About ILSPA

At ILSPA, we're dedicated to helping both individuals and firms achieve success in the legal field. Whether you’re an aspiring or experienced Legal Secretary looking to advance your career, or a firm developing your team’s expertise, we provide the support and resources you need to reach your goals.

As the professional body for Legal Secretaries and PAs, our recognised qualifications and professional development opportunities are designed to open doors, strengthen skills, and raise standards across the industry. From our renowned Legal Secretary courses and practical resources to our jobs board and career guidance, ILSPA empowers people and organisations to thrive in the legal sector.

Our passionate team of legal experts and dedicated staff genuinely care about helping our Students, Members, and their firms succeed. With a global, diverse, and inclusive community, we’re here to support you at every stage of your journey.

Founded in 1990 by a group of legal professionals, ILSPA was established to elevate the roles of Legal Secretaries and PAs through training, support, and recognition.

Our mission remains the same today through:

Recognised qualifications to start or advance careers
Career advice tailored to diverse backgrounds and experience levels
Professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge
Updates on new laws and procedures to stay informed
Awareness of the high standards expected in the profession
A vibrant community that connects and unites Legal Secretaries and PAs at all levels

Our Tutor and Students at Regent's University

Our Students Exploring the Royal Courts of Justice

ILSPA REVIEWS

The main benefit to membership is the responsibility for learning coupled with a reputable institution’s recognition. This offers not only the external benefits provided by ILSPA but the desire to achieve and maintain a level of expertise. I don’t think we could have done such a task if we had not been part of ILSPA.Sidley Austin LLP, Worldwide

ILSPA made me feel very secure that I would have a very good chance at becoming employed after finishing the diploma and investing my time and effort, which was the end goal for me. A lot of the other companies promise good courses but seem to be missing that element of support. I really liked the aspect of membership offered by ILSPA, because it opened up access to a new supportive community. I offer various legal services as a legal secretary. At the start, I focused more on legal administrative services. As I gained more experience, I expanded to offering services bordering more on paralegal work, where I prepare court documents and offer legal research services. I was very relieved seeing how much the ILSPA course related to the research material I come across in my work.Evelina Tarabuta, Brighton

After having my two daughters and changing law firms, I found ILSPA and I was impressed with the flexibility of the learning and courses on offer. That’s when I started to aim more for becoming a Paralegal. During my time at the new law firm as a Legal Secretary, I worked for the head of department whilst doing my courses with ILSPA. The course content was brilliant, very well explained and presented. There was always someone at the end of the line to answer any questions. The feedback was great upon doing the assignment.Elizabeth Forbes, Kent

The diploma was a dream to complete because I needed to complement all the years of work experience I had in this sector with an actual diploma from a professional Institute. My experience with the Institute was wholeheartedly fantastic. The entire team at ILSPA are welcoming and professional and helped me develop my career further which I am extremely grateful for.Shama Ali, Dubai