Legal secretary courses help you develop the administrative skills used in law firms and legal departments. Depending on the programme, you may study legal terminology, document preparation, client communication and office procedures.

Before choosing a course, decide whether you want to support legal practitioners, work in general administration or pursue corporate governance.

What Is Secretarial Law?

Secretarial law covers legal principles relevant to administrative or company secretarial work. The content varies, so check the syllabus carefully.

A legal secretary supports legal practitioners. A company secretary focuses on corporate governance and company compliance. These are different career paths.

Legal Secretary vs General Secretarial Courses

A legal secretary course adds legal terminology and law-office procedures to administrative training. General secretary courses focus on office support skills used across industries.

Neither route qualifies you as a lawyer. Choose according to the workplace and responsibilities you want.

Where to Study Legal Secretary Courses

LEAD — Legal Education and Development

LEAD lists online legal secretary training. Contact the provider for upcoming dates, course content and fees. Explore LEAD’s Legal Secretary training.

Skills Academy

Skills Academy advertises legal secretary short courses. Confirm the certificate awarded, entry requirements and recognition of your chosen programme. Explore Skills Academy’s courses.

Bellview Institute of Distance Learning

Bellview publishes information about NATED Legal Secretary N4–N6 programmes. Confirm current enrolment eligibility and completion deadlines before paying, as transitional arrangements affect legacy programmes. View Bellview’s course information.

South African Law School

Its Chartered Secretary programme information is relevant to learners interested in company secretarial and governance work, rather than legal office support. Explore the CGISA programme.

How to Choose the Right Course

Before enrolling, check:

• Content: Does it teach the skills required for your intended role?
• Recognition: What certificate or qualification will you receive?
• Requirements: Do you meet the admission criteria?
• Practical learning: Will you practise document preparation and office tasks?
• Cost and duration: Are assessments and materials included?

For formal qualifications, our guide to NQF levels in South Africa explains the framework.

Build Administrative Skills with iFundi

Looking for broader office and business skills? Explore iFundi’s public programmes and enquire about suitable administrative training.

For specialist legal secretary training, contact the providers listed above.