Law Office Specialist (SC)
Keep the Firm Moving Smoothly
Help lawyers prepare for their cases by writing court documents, communicating next steps with their clients, and assisting with researching cases. Law Office Specialists support lawyers on a daily basis to ensure they have what they need to help their clients and keep their cases moving.
To be a Law Office Specialist requires great attention to detail, organization with an acute sense of time management and accuracy, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and having basic word processing and legal knowledge. These are fast-paced careers that will keep you busy and give you a feeling of accomplishment at the end of each day. Use your creative problem-solving skills to take the next step toward a career in the legal field.
Careers being a Law Office Specialist
Work in a wide-range of office settings including law, insurance, real estate, and governmental offices with this versatile certificate. Here are some careers and their salaries you could have by receiving a Law Office Specialist I Skill Certificate.
Career information below taken from bls.gov February 2020. Go to bls.gov for most current career information.
Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Some college | $52,900/year | $25.43/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 10% increase (much faster than average) | 12,190 |
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | $50,520/year | $24.29/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 8% increase (faster than average) | 15,960 |
Perform clerical duties, manage and distribute information, send and receive correspondence and keep the office running smoothly.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Some college | $42,250/year | $20.31/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 6% increase (as fast as average) | 92,170 |
What You'll Learn at LASC to be a Law Office Specialist
You can get a Skill Certificate (SC) in Law Office Specialist I at LASC where you will learn how to prepare legal documents, billing, litigation, and contracts and perform legal office administrative duties appropriately:
- Learn the roles of a lawyer, law office personnel, and other parties involved in a law practice, as well as legal terminology and research problems to give you a broad overview and understanding of work in the legal field.
- Learn basic word processing and computer keyboard skills to give you a foundation for creating court documents, spreadsheets, and legal correspondence.
- Check for upcoming events, business and job fairs hosted by LASC’s School of Career and Technical Education to network with community leaders and local business owners to find potential career opportunities in business.
- Want to get a bachelor’s degree? Visit your academic counselor or the Transfer Center to find out how you can benefit from going to a four-year college or university!
Degrees Courses You Will Take
Review LASC’s Skill Certificate in Law Office Specialist I and our required course of study for this program. Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
Certificate Code: 1401.02
Total Units Required: 15
Upon successfully completing this program, you will be able to:
- Evaluate the composition, location, and jurisdiction of courts.
- Prepare and administer legal documents within the judicial structure.
- Inspect the legal writing process, the goal, and the stages of the writing process.
- Prepare research assignment on legal arguments to present during class discussions.
- Identify and write major components of a legal brief and memorandum.
| Required Courses: | Units |
|---|---|
| BUS 5 Business Law I | 3 |
| BUS 6 Business Law II | 3 |
| CAOT 1 Computer Keyboarding I | 3 |
| LAW 10 Introduction to Legal Assistant | 3 |
| LAW 17 Legal Writing | 3 |
| >TOTAL UNITS | 15 |
Get Ready Before You Start
Before your first class starts at LASC, you can start preparing for your legal career:
- Make an appointment with your LASC academic counselor to review LASC’s program, develop your Student Education Plan (SEP), and discuss what additional support services, opportunities you can be a part of to meet your educational and career goals.
- Still in high school? Check with local law firms to see if they are hiring a part-time receptionist to get experience in a law office. Take courses in sociology, political science, and psychology to learn human behavior to prepare you to study and understand legal cases.
- Once you’re at LASC, make sure to get involved with off- and on-campus clubs and organizations, such as the LASC Computer Club and Toastmasters, and find out what other opportunities LASC has through the Career Transfer/Pathways & Jobs Center, like on campus career fairs, networking events, and how-to workshops. These create new relationships with potential employers and help you build your resume.
Program Learning Outcomes
Once you successfully complete this program, you will be able to:
- Evaluate the composition, location, and jurisdiction of courts.
- Prepare and administer legal documents within the judicial structure.
- Inspect the legal writing process, the goal, and the stages of the writing process.
- Prepare research assignment on legal arguments to present during class discussions.
- Identify and write major components of a legal brief and memorandum.