The legal support professions are essential to the work of a lawyer or notary. What are they and what can be expected in terms of compensation and conditions?
Legal technician
Versatile, the legal technician helps move cases forward by carrying out several tasks: doing research, gathering information or giving advice on certain matters. He or she is to the lawyer a bit like the nurse is to the doctor. He must have attention to detail, good writing skills, and know how to analyze and summarize information.
A college diploma in legal techniques is required to hold this position. A legal technician can earn an annual salary of between $30,000 and $90,000 (if he works for a large firm).
Official stenographer
This judicial officer transcribes the exchanges that takes place during interrogations in the courtroom. To do this, he or she can either use a special keyboard and type all the discussions, or repeat what he hears in a recording mask, the stenomask.
Requiring a college certificate in judicial stenography, this position requires diligence and excellent skills in written communication.
In the legal field, transcriptions are of capital importance. Also, an official stenographer must demonstrate great professionalism (punctuality, independence) and good tolerance for stress.
The annual salary of a stenographer fluctuates around $50,000, but it mainly depends on his clientele since it is a self-employed position.
Court Clerk
At the heart of the action, the court clerk looks after everything that happens in a trial. He is responsible for writing the minutes — an official document which acts much like the factum of a trial.
The qualities sought for this position are courtesy, good communication skills, attention to detail and a good sense of organization. Requiring a college diploma in legal techniques, the annual salary of a court clerk can reach $45,000 for a full-time position. That said, this position is on call, and the work week rarely exceeds 35 hours.
Legal translator
An expert in communication, the legal translator translates legal texts: contracts, laws, judgements, etc. His services are also retained for assignments in drafting and revision of texts.
In addition to training in translation or law, he must have a great attention to detail as well as a very good analytical ability. The legal translator can work for a government, an agency, a law firm or a translation office. He can also be self-employed. His salary varies according to his level of education, his skills, the number of contracts obtained if he is self-employed and the price for his services.