Program Description

The Legal Secretary certificate program is a one-semester program designed for persons seeking occupational competence, a career change or simply sharpen their skills and excel in today's law office or legal department. Approved by South Florida Workforce, this comprehensive training program covers the skills, techniques, and procedures, including computer skills, necessary to excel in today's law office or  the legal department of any major corporation. The course Computer Skills for Legal Professionals (Saturdays from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm) will cover Word, Power Point and other valuable technological applications. Basic secretarial skills are required for admission to this comprehensive program.

Subject Covered:

• Computer skills for legal professionals
• Organization of courts and law firms
• Various court systems
• Document formatting, filing fees and costs
• Correct office procedures
• Professionalism and Confidentiality
• Code of ethics
• Interviewing clients
• Civil litigation and discovery procedures
• Records management /Time management
• Docket control system

Specialty workshops are offered in the following areas of law: Litigation, Real Estate, Probate, Family Law,  Corporate Time Management, and Organizational & Customer Service Skills.

Excellent speakers compliment this course. Be a part of this professional and marketable field and become a Legal Secretary.

Registration Information

Prospective students must complete an application form and submit it along with two letters of character reference and/or secretarial skills competence, resume, and appropriate fees to the office of the Legal Studies Institute. Students may apply in person at our office, MARC 130, or mail the application form, documentations, and payment to: Florida International University, University College, Legal Studies Institute, University Park, MARC 130, Miami, Florida 33199. You will receive a letter confirming admission into the program upon receipt of your documentation along with a registration form and course schedule.

Job Placement Assistance

Job placement assistance is provided to our students and includes opportunities in government agencies, law firms, and private sector legal departments. The administration encourages students to work in the legal field to gain experience. All offers of employment are displayed on the bulletin board at the Legal Studies office located in MARC 130 and are announced in class.