Anyone who is a fan of the TV series Suits will know that, despite his suave manner and Saville Row style, lawyer Harvey Specter does not always get his way. Well – Season 5 spoiler alert! – he does finally find the right person to replace his long-time Legal Secretary, Donna.
Her name is Gretchen and USA Network describes her thus: “With more than two decades of experience, Gretchen is a Legal Secretary who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is and brings a fresh perspective to the firm.”
Unfortunately, not everyone in the firm is convinced that Gretchen, or indeed any Legal Secretary, should have so much sway in the running of the company. Well, we’re here to stand up for Gretchen and for Legal Secretaries everywhere.
We believe they are the lynchpin of many a legal outfit; in fact, so confident are we, we’re willing to prove it in court.
Our contention is the role of Legal Secretary is not only hugely satisfying, offering financial rewards and job satisfaction, it is also vital to the very future of the entire legal profession in Scotland!
The Case For
- Not only is a Legal Secretary’s job stimulating and engaging, but career progression can be swift. Often starting out as legal receptionists before moving into a secretarial role, experience brings with it the opportunity for promotion to senior secretarial or paralegal positions. The smaller your law firm, the wider your remit and, therefore, range and depth of experience. The bigger the company, the greater chance you have to hone your skills in a particular specialism. It’s a win, win, as they say.
- Salaries naturally depend upon many factors, such as experience and location. However, the financial scales of justice usually weigh in your favour. As a guide only – and let that be entered in the record, mind – starting salaries can reach £22,000 a year, rising to the mid-thirties. With her level of experience, Gretchen could expect to take home a pay packet of up to £40,000 a year.
- The increasing workload experienced by law firms, combined with a drive to reduce high costs, looks likely to create an increasing number of job openings for Legal Secretaries. We’d like to present exhibit A as evidence: a quick look at s1jobs and the number of legal secretarial jobs currently available.
The Case Against
- Legal secretaries have to work for a living (whispers to the bench: unlike some highly paid lawyers!). Really, their list of duties reads like a shopping list of do this, do that. They prepare correspondence and all manner of legal documents. They keep mysteriously complex filing systems that contain documents on everything from court filing deadlines to diary meetings and research documents to invoices. It’s almost as if they had a major hand in the smooth running of the firm.
- They need to know stuff. Some employers even expect qualifications, though most usually look for experience of office work and exemplary secretarial skills. Yes, we do concede, however, temporary work is often a good way of getting said experience. Well, yes, and there are full and part-time courses in computer and secretarial skills that can help prepare job applicants.
- We cite the case of Dolly Parton versus Corporate Overlord: yes, this is also known as “Working Nine To Five And Then Some”. A Legal Secretary’s lot in life is a full-time job Monday through to Friday, with late working required at peak times.
Yes, again, we do concede, the work is fulfilling. And, okay, part-time and temporary work is also often available.
The Verdict!
Legal secretaries are a fundamental part of the legal industry. Their familiarity with the terminology, court filing procedures, legal labyrinths and office protocol is vital and the future of our legal profession does, indeed, depend upon their work.
Case proven!