All careers

Legal Secretary

ANZSCO 521212

A Legal Secretary performs administrative tasks in the legal industry, including preparing documents, coordinating meetings, and managing records.

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • SA
  • 10,000 people employed in Australia
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a legal secretary

Get qualified to work as a legal secretary with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Related career opportunities

Browse occupations related to Legal Secretary.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Legal Secretary generally earns $1,730 per week ($89,960 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

There are currently 9,100 people working as a Legal Secretary in Australia. This number has dropped slightly from 10,900 five years ago. Legal Secretaries work in all regions right across Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

Legal Secretaries will often complete a qualification such as a Certificate IV in Legal Services. This is a 12 month course but you might also consider a Diploma of Legal Services or a Certificate III in Business Administration (Legal).

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

Related fields of study

Law and Legal Services

Law and legal services courses are the ideal pathway for students who want to move into the industry or enhance their professional knowledge base. Start today!

All Law and Legal Services

Legal Secretary

Specialise in diverse legal fields, develop skills in legal services and administration, and prepare for roles in law firms and courts. Pathways for domestic and international students.

Career opportunities

Legal Services

Gain the skill to make a meaningful impact in the legal sector, specialising in roles such as paralegals, court administration, and law firm support.

Career opportunities

Further reading

How to start a career as a Legal Secretary

19th April 2021

How to start a career in Legal Services

17th June 2021

What can you do with a Diploma of Legal Services?

22nd September 2020

All legal secretary courses

Legal Secretary careers

A Legal Secretary’s role involves performing secretarial duties for other people working in the legal industry. Your work might include supporting colleagues with administrative tasks and preparing paperwork and documents used for legal proceedings. Your daily activities will be varied, but they might involve transcribing documents and preparing briefings, attending meetings with clients or keeping records for legal use. You may also have to answer phone calls and emails, coordinate meetings or organise travel arrangements.

A Legal Secretary needs to be organised. Your employer will be working with numerous clients and you’ll have to stay on top of any administrative tasks. You’ll need to be comfortable working with a wide range of people and be able to get your work done in a timely manner. Legal Secretaries need to be good at following instructions and have a strong understanding of the legal system.