If you’re interested in legal administration, corporate governance, or office compliance roles, studying Secretarial Law or becoming a Legal Secretary is a smart investment. While iFundi doesn’t currently offer this training, there are several reputable South African institutions that provide accredited courses to get you started in this field.

What Is Secretarial Law?

Secretarial law covers the legal framework that governs corporate administration, ensuring companies comply with regulations, file statutory documents, manage shareholder meetings, and maintain governance standards. Though you won’t qualify as a lawyer, the training focuses on legal compliance duties and administrative support for legal professionals and corporate structures.

Types of Secretarial Law Training

Available paths include:

• • Online short courses focused on legal secretary duties and secretarial law basics.

  • NATED Diplomas in Legal Secretary (Levels N4–N6 followed by a practical logbook for a nationwide diploma.

  • Professional Governance Qualifications, such as the Chartered Secretary (CGISA) programmes for corporate governance and legal secretarial roles.

Where to Study Secretarial Law in South Africa

If you’re ready to start your journey, here are reputable training institutions that offer legal secretary and secretarial law programmes:

• • LEAD (Legal Education and Development) – Offers a short online Legal Secretary Course over four days. Covers legal systems, admin support, and legal document preparation. Ideal for quick upskilling.

  • Skills Academy – Offers full N4–N6 Legal Secretary National Certificates via distance learning. Accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

  • Bellview Institute of Distance Learning – Provides NATED Legal Secretary qualifications at N4–N6 levels. Modules include Mercantile Law, Communication, and Office Practice.

  • South African Law School – CGISA Programme – Offers the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa qualification. Ideal for those wanting to become company secretaries or governance officers.

All of these institutions provide flexible learning options for working professionals and school leavers alike.

Career Opportunities and Earning Potential

With the right qualification, you can apply for positions such as:

• • Legal Secretary

  • Company Secretary Assistant

  • Governance and Compliance Administrator

  • Legal Office Clerk

  • Corporate Records Officer

Entry-level legal secretaries earn between R8,000 and R15,000 per month, depending on location and industry. Those working in corporate legal departments or governance roles in large companies can earn R20,000 to R35,000 or more as they gain experience and specialise.

Who Should Study Secretarial Law?

This career path is ideal for:

• • School leavers with Matric who are interested in law

  • Administrators wanting to move into legal or compliance work

  • Individuals seeking an alternative to full legal degrees

  • Entrepreneurs or business owners managing legal records and contracts

Secretarial law offers the perfect balance of legal exposure and practical office experience, without the time and cost of a law degree.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to step into a professional role in the legal or corporate world, secretarial law is a powerful starting point. These courses provide you with the knowledge and skills to support legal practitioners and compliance teams effectively. While iFundi does not offer secretarial law training, we proudly support learners making informed, career-building choices. With the right qualification from a trusted provider, you can build a rewarding career grounded in structure, accuracy, and purpose.

Published: July 25 ,2025