Today's legal administrative assistants need
to be knowledgeable about legal issues and office tasks, but they also
need extensive training in office software programs for desktop
publishing, spreadsheets, word processing, visual presentations and
database management. Online associate's degree programs in legal office
technology are available to train students for the legal, administrative
and technical aspects of legal office administration.
Online Associate in Applied Science in Legal Office Technology Overview
An online Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Legal Office
Technology program generally includes standard office administration
courses, which include business communication, management and
accounting. Students also complete classes related specifically to legal
office administration. Prospective students looking for A.A.S. programs
in legal office technology should also search for programs in office
technology which offer a legal concentration.
Most of the coursework is completely online, although some schools
may require occasional on-campus visits. Coursework is generally
delivered via an online learning management system, which allows
students to download course materials and participate in threaded group
discussions. Depending on the class, students either log in at a
designated time or on their own schedule, but there is generally a
deadline for assignments and exams.
Students should have access to a computer with multimedia
capabilities, e-mail and a fast Internet connection in order to
participate in the online lessons. A recent operating system and Web
browser is generally recommended. Certain courses may have additional
technical requirements.
List of Common Legal Office Technology Courses
The curricula for online A.A.S. degrees combine general education
core credits with legal office topics. Courses also cover general
administrative and technological areas.
Computer Technology Course
This class presents an overview of hardware components, software,
connectors and network gear that are typically used in offices. Students
discuss basic troubleshooting procedures.
Business Communications Course
Students learn the fundamentals of writing and formatting various
business documents, including letters, e-mail, news releases, memos and
instructions. Other topics include research techniques and document
analysis.
Law Office Procedures Course
Students learn how to handle basic administrative duties in a legal
office. Office support issues are discussed from an organizational,
technological and social focus.
Legal Document Preparation Course
This course teaches students how to edit and proofread legal
documents. The use of technology for document customization is also
discussed.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for
administrative assistants, including legal administrative assistants,
are expected to grow 11% from 2008-2018, keeping pace with the national
average (
www.bls.gov). The median annual wage for legal administrative assistants in 2009 was $41,080.
Legal administrative assistants can apply to the National Association
of Legal Secretaries and pass proficiency tests to earn the basic
Accredited Legal Secretary (ALS) or the advanced Professional Legal
Secretary (PLS) certifications (
www.nals.org). Legal Secretaries
International provides exams for experienced legal secretaries to earn
the Certified Legal Secretary Specialist (CLSS) designation in several
legal specialties (
www.legalsecretaries.org).
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