Legal Administration

By Ethan Moser - Last update


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What is Legal Administration?

Legal Administrators are the support staff for lawyers and paralegals at law firms. Students interested in careers in legal administration will perform their support duties by completing administrative duties such as answering phones, conducting research, and drafting legal documents. Legal Administration is a key facet of any well-run legal business. 

What 3rd Level Courses are Available?

Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:

  • Legal Administration – the study of the science of managing a legal company, business, etc. 
  • Administration Studies – the study of the science of managing a company, business, etc. 
  • Legal Studies – the study of the practice of law.

Studying Legal Administration in College

Most first year study involves an overview of the subject. This will offer students an introduction to the foundational areas of law, including legal skills, contract law, tort law, and constitutional law. Additionally students will study basic administrative practices such as business writing, communications, and research skills. Legal Administration will often be a core area of study in subsequent years of study.

Depending on the sub-discipline of legal studies, students will likely move from exam-based study modules to more hands-on ‘clinical’ modules. Most Legal Administration modules will combine lectures, exams, case studies, and written practical work.

Most undergraduate Legal Administration courses run for three or four years. In some cases universities will facilitate work or internship experience as well. Additionally, there are many certificate programs run by Irish universities that will grant students certification to work as legal administrators. 

It is common that all law-based courses will require students to complete long-term research projects including a final dissertation or Capstone project. This will ensure the completion of a rigorous curriculum and prepare students for postgraduate studies and/or life after university.

A bachelor’s degree in law is adequate for many careers in legal administration. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start working as administrative staff for solicitors, barristers, lawyers, paralegals, or judges. 

Career Options

Graduating from college with a degree in Legal Administration will serve you well in the job market as it provides you with a unique and marketable skill set.  A law degree teaches students how to think logically and analytically as well as equipping them with invaluable research and communication skills. The administrative skills earned through the study of Legal Administration will also be useful for application to any number of office-based careers. 

Many recent graduates have entered into ‘entry-level’ positions working as journalists, accountants, and administrative staff to solicitors and barristers in Ireland and abroad. Some have gone on to work as research assistants, lawyers, or coding agents. 

Other careers in legal administration that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training, and/or experience to qualify for.

Related Jobs Include:

  • Solicitor / Barrister
  • Lawyer /Legal Assistant
  • Legal Researcher
  • Legal Administrator
  • Office Administrator
  • Journalist / Broadcaster
  • Author
  • Foreign Affairs Consultant
  • Insurance Agent

Further Study

An undergraduate degree in Legal Administration is often the first step towards further postgraduate study. Postgraduate students will often specialize in their particular legal sub-disciplines, oftentimes while working as an assistant or junior lawyer for a local firm in their field.

Visit postgrad.ie for more information.

FAQ

What points do I need to study Legal Administration?

  • Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always best that you check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or Four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, English, Irish or another language.

Are there any particular qualities you need to study Legal Administration?

  • Law students will need to enjoy problem solving, history, sociology and cultural studies, Additionally law students will need to be detail-oriented, focused, determined, and curious.

Where can I study Legal Administration?

  • Explore your options here.

Did You Know?

  • More than 220 million people are working as administrative professionals in the USA alone!
  • Administrative services were recognized as an essential part of business as far back as 400 BC by Greek philosopher Plato!

Resources


Ethan Moser

Creative Writing
Legal Secretarial


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