43-6012.00 - Legal Secretaries

Updated 2015

Details Report for:
43-6012.00 - Legal Secretaries

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.

Sample of reported job titles: Confidential Secretary, Judicial Administrative Assistant, Legal Administrative Secretary, Legal Assistant, Legal Secretary, Litigation Assistant, Magistrate Assistant, Secretary

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance	Category	Task
92	Core	Prepare and process legal documents and papers, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, and pretrial agreements.
90	Core	Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
87	Core	Receive and place telephone calls.
87	Core	Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files.
87	Core	Schedule and make appointments.
85	Core	Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.
85	Core	Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
81	Core	Draft and type office memos.
72	Core	Complete various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients.
82	Supplemental	Prepare and distribute invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.
65	Supplemental	Attend legal meetings, such as client interviews, hearings, or depositions, and take notes.
61	Supplemental	Review legal publications and perform database searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases.
59	Supplemental	Submit articles and information from searches to attorneys for review and approval for use.

Find occupations related to multiple tasks

Technology Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Accounting software — Amortization calculation software; Intuit QuickBooks ; Intuit Quicken; Sage 50 Accounting (see all 5 examples)
Analytical or scientific software — Litigation management software
Calendar and scheduling software — Appointment scheduling software
Data base user interface and query software — Database software
Desktop publishing software
Document management software — Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat ; Filing system software; Microsoft Office SharePoint Server MOSS
Electronic mail software — Email software; IBM Lotus Notes; Microsoft Outlook
Expert system software — Legal software
Graphics or photo imaging software — Microsoft Visio
Information retrieval or search software — Legal research software; LexisNexis ; Thomson West WestlawPRO
Internet browser software — Web browser software
Office suite software — Microsoft Office
Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software — Case management software
Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
Video conferencing software — Web conferencing software
Web page creation and editing software — Web page design and editing software
Word processing software — Electronic diary software; Microsoft Word; Transcription software; WordPerfect

Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

Tools Used Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Digital cameras
Digital duplicators — Digital duplicating machines
Digital voice recorders — Digital audio recorders
Laser fax machine — Laser facsimile machines
Microfiche or microfilm viewer components or accessories — Microfiche machines
Notebook computers — Laptop computers
Pagers
Paper shredding machines or accessories — Document shredders
Personal computers
Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers — Personal digital assistants PDA
Photocopiers — Photocopying equipment
Pocket calculator — Handheld calculators
Premise branch exchange PBX systems — Switchboards
Scanners — Document scanners
Special purpose telephones — Multi-line telephone systems
Typewriters — Electric typewriters
Word processors

Knowledge Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Knowledge
94		Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
84		English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
76		Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
73		Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
65		Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
52		Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
36		Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
30		Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
26		Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
21		Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
20		Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
19		Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
19		Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
17		Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
17		Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
14		Foreign Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
12		Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
11		Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
10		Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
10		Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
9		Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
8		Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
7		Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
6		Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
5		Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
4		Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
4		Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
4		History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
4		Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
3		Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
2		Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
2		Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
1		Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Skill
72		Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
69		Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
66		Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
63		Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
56		Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
53		Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
53		Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
50		Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
47		Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
47		Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
47		Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
41		Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
41		Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
38		Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
35		Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
35		Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
28		Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
28		Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
25		Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
22		Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
22		Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
19		Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
19		Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
13		Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
10		Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
6		Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
6		Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
3		Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
3		Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
3		Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
0		Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
0		Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
0		Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
0		Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
0		Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Abilities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Ability
75		Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
72		Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
72		Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
69		Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
69		Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
69		Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
66		Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
56		Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
53		Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
53		Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
53		Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
47		Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
47		Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
44		Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
41		Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
38		Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
38		Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
38		Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
35		Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
35		Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
35		Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
35		Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
31		Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
31		Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
31		Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
25		Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
22		Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
19		Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
19		Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
16		Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
16		Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
16		Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
13		Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
6		Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
6		Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
3		Response Orientation — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
0		Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
0		Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0		Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
0		Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
0		Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0		Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of glare or bright lighting.
0		Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
0		Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
0		Night Vision — The ability to see under low light conditions.
0		Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
0		Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
0		Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
0		Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
0		Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
0		Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
0		Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Activity
92		Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
87		Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
85		Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
84		Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
83		Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
80		Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
79		Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
78		Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
77		Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
75		Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
69		Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
63		Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
56		Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
53		Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
52		Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
52		Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
52		Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
46		Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
46		Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
45		Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
42		Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
42		Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
39		Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
39		Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
37		Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
33		Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
31		Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
26		Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
26		Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
26		Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
25		Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
24		Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
22		Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
21		Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
21		Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
15		Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
14		Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
11		Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
10		Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
9		Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
7		Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Detailed Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Prepare legal documents.
Send information, materials or documentation.
Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
Record information about legal matters.
Schedule appointments.
Obtain personal or financial information about customers or applicants.
Operate office equipment.
Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees.
Prepare business correspondence.
Record information from meetings or other formal proceedings.
Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
Provide information to coworkers.

Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities

Work Context Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Work Context

Percentage of Top Responses

Electronic Mail — How often do you use electronic mail in this job?


99	Every day

Telephone — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?


97	Every day

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?


98	Every day

Letters and Memos — How often does the job require written letters and memos?


89	Every day

Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?


81	Every day
11	Once a week or more but not every day

Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?


67	Constant contact with others
25	Contact with others most of the time

Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?


48	Continually or almost continually
49	More than half the time

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?


65	Extremely important
17	Very important
17	Important

Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?


51	Every day
40	Once a week or more but not every day

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?


53	Extremely important
30	Very important

Structured versus Unstructured Work — To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?


42	A lot of freedom
26	Some freedom
28	Limited freedom

Deal With External Customers — How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?


42	Extremely important
24	Very important
13	Important
15	Not important at all

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?


44	Continually or almost continually
22	More than half the time
19	Never

Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?


38	Extremely important
24	Very important
20	Fairly important
13	Not important at all

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?


17	Very important results
26	Important results
30	Moderate results
26	Minor results

Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?


15	A lot of freedom
44	Some freedom
15	Very little freedom
17	No freedom

Frequency of Decision Making — How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?


31	Every day
21	Once a month or more but not every week
21	Once a year or more but not every month
19	Never

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?


40	Continually or almost continually
11	More than half the time
44	Never

Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.


17	More than 40 hours
62	40 hours
21	Less than 40 hours

Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?


22	Extremely serious
13	Very serious
52	Fairly serious

Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?


15	Moderately close (at arm's length)
55	Slightly close (e.g., shared office)
21	I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)

Coordinate or Lead Others — How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?


19	Extremely important
23	Very important
18	Fairly important
32	Not important at all

Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?


12	Completely automated
22	Highly automated
12	Moderately automated
29	Slightly automated
25	Not at all automated

Frequency of Conflict Situations — How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?


24	Once a week or more but not every day
39	Once a year or more but not every month
23	Never

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?


23	High responsibility
15	Moderate responsibility
29	Limited responsibility
28	No responsibility

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?


14	Once a week or more but not every day
19	Once a month or more but not every week
35	Once a year or more but not every month
29	Never

Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?


14	Highly competitive
28	Moderately competitive
30	Slightly competitive
28	Not at all competitive

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?


11	Once a week or more but not every day
21	Once a month or more but not every week
17	Once a year or more but not every month
44	Never

Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?


17	About half the time
64	Less than half the time
17	Never

Spend Time Walking and Running — How much does this job require walking and running?


18	About half the time
49	Less than half the time
34	Never

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?


18	Limited responsibility
63	No responsibility

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)


81	Not important at all

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?


52	Less than half the time
46	Never

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?


42	Less than half the time
52	Never

Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?


13	Once a year or more but not every month
79	Never

Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?


87	Never

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?


85	Never

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?


94	Never

Deal With Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?


88	Never

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?


11	Once a year or more but not every month
87	Never

Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?


16	Once a year or more but not every month
84	Never

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?


93	Never

Public Speaking — How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?


93	Never

Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?


94	Never

Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?


99	Never

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?


98	Never

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, or poles?


98	Never

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?


95	Never

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?


97	Never

Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?


99	Regular (established routine, set schedule)

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?


100	Never

Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?


100	Never

Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?


100	Never

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer)?


100	Never

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?


100	Never

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?


100	Never

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?


100	Never

Job Zone Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Title	Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education	Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related Experience	Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, nannies, and medical assistants.
SVP Range	(6.0 to < 7.0)

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
41	High school diploma or equivalent
27	Associate's degree
17	Post-secondary certificate

Credentials

Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Occupational Interest		Interest
100		Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
56		Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
22		Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
22		Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
17		Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
0		Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Work Styles Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Style
95		Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
93		Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
92		Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
88		Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
84		Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
84		Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
83		Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
81		Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
80		Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
76		Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
76		Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
74		Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
68		Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
67		Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
67		Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
58		Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Extent		Work Value
67		Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
67		Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
39		Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
33		Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
33		Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
33		Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Related Occupations Save Table (XLS/CSV)

23-2011.00	Paralegals and Legal Assistants
23-2091.00	Court Reporters
23-2093.00	Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
43-3021.02	Billing, Cost, and Rate Clerks
43-3031.00	Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Bright Outlook
43-4011.00	Brokerage Clerks
43-4031.02	Municipal Clerks
43-4071.00	File Clerks
43-4161.00	Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
43-6011.00	Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2016)	$21.24 hourly, $44,180 annual
State wages

Employment (2014)	216,000 employees
Projected growth (2014-2024)	Decline (-2% or lower)
Projected job openings (2014-2024)	22,700
State trends

Top industries (2014)	Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (84% employed in this sector) Government (10%) (see all industries)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 wage data and 2014-2024 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2014-2024). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Secretaries and administrative assistants . Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition.
Legal Secretaries International Inc. , 2302 Fannin St., Suite 500, Houston, TX 77002-9136. Phone: (610) 865-4611.
NALS , 314 East 3rd St., Suite 210, Tulsa, OK 74120. Phone: (918) 582-5188. Fax: (918) 582-5907.

Details Report for: 43-6012.00 - Legal Secretaries