work and/or discipline
  • Broad knowledge of research principles and methods
  • Broad knowledge of high level governance of systems, processes and procedures including legislative, regulatory, standards, codes and conventions
  • Knowledge of recent developments in the field of work and/or discipline
  • Knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in management, economics, finance, statistics and fiscal disciplines related to the field of work
  • Knowledge of political, government, legislative and regulatory systems related to the field of work
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, standards codes and conventions of the UAE and specific Emirates related to the field of work and/or discipline and more general subjects including OHSE and cultural understanding and awareness
  • Knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in sensitively responding to and observing complex ethical issues
  • Effect information technology, management information systems, management techniques and tools for optimal field of work performance
  • Skills in research, analysis, consultation and synthesis of information to evaluate policies, strategies, projections and/or conditions and develop suggestions and/or relevant options
  • Manage broad level relationships and coordinate related activities of respective stakeholders
  • Broad skills and experience in policy analysis, formulation and research, in a sensitive and confidential environment
  • Produce concepts and convey suggestions from the spectrum of development experience
  • Negotiation cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills
  • Use of information, tools, resources to support complex work achievement
  • Work sensitively and effectively in a multi-cultural environment
  • Work with others to develop solutions to complex problems
  • Communicate with effect, and proven record of developing and maintaining active partnerships across an organization and with diverse external clients and other key stakeholders
  • Developed higher oral and written communication, interpersonal and representational skills, and a proven ability to use these skills to prepare and present clear, concise, high quality advice
  • Well developed leadership and effective organizational skills, with capacity to organize and sustain improvements within a team environment, as well as the ability to work flexibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
  • Personal drive and integrity, the ability to self-manage and the capacity to identify and control risks associated with change, as well comply with ethical standards
  • Achieving results within tight timelines, and capacity to implement new policy directions
  • Highly developed organizational skills, including the ability to organize priorities and meet tight deadlines
    • Work Context: 

    Legal secretaries work in law offices, corporations or wherever attorneys may be employed. Usually work in offices with regular hours. They may travel to other branches and firms, or to attend conferences, meetings and training courses. Conditions may become stressful during periods of heavy workloads related to supporting legal staff, witnesses and documentation delivery for court proceedings and court deadlines.

    Education: 

    Diploma in legal administration, higher qualification or equivalent.

    Required Work Experience: 

    2 - 3 years and above

    Probable Employers: 

    Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Department of Transportation, Department of Economic Development, Dubai Courts, law firms

    Occupational Size: 
    Less than 5,000
    Expected Earnings: 

    Above the industry average

    Projected Growth: 
    Very good
    Alternate Titles: 

    Examples of job titles:Legal secretary - Legal practice manager
    Examples of some related occupations:
    Legal assistant - Para-legal officer - Magistrate assistant - Confidential secretary - Judicial administrative assistant - Legal administrative secretary - Litigation assistant - Secretary

    UAE Industry Groups: 
    Business, administration, tourism, retail and leisure service
    International Careers(ISCO): 
    Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
    Source Of Info: 
    Occupations and Careers Handbook for UAE Nationals(Copyright NQA ). Referenced from New York University, Abu Dhabhi