Legal Secretary Certificate Course

Starting at:

$1,095

Gain a professional edge with the most flexible, affordable, and effective legal education.

Flexible 100% online class

24/7 course accessibility

Complete in just 7 weeks

More Information

Learn to think like a lawyer

Our intensive Legal Secretary Certificate Course is designed for both beginning and experienced legal assistants who are interested in improving their skills and working more efficiently within the law office. Learn how to make informed business decisions based on your knowledge of legal language and concepts. Explore topics such as legal terminology; legal process; jurisdiction and venue; ethics; written communications, including letters, pleadings, discovery, notices, and motions; filing procedures, billing and accounting; time management; records management; an overview of commonly used word and data processing programs; legal research; memoranda preparation; and citation format. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal and legal assistant careers are expected to grow much faster than the average — at a rate of 12% through 2030.

View our recorded webinar

Learn about the coursework, learning outcomes and answers to frequently asked questions

Legal Support Courses Informational Webinar — This session was recorded on March 24, 2021 and may mention timely information. Our courses are open enrollment and start every 8 weeks.

Class format

Flexible online education

For over 40 years, CLS has provided students with flexible and effective legal education through a variety of formats catered to a busy life. All formats are designed and updated to remain on pace with the current industry, and are taught by working professionals. The Legal Secretary Certificate Course is offered 100% online, so you can complete your coursework around your schedule while still benefiting from regular instructor and peer interaction.

Our interactive platform offers course access anytime, with video and printed tutorials available. Discussion forums and a built-in email tool facilitate learning and easy communication with your instructor and peers​​.  

Review the material as many times as necessary for full retention of the information. 

Complete weekly assignments to help you stay on track​​. 

  • New sessions start every 8 weeks
    • We offer 6 sessions per year
  • 24/7 course access
    • Once registered, your password and access information will be sent via email prior to the start of class.
  • Affordable with payment plans
    • Our courses are among the most affordable in the industry, and payment options are available.
  • On-trend learning
    • Learn from practicing legal professionals who update coursework to remain on pace with the current industry
  • Student support
    • CLS by BARBRI provides ongoing administrative and technical support for all students

Review the Online Legal Secretary Certificate Course syllabus to learn more.

Highly Recommended Legal Resource:

  • WESTLAW legal research access, only $89. Please call 1-800-522-7737 for more information or order online
Southside Virginia Community College

About Southside Virginia Community College

Sometimes Small is Better.
That’s how it is at Southside Virginia Community College. You’ll never be lost in the crowd or treated like a number on a computer printout. What you will find are faculty, staff and administrators who do their best for students of all ages to provide a quality educational program for transfer to four-year colleges and universities and an occupational-technical program to educate, train and retrain workers for Southside business and industry.

Gain skills employers need

Learning outcomes

With your introduction to the theory of law and the nature of the practice of law, you’ll have what it takes to work more efficiently within a law office. Discussion topics include the process of law as well as the specific legal terminology and ethics. In addition to studying technology used in the law office, you will be exposed to actual court documents, office procedure manuals, billing techniques, and overall management techniques of the law office.

Career outlook

Whether you are just getting started in your career or have worked as a legal secretary/litigation assistant for years, it’s important for you to have the knowledge and skills to stand out in this in-demand field. Completing our Legal Secretary Certificate Course will add additional credentials to your resume that will increase your marketability and earning potential. Learn more.

95% of students agree that CLS by BARBRI courses are on pace with the current industry

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a High School Diploma or GED to take CLS courses?

CLS courses are designed for adult students and are taught on a college level. Minimum requirements to take any of our courses are a high school diploma or GED, and to be 18 years of age prior to enrollment.

Can I get financial aid?

Traditional financial aid (Pell grants, Stafford Loans, etc.) usually do not apply to these courses due to their continuing education status. Please view our Payment Options information to explore possible options.

Request more information

Are you interested in learning more about the Legal Secretary Certificate Course? Complete this contact form to receive emails and text messages from CLS. You’ll also be able to set up a personalized consultation with one of our Enrollment Counselors who can answer all your question and recommend the best course for you.

You’ll receive updates on:

  • How CLS courses work
  • Legal secretary career growth and outlook
  • Course pricing, payment options and promotions
  • Exclusive webinars, events and more!

I had a great experience with CLS. Well-organized content, accessible instructors, engaging coursework. Overall a great experience.

— Adam S.

CLS allowed me to get my certificate from the comfort of my own home and I loved that I could choose which main university the certificate would be coming from as well. Thank you for the positive experience!

— Anna I.

I was very impressed with the course content, knowledge and availability of the professor and pace of the course. Definitely recommend CLS!

— Jodi B.

The feedback from the online instructors and the CLS administrative staff was excellent! This was one of the most important factors for me since it is an online program. The online element of the CLS program is convenient, efficient and, to an certain extent, personalized to fit anyone’s particular needs.

— Josh M.

I enjoyed the CLS program because it was flexible, practical, and educational. All objectives were clearly laid out each week and I learned so much from all the reading and assignments. You work hard for your grades and it definitely pays off.

— Melanie R.

The online courses are great and convenient. They are perfect for someone working part or full-time.

— Brian H.