About ILSPA

The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs was formed in 1990 by a group of like-minded legal professionals with the mission of promoting the excellence and professional recognition of Legal Secretaries and PAs.

ILSPA is the UK's professional body for Legal Secretaries and PAs. We have helped thousands of people throughout the UK and overseas have rewarding careers through our training, career advice, professional development and help to secure employment.

ILSPA's team consists of legal professionals and experts in law. We have a passion for helping people with their Legal Secretary careers and ensuring that law firms have top quality staff. Take a look at our testimonials to read how we have helped our Students.

The Professional Body for Legal Secretaries and PAs

ILSPA's Aims & Objectives

To specifically provide for the needs of trainee and experienced Legal Secretaries and PAs
To offer specialist training and career guidance to people from a wide range of backgrounds and varying levels of experience
To award recognised qualifications which enable people to start or advance their careers
To provide affordable training to Students
To encourage Members to advance their knowledge and skills through professional development
To keep our Members up to date with new laws and procedures
To create awareness of the standards that are expected of Legal Secretaries and PAs
To unite Legal Secretaries and PAs at all levels and make them feel as if they are part of a community

Dartington Hall - Head Office Location

Regent's University - Evening Class Location

Royal Courts of Justice - ILSPA's Tour

ILSPA's Key People

Emma Stacey is ILSPA's Chief Executive. She loves her work has a diverse role helping the Institute to operate and progress. Emma was previously with the National Association of Licensed Paralegals and has worked as a Legal Secretary for a large law firm. With experience spanning over 20 years, she understands the profession well. The most enjoyable part of Emma's work is helping Students and Members achieve their goals. Emma Stacey - Chief Executive

Amanda Hamilton taught ILSPA's Legal Secretaries Diploma course for 12 years. She is the Chief Executive of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals, which is dedicated to promoting the status of Paralegals and Paralegal Training. Amanda runs our tour of the Royal Courts of Justice in London and provides ongoing support as our Patron. She is much loved by our Students. Amanda Hamilton - Patron

Seamus Ryan started teaching after he finished law school, over 20 years ago. He specialises in legal training and is a qualified Solicitor, a member of the Institute for Learning and a Law Society accredited Lexcel consultant. Seamus is very popular with our Students due to his friendly and helpful teaching approach. We regularly receive wonderful feedback from those who have attended his classes. Seamus Ryan - Tutor

Maria Richards is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and has over 13 years' experience practising for one of the largest firms in the Southwest. Maria has teaching experience which extends from Legal Secretary courses to graduate and postgraduate levels in all areas of law. Since 2010, Maria has been supporting Students on our courses and assessing ILSPA coursework. She views each Student as a unique and valuable individual. Maria Richards - Course Assessor

Megan James is ILSPA's Executive Secretary. Her role involves providing support to our Chief Executive and team, through administration, social media and office management. Megan has a passion for law and graduated with an LLB Law Degree. Her legal knowledge together with her experience in administration and office management make her a perfect part of the team. Megan James - Executive Secretary

Laura Jenkinson is ILSPA's Administrator. Within her role, she deals with a wide variety of queries and assists our Students and Members with their needs. Laura has an excellent background in administration, having experience of providing small businesses with administrative/PA support. She has great attention to detail and is meticulous with her work. We value Laura's contribution highly. Laura Jenkinson - Administrator

John Stacey-Hibbert has over 50 years' experience in the legal field. John was the General Secretary of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals, a Senior Lecturer in Law and Management at South Devon College, and practised as a Lawyer in various firms in London. John's expertise and support is of great value to ILSPA. He loves learning, having recently finished a Masters Degree and is now doing a PhD! John Stacey-Hibbert - Patron