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Degree Overview: Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree in Legal Administration Assistant

Majors Overview December 19, 2013

An Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree program for a legal administration assistant will prepare them to execute office and administrative duties. They are taught how to conduct billing, accounting, and legal document preparation, as well as other tasks.

A.A. Programs in Legal Administration Assistant

Those seeking careers in law office settings would benefit by earning an associate’s degree as a legal administration assistant. Students enrolled in this two-year program are provided with the skills necessary to excel in entry-level occupations in legal office settings assisting lawyers, their clients, and office managers.

They become adept at keeping records, preparing legal documents and communicating professionally with other individuals. Students are taught about legal research and business office technology. Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma.

Coursework

Coursework focuses on topic areas such as office communication, the court system and legal terminology. Internships or employment opportunities may also be provided by the programs whereby students may derive practical working experience. Coursework may include subject areas such as:

•Management
•Word processing
•Psychology
•Proofreading
•Legal transcription
•Business accounting
•Technical writing
•Administration
•Organizational behavior
•Criminal procedures

Job and Wage Outlook

A job growth of 11% – at par with the average projection for all occupations – has been predicted for administrative assistants during the period from 2008 to 2018 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). Moderate employment growth is likely to be witnesses by legal secretaries with an expected rise in demand for legal services (BLS).

In February 2012, legal assistants earned an average annual wage ranging between $22,252 and $53,778 (Payscale.com). During the same time period, the average annual wage ranging between $23,352 and $44,005 was earned by assistants who had 1-4 years of work experience; earned $23,352 to $44,005 a year, the average annual income ranged between $26,290 and $51,368 for those who had 5-9 years of work experience.

Continuing Education Choices

Volunteering for professional credentials will benefit graduates who wish to improve their job and promotion chances. For instance, those with three years of legal experience could opt for the Professional Legal Secretary certification offered through the National Association of Legal Secretaries. Knowledge on how to prepare legal documents, the law library, procedural law, mastery of office skills and display of sound judgment will qualify legal assistants for this examination-based certification.

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