The Lawyer
and the Legal
Secretary
OALT 40013
LE GAL O FFICE PROCEDURES
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Define what a lawyer is
2. Describe the qualification, roles, and responsibilities of
a lawyer
3. Elaborate the qualities, duties of a legal secretary.
The Lawyer/Attorney
A person who practices law or a public
servant preparing, interpreting or
applying law
A qualified professional who offers advice
about law or represent someone on legal
matters
Lawyer vs. Attorney
LAWYER ATTORNEY
refers to someone who is stems from a word
educated and trained in law. meaning to act on the behalf
someone who has of others.
completed law school and practices law in court
passed the bar exam
The Lawyer (Other Terms)
ADVOCATE
ATTORNEY (Attorney-at-Law)
BARRISTER (Barrister-at-Law)
CANONIST (Canon Lawyer)
CIVIL LAW NOTARY (Notary Public)
COUNSEL (Counselor, Counsellor)
SOLICITOR
LEGAL EXECUTIVE
Roles of a Lawyer
As ADVISOR
The lawyer provides a client with an informed
understanding of the client’s legal rights and obligations
and explains their practical implications.
As EVALUATOR
A lawyer examines a client’s legal affairs and reports
about them to the client or to others.
Lawyer’s Duties
1. ADVISE clients concerning business transaction, claim
liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits or
legal rights and obligations.
2. INTERPRET laws, rulings, regulations for individuals and
businesses.
3. ANALYZE probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of
legal precedents.
4. PRESENT and summarize cased to judges and juries.
Lawyer’s Duties
5. EVALUATE findings and develop strategies and arguments
in preparation and presentation of cases.
6. GATHER evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal
actions.
7. REPRESENT client in court or before government agencies.
8. EXAMINE legal data to determine advisability or defending
or prosecuting lawsuit.
9. ACT as agent, trustee, guardian, or executor for clients.
Lawyer’s Duties
5. PREPARE legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals.
6. PREPARE and draft legal documents such as wills, deeds,
patent, applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
1. How this pandemic affects the roles of legal secretaries in performing
the office tasks?
2. Explain the duties you may perform as legal secretary. Would these be
interesting to you?
3. Do you think you would like to work for an attorney? Why or why not?
4. What skills do employers look for legal secretaries?
LEARNING OUTPUT #2
General Qualities of a Lawyer
• COMPASSION
• ABILITY TO LISTEN
• ASSERTIVENESS
• CREATIVITY
• PERSEVERANCE
Qualities & Skills of a GREAT Lawyer
• Analytical Skills • Public Speaking Skills
• Creativity • Writing Skills
• Research Skills • Judgement
• Interpersonal Skills • Client Care
• Logical Thinking Ability • Leadership
• Perseverance
The Legal Secretary
Aids and support in preparing documents,
correspondence, schedules and
appointments, etc.
Perform clerical work at law offices; include
providing lawyers with direct assistance,
organizing and maintaining all legal
documents kept on-site.
Specializations in Legal Profession
Civil Law – involves protecting the rights
of individuals.
Criminal Law – concerns the protection
of society from harmful acts.
Basic Skill Requirements
Attention to Detail
Keen Observation Skills
Excellent Time Management Skills
Organizational Skills
Impressive Communication Skills
Spelling Proficiency
Shorthand and Transcription Skills
Technology Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Personal Qualities of Legal Secretaries
1. DISCRETION – ability to make certain decisions.
2. LOYALTY – ability to defend criticism.
3. ADAPTABILITY – change according to need or environment.
4. INITIATIVE – power to do things without being told to do so.
5. JUDGEMENT – making decisions and act in specific situation.
6. ACCURACY – quality or state of being correct and precise.
7. FLEXIBILITY – capable of withstanding stress.
8. APPERANCE – way of someone looks.
9. GOOD MANNER – respectful and courteous behavior.
