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. We have developed recognised qualifications which enable you to gain the legal knowledge and practical skills you need to be a successful Legal Secretary. Membership of the Institute enables you to receive guidance and support throughout your career and gives you exclusive access to a wealth of online resources for Legal Secretaries and PAs. Since its founding, ILSPA has helped thousands of people throughout the UK and overseas achieve their goals and have rewarding careers in law.

ILSPA is the go-to place for trainee and experienced Legal Secretaries. Whatever stage you are at in your career, we are here to assist.

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 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

ILSPA's Key People

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

Amanda Hamilton has been teaching ILSPA's Legal Secretaries Diploma course for over 15 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 is much loved by our Students. Amanda Hamilton - Tutor

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. Students often impress Seamus with their level of commitment and enthusiasm for learning. Seamus Ryan - Tutor & Course Developer

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 & Developer

Megan James is ILSPA's Executive Secretary. Her role is focused on helping Students, Members and enquirers, whilst managing administration procedures and our social media. Megan has a passion for law and graduated with an LLB Law Degree. Her legal knowledge together with her previous 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, as well as general duties such as processing course and Membership applications. Laura's contribution to our social media is very beneficial as she understands ILSPA's vision. She has an excellent background in administration and has experience of providing small businesses with administrative/PA support. Laura Jenkinson - Administrator

John Stacey-Hibbert has over 50 years of experience in the legal field. John was the General Secretary of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals up until 2007. Previously, he worked for Solicitors - from a sole practitioner in N.W. London to heading the Civil Litigation Department in a large London West End firm. John also had his own private Conveyancing practice and was a Senior Lecturer in Law and Management at South Devon College. John's expertise and support is of great value to ILSPA. John Stacey-Hibbert - Patron & Course Developer