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How Do I Become a Legal Administrator?

A.M. Boyle
A.M. Boyle

A legal administrator is largely responsible for the day-to-day operations of a law firm, including personnel management, financial administration, and facilities management. To become a legal administrator, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to your anticipated administrative responsibilities. It is also very useful to have additional education or certification as well as job experience in a legal setting.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor of arts programs in legal administration. Some schools also offer a bachelor of science in legal studies. Either of these degrees would be ideal if you are looking to become a legal administrator. Alternatively, a bachelor degree in fields such as business administration, marketing, finance, or human resources is also acceptable for the position of legal administrator.

A legal administrator usually has a bachelor's degree.
A legal administrator usually has a bachelor's degree.

Aside from a bachelor’s degree, additional certification can prove to be very helpful for you to become a legal administrator. Many colleges and universities offer postbaccalaureate certification programs in the area of legal administration. You may also want to consider obtaining a masters degree as well. Obtaining a master of arts in legal administration or a master of business administration with a concentration in legal administration can open up greater opportunities for you to become a legal administrator.

A legal administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a law firm.
A legal administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a law firm.

A position as a legal administrator will likely involve aspects of information technology. Many law firms will look for legal administrators to be proficient in a variety of computer programs dealing with database management, accounting, word processing, and other programs specific to the legal industry. Consequently, if you hope to become a legal administrator, you might want to boost your computer skills in those areas by taking related courses and seminars. A variety of such courses and seminars can generally be found at local community colleges.

One other aspect to consider if you are looking to become a legal administrator is experience. Quite a few law firms interested in hiring a legal administrator will look for candidates who have experience in the legal field. Often, the candidates who receive the most serious consideration are those who have had experience as a legal secretary, legal assistant, or paralegal. Of course, having prior experience as a legal administrator will weigh in your favor as well. It is not easy to become a legal administrator, but with dedication and persistence, it can prove to be an exciting and rewarding career.

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    • A legal administrator usually has a bachelor's degree.
      By: Franck Boston
      A legal administrator usually has a bachelor's degree.
    • A legal administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a law firm.
      By: Gina Sanders
      A legal administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a law firm.