In a typical work setting, legal secretaries:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of interaction with clients and staff.
• Communicate by telephone, letters, memos, and in person on a daily basis. They also use e-mail, but less often.

Physical Work Conditions

• Often work indoors. However, they may occasionally go outdoors to deliver documents or attend meetings at other firms.
• Work near others. They may share the same office space or general work area with other secretaries.

Work Performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Errors could cause serious problems for clients or their cases.
• Repeat the same physical or mental activities.
• Often make decisions that affect clients and the lawyers they work with. They make most decisions without consulting a supervisor first.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without consulting a supervisor first. They often use calendars of impending cases to determine their schedule.
• [ More ]
• Abide by strict daily deadlines.

Hours/Travel

• May work full time or part time. Most work full time.
• Generally work a set schedule.
• May work nights or weekends to meet deadlines.