In order for law firms to succeed, it is important for Legal Secretaries to have up to date professional knowledge and skills. Law firms that help to develop the full potential of the legal secretarial role optimise their overall performance.

The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs actively encourages Students and Members to advance their professional knowledge and skills through our qualifications, CPD programme and online journal, www.legalsecretaryjournal.com.

The professional recognition and qualifications of employees can increase the competitive edge of organisations. It is becoming popular for firms to have information regarding their staff on their websites, which can play a key part in customer interest.

The Institute has Members throughout the UK and overseas. For a small yearly subscription, your firm could benefit greatly by having staff that receive professional recognition, are encouraged to advance their skills and are dedicated to their career. Students receive free Membership of the Institute for a year so that they can experience the benefits. Please take a look at our Membership section for details.

If you are interested in legal secretarial training then our courses are comprehensive and very good value. We have a range of courses which can save your firm time and money due to the skills your secretaries will gain. Please take a look at our training section for details.

Many Legal Secretaries throughout the country have been supported by their firms who are aware of the benefits of training or Membership with us. These firms include:

Anthony Collins, Anderson Longmore & Higham, Archers Law, Atteys, Birketts, Bond Pearce, Collas Day, Corlett, Crosse & Crosse, Bolton & Co, Daltons, Embertons, Evans & Co, Ford & Warren, Fryer Chandler & Co, Glanvilles, Harvey Ingram, Hatchers, Hibbert Lucas Butter, Holly & Steer, Kimbells, Metson Cross & Co, Mogers, Mundays, Ogier, Ozannes, Neville Jones & Co, Palis & Co, Picton Howell, Pitmans, Purcells, Ramsden, Rose & Dunn, Skinners, Sternberg Reed, Sills & Betteridge, Stapleton Gardner, Townshends, Trowers & Hamlins, Vance Harris, Vincent Sykes & Higham, Webb & Co.

Law firms now have the opportunity to post their vacancies on our fantastic new jobs board which is available to our Members and the public.

Testimonials

As a fast growing company in the ever-changing world of law, we feel it is imperative for all our staff to have up-to-the minute training, so ensuring they provide an accurate, first class service to both clients and Solicitors alike.

Being presented with a nationally recognised qualification upon completion of the Legal Secretaries Diploma Course is indeed a symbol of our commitment to growth and personal development. Joining the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs was a natural progression for many of our staff, all of whom are delighted with the service provided

Vincent Sykes and Higham LLP Solicitors, Northamptonshire

The support received by one legal secretary at Ogier has prompted other members of staff to undertake professional secretarial qualifications. Jackie Guille achieved a highly commended certificate in her Legal Secretaries Diploma, which she completed via distance learning in just six months. On her recommendation and example, seven of her colleagues are now being supported by Ogier to take the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs’ course.

Partner and head of Ogier in Guernsey, Advocate William Simpson said: ‘The benefits Jackie was receiving from her diploma were evident as soon as she joined us and I am not surprised she achieved a “highly commended” for all the hard work she put in. Ogier recognises the value of training its staff. As a firm we actively encourage our people to further their development through relevant professional qualifications and support them as much as we can. I wish all the legal secretaries good luck in their diploma.’

Ogier law firm, Guernsey

I would like to advise you that I found this course very appealing from the moment I read about it on your website. I am a legal secretary who enjoys this kind of work immensely but I have never gained any formal 'legal' qualification to back up my ability to do my job.

I found I was able to work through each unit quite quickly and easily due to the fact that each unit was broken down and explained everything so clearly. The fact that I knew there was help on the other end of the phone if I needed it was a bonus.

I would definitely recommend this course for anyone considering employment in any legal capacity or for anyone, like myself, who is already employed by a law firm but has no formal qualification.

The course was a pleasure to work through, so much so that I would be grateful if you could advise me if you operate any other courses that may be of interest or may be advantageous in my chosen profession.

Susan McKeown, Student