In addition, they operate office equipment like facsimile machines, photocopiers, and telephones with voice mail capabilities. In automated offices, legal secretaries increasingly use personal computers to run spreadsheet, word processing, data base management, and law-related software packages. With experience, some legal secretaries may handle more complex responsibilities like conducting research, preparing statistical reports, training employees, and supervising other clerical staff. Legal secretaries must be proficient in keyboarding and competent in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and oral communication. Most employers now require knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs.
Shorthand is necessary for some positions.
Employers also look for communication and interpersonal skills, because secretaries must be tactful in their dealings with many different people. Discretion, judgment, organizational ability, and initiative are important for higher level positions. Legal secretaries must be adaptable, versatile, and be willing to learn to utilize updated software packages and operate new office equipment. Plus General Education and other requirements for the Associate degree.