Paralegal or Legal Secretary?

i want to have a career in the legal field and am in the process of going back to school to get a certificate. i am torn between paralegal and legal secretary. i have heard that once you are in the field some firms might train you on the job to become a paralegal. i know the differences between the two but still am wondering if it would be wise to do the legal secretary course and later gain experience and push to be a paralegal? or would it be wiser to just do the paralegal program? any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks

I would suggest getting your paralegal certificate. Because even if you don't get a job as a paralegal, most of the same studies are valuable for legal secretary position. I'm a paralegal, and have worked a rather broad range of responsibilities at my current job and at my previous job. I did basically everything, from secretarial duties to paralegal duties to file clerk to everything. I have an ASB in paralegal studies....and currently I am working as a paralegal/legal assistant. Believe me, regardless of what course you take, in the 'real world law firms' you'll basically be doing the same job, regardless of what descriptions differ between the two. That's why I'm suggesting to just go for the paralegal certification, you'll be more prepared.

Good Luck!!!