Legal Secretarial Skills Success Stories
REAL results, REAL success stories
Sarah Hardy
BTEC National Diploma for Legal Secretaries
Sarah’s ambitions changed after having her son. Having previously worked as an administrator she wanted to gain qualifications and build a career for herself. Becoming a legal secretary was her new-found goal.
“When I left school I actually wanted to become an air hostess but that all changed when I had my little boy. I wanted to study and the legal secretary course seemed really interesting. I
didn’t know anything about law before I started the course but I was really keen to learn. I wanted to prove that you could have children and pursue a successful career."
“The course was brilliant and the teachers were so supportive. It helped that they had all worked in the industry so you felt like you were really being taught by experts – they know their stuff."
“We were taught audio typing, word processing skills, proof reading and even did a basic law module at Level 2 which gave me an understanding of legal issues. Nothing was boring – I really did enjoy it all."
“When I applied for my full-time position at Woodford Robinson Solicitors my teachers helped me compile my CV and prepare for the interview. The course really does prepare you for a career as a legal secretary in every way.”
Sarah hopes to one day become a Fee Earner – a legal representative who takes on cases or instructions at a charge.
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Charlotte Huckerby
Level 2 Legal Secretaries
When Charlotte first enrolled onto the Level 2 Legal Secretaries course she wasn’t sure if she would enjoy it. In fact she loved it, so much so she progressed onto the Level 3 course and then onto university where she is now completing a degree in Criminology & Law.
‘I had a small interest in law when I left school but the college made me realise it is definitely the career for me. My teachers were absolutely fantastic and so supportive. They made me want to push myself and grades good enough to get a decent job. I admit I came from school thinking the course would be easy but my perception soon changed. It’s a challenge but well worth it.’
Charlotte enjoyed all aspects of the course, from bookkeeping and word processing to legal studies and business administration. Charlotte’s abilities on her work placement stood out too and she was even offered a permanent job over the summer months before starting her degree.
‘I worked in the personal injury department at Shoosmiths Solicitors as part of the course which was a great experience. I initially started the course thinking I might like to become a legal secretary but now I am considering going one step further and becoming a legal executive.’
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Sue Tucker
Sue has been a factory worker, cleaner, stable keeper, post office clerk and customer service assistant during her working career but she has always had a dream to work in an office.
Sue started the Clerical Assistant Programme in 2004 as a mature learner and progressed on to the Office Secretary/Administrator Level 2 course the following year. She has just completed the OCR Level 2 Certificate in Administration as well as a GCSE in English Literature. Sue is now applying for office work in Northamptonshire.
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Rebecca Coward
Rebecca used to work as a debt collector but wanted a career change. She returned to college as a mature student on the Level 2 Certificate for Legal Secretaries and soon settled into college life, progressing through the programme’s units. One of her favourite subjects was word processing where she reached a touch typing speed of 55 words per minute.
Rebecca was accepted onto a degree course at the University of Northampton having achieved some distinction grades and an overall merit but decided to gain experience working in the field first. She is now enjoying her job at DFA Law in Northampton.