The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Recent Graduate (Law/Criminology)
0-1 year of post-grad experience (often including internships)Skills to master
- Practical application of legal theory, professional communication, office software proficiency, attention to detail in high-stakes environments.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrated strong academic performance in legal subjects.
- Completed at least one legal internship or pro bono work.
- Can articulate a clear interest in a career in litigation support.
- Excellent organisational skills and a methodical approach to tasks.
- 2
Experienced Administrator/Executive Assistant
1-3 years in a demanding administrative roleSkills to master
- Legal terminology, eDiscovery tools, matter management systems, understanding of litigation lifecycle, adapting organisational skills to legal context.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of managing complex schedules and documents.
- Experience handling confidential information with discretion.
- Can provide examples of meticulous organisation and problem-solving.
- A clear desire to transition into the legal sector and learn new skills.
- 3
Legal Secretary / Office Junior
1-2 years in a legal office settingSkills to master
- Deepening knowledge of legal procedures, eDiscovery platforms, advanced document formatting, independent task management.
You're ready to move on when
- Familiarity with legal document types and court processes.
- Proficiency in legal software (e.g., DMS, billing systems).
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
- Positive feedback from lawyers or senior staff on reliability and accuracy.