Legal executives specialise in one particular area of the law, doing work similar to that of solicitors.
They usually specialise in one of the following:
- conveyancing – the legal side of buying and selling property
- family law – advising on divorces and matters affecting children
- crime – defending and prosecuting people accused of crimes
- company and business law – advising clients on legislation that affects their businesses, such as tax, contracts and employment law
- litigation – where a client is in dispute with someone else
- probate – dealing with wills, trusts and inheritance tax
- personal injury – handling accident claims
- public law – for instance, welfare benefits or immigration.
The work of legal executives varies depending on their specialism, but may include:
- explaining legal matters to clients
- advising clients how the law applies to their case or transaction
- analysing, researching and summarising legal documents
- preparing documents for work such as the conveyancing of property, probate and litigation
- drawing up wills
- drafting contracts
As well as dealing with clients, legal executives liaise with other professionals, such as solicitors, accountants and planners. In some cases they supervise the work of junior staff.
Hours and environment
Legal executives usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. They may sometimes have to work evenings or weekends and, in certain instances, shifts. It is possible to work part time.
The work is mainly office based, but some travel to courts and Garda stations may be required. Smart dress is expected, particularly for court work.
Legal executives specialise in one particular area of the law, doing work similar to that of solicitors.
They usually specialise in one of the following:
- conveyancing – the legal side of buying and selling property
- family law – advising on divorces and matters affecting children
- crime – defending and prosecuting people accused of crimes
- company and business law – advising clients on legislation that affects their businesses, such as tax, contracts and employment law
- litigation – where a client is in dispute with someone else
- probate – dealing with wills, trusts and inheritance tax
- personal injury – handling accident claims
- public law – for instance, welfare benefits or immigration.
The work of legal executives varies depending on their specialism, but may include:
- explaining legal matters to clients
- advising clients how the law applies to their case or transaction
- analysing, researching and summarising legal documents
- preparing documents for work such as the conveyancing of property, probate and litigation
- drawing up wills
- drafting contracts
- representing clients in county and magistrates’ courts in civil and criminal proceedings.
As well as dealing with clients, legal executives liaise with other professionals, such as solicitors, accountants and planners. In some cases they supervise the work of junior staff.
Hours and environment
Legal executives usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. They may sometimes have to work evenings or weekends and, in certain instances, shifts. It is possible to work part time.
The work is mainly office based, but some travel to courts and police stations may be required. Smart dress is expected, particularly for court work.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Trainee legal executives may earn between €22,000 and €25,000 a year.
- Fully qualified legal executives may earn between €25,000 and €45,000 a year.
- The most senior legal executives in large cities may earn over €50,000 a year.
Actual rates of pay are heavily dependent on an executive’s specialist area and locality.
Skills and personal qualities
A legal executive should:
- be able to explain legal matters clearly to a wide range of people
- pay attention to detail
- have good analytical and problem-solving skills
- be a good communicator in speech and writing
- have good administrative skills
- be well organised
- be numerate
- have computer skills
- be discreet.
Interests
It is important to:
- be interested in the law
- enjoy research
- like working with people.
Getting in
The Irish Institute of Legal Executives, in conjunction with Griffith College, Dublin has developed a course specifically for legal executives.
The Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice (Hetac Level 7) is a two year course which is designed to give legal executives the necessary academic and practical skills for a legal office.
Useful Links:
Irish Institute of Legal Executives
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx)