Becoming a legal assistant is a great way to enter the field of law without going to law school. And while your responsibilities as a legal assistant are far different from an attorney, you will still provide valuable contributions that benefit the law firm’s clients.
Better still, many legal assistant jobs may only require GCE “O” levels or a professional certificate. This means you can spend less time in school and enter the workforce more quickly.
While legal assistant degree programs are all unique, there are some common things you will learn during your studies. Some of those common learning targets are explored in detail below.
Introduction to Law
One of the first courses you take in a legal assistant program is a foundational course in law.
This introductory class gives you a broad look at the legal field. You might study important court cases, learn about how laws are applied in particular situations, and explore legal proceedings and the manner in which courts are structured.
You might also be introduced to different types of law. This could include tort law, criminal law, civil law, or family law.
Computer Skills
Legal assistants must be fluent in many different computer programs. This includes spreadsheets, text documents, presentation software, and email programs, to name a few.
There might be proprietary software that some employers require you to learn, too. However, learning these types of programs can’t be done during your degree program. Instead, you’ll learn on the job and become familiar with proprietary software once you’re hired.
It’s also helpful to be a good typist. While the desired speed with which you type might vary from one employer to the next, it is advisable to be able to type 65-70 words per minute. Most legal assistant degree programs include coursework in computer systems, typing, and so forth.
Legal Research
Since legal assistants are often asked to do research for cases, legal assistant degree programs include studies in legal research, legal writing, and legal jargon.
For example, you’ll learn how to reference legal sources and develop an understanding of statutes, cases, and regulations. You will also learn how to properly cite legal resources.
Many legal documents have to be written in a very specific way. Courses in legal research will help you understand how to properly write legal documents. Common legal terms are also covered so you can become a competent legal writer.
Business Law
Many legal assistant degree programs also include studies in business law.
Not only will you learn about the legalities of conducting business, but you’ll likely also learn about torts, contracts, and business crimes.
Additionally, business law courses for legal assistants cover pertinent court decisions and procedures.
Legal Ethics
Even though legal assistants don’t represent clients in court, it’s still imperative that you understand how to do your job ethically. Your first introduction to legal ethics occurs in a legal assistant degree program.
For example, you’ll likely learn about the importance of confidentiality and the need to keep certain details of a case secret. As another example, legal ethics courses cover the scope of the duties that should be expected of you as a legal assistant. This knowledge is important for your understanding of the professional responsibilities associated with this job.
Civil Litigation and Criminal Law
Not all law firms are involved in civil litigation, but having coursework in this field is important for your development as a legal assistant.
Courses in litigation explore the rules of the court. You’ll learn how the civil courts are structured, how proceedings unfold, and develop an understanding of the goals of litigating a civil case in the court system.
Furthermore, courses in this area focus on the various steps that are required to file a civil lawsuit. From filing a lawsuit to seeing the case through to a judgement from the court, you will learn what to expect at each step along the way.
In addition to studying civil litigation, you will likely study criminal law, too.
Criminal law encompasses many different aspects. You’ll learn about crime and punishment, the rights of people accused of crimes, and the procedures involved in a criminal trial.
Criminal law courses often explore the different aspects of a trial, sentencing procedures, and the rules that govern the appellate process.
Property Law
Again, while not every employer will need you to have expertise in property law, your degree program will likely include at least one course on this topic.
Property law relates to real estate – owning real estate, selling real estate, and leasing real estate. It’s also a field that focuses on financing for real estate and government regulation of buying and selling real property.
Other topics you might explore in a property law course include contracts, settlements, and foreclosures.
