Legal Secretary

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I consider becoming a legal secretary?
Yes, if you have above average oral and written communication skills, are detail-oriented and responsible, have good eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity, are organized and exercise good judgment, can work well under pressure and adapt to changing priorities, and can work independently as well as with others.

Do I need to maintain a certain grade and grade point average in these courses?
Yes. For a CC, you must earn:

• a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 ("C" average) or higher for all required courses and
• a grade of "C" or better in all LAW courses.

What were the requirements in previous years?
For requirements in past years, contact a program counselor or view the KCC college catalog under Related Links where you will find the following information:

• 2000-2001 requirements
• 2001-2002 requirements
• 2002-2003 requirements
• 2003-2004 requirements

When and where are the law classes offered?
The law classes are offered M-TH. Classes meet one evening per week from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Occasionally Saturday morning classes are offered from 9:00-12:00 noon. Most law classes are held at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa, Richardson School of Law.

Why are the classes in the evenings and Saturdays?
The program is designed to prepare currently employed secretaries and recent secretarial graduates with specialized office training in the legal environment. The majority of the students are working adults.

When can I enter the program?
You can enter in the fall and spring.

Are there any special entry requirements?
Yes. You must have one-year full-time secretarial experience or completion of an accredited secretarial program or consent of instructor. Basic knowledge of Windows is highly recommended. The program will not involve training in the traditional secretarial skills, since the students are to obtain these basic skills from sources other than the Legal Secretary program.

Where can I get information about this career and program?
Contact any of the following:

• Maida Kamber Center (MKC) for career counseling and information about required skills, work setting, and duties.
• Legal Education department in Kopiko 201

What online resources are available?
U.S. Department of Labor – provides information regarding the earnings, working conditions and job outlook of secretaries and administrative assistants.

American Bar Association (ABA) – is the largest voluntary professional association in the world. With more than 400,000 members, the ABA provides law school accreditation, continuing legal education, information about the law, programs to assist lawyers and judges in their work, and initiatives to improve the legal system for the public.

NALS – the association for legal professionals–provides information for the legal community, including professional development, educational opportunities, and certification. Formerly the National Association of Legal Secretaries.

Hawaii Legal Support Professionals (HLSP) – is the Hawai`i chapter of NALS…the association for legal professionals and provides the opportunity to further the knowledge and enhance the ethical standards and professional attainment of members, to conduct programs and seminars of continuing legal education, and to promote fellowship and cooperation through networking opportunities among members and others in the legal community.