Changing career to legal secretary

Owlet

Looking for people's experiences of going into legal (or medical) secretary work. I have also posted this in the careers section but it doesn't seem very active there.

I am a Higher Executive Officer in the Civil Service. High performer. Have worked internationally.

I've learned so much from my varied roles as an HEO but I am totally out of love with civil service and since I've had two children, who are now in pre school/school, I'm ready for a change.

I like the appeal of a more transactional role (not losing sleep over work/taking it home, which I feel I would do if I progressed in the civil service), the private sector, something fast paced (I have worked on crisis management on a 24/7 shift basis in the past) and a solid salary with potential for part time/temp work down the line for flexibility. I love being organised and have a good eye for detail.

I would look to do a pitman course or similar to retrain.

Do you work in one of these roles? Do you enjoy it? What do you wish you had known before?

By way of background I'm based in Dublin.

Thanks!

mea_k

Owlet wrote: »

Looking for people's experiences of going into legal (or medical) secretary work. I have also posted this in the careers section but it doesn't seem very active there.

I am a Higher Executive Officer in the Civil Service. High performer. Have worked internationally.

I've learned so much from my varied roles as an HEO but I am totally out of love with civil service and since I've had two children, who are now in pre school/school, I'm ready for a change.

I like the appeal of a more transactional role (not losing sleep over work/taking it home, which I feel I would do if I progressed in the civil service), the private sector, something fast paced (I have worked on crisis management on a 24/7 shift basis in the past) and a solid salary with potential for part time/temp work down the line for flexibility. I love being organised and have a good eye for detail.

I would look to do a pitman course or similar to retrain.

Do you work in one of these roles? Do you enjoy it? What do you wish you had known before?

By way of background I'm based in Dublin.

Thanks!

Be careful of pitman. That course is 3k plus, they don't know price themselves and then try to get '' tutor '' to ring you or should I say hound you. That qualification is not QQI accredited and basically means nothing.
Especially because pitman will be on your CV, your job opportunities will be very slim. Unless you want to work for high turnover place.

Lenar3556

Owlet wrote: »

Looking for people's experiences of going into legal (or medical) secretary work. I have also posted this in the careers section but it doesn't seem very active there.

I am a Higher Executive Officer in the Civil Service. High performer. Have worked internationally.

I've learned so much from my varied roles as an HEO but I am totally out of love with civil service and since I've had two children, who are now in pre school/school, I'm ready for a change.

I like the appeal of a more transactional role (not losing sleep over work/taking it home, which I feel I would do if I progressed in the civil service), the private sector, something fast paced (I have worked on crisis management on a 24/7 shift basis in the past) and a solid salary with potential for part time/temp work down the line for flexibility. I love being organised and have a good eye for detail.

I would look to do a pitman course or similar to retrain.

Do you work in one of these roles? Do you enjoy it? What do you wish you had known before?

By way of background I'm based in Dublin.

Thanks!

Is it likely to pay enough? You will be competing with legally trained graduates seeking experience.

I would say think carefully before you leave the civil service. There may be progression opportunities within it to better suit your current needs - combined with things like parental leave for example.

Mrs OBumble

Owlet wrote: »

....
I like the appeal of a more transactional role .... something fast paced .... and a solid salary with potential for part time/temp work down the line for flexibility. ....

You're not looking for much! What would you consider to be a solid salary - how does 30k sound? TBH, in a secretarial role that doesn't involve extended responsibility (ie taking work home, at least in your head), I think you'd struggle to get more.