Membership Terms and Conditions

These Membership Terms & Conditions form a legally binding agreement between you (the Member) and the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs (ILSPA). By applying for, renewing, or using your Membership, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Membership Eligibility and Acceptance

Membership is open to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for the Membership level applied for, including Student, Affiliate, Associate (AILS), or Fellow (FILS).

All applications are subject to approval by ILSPA. We reserve the right to accept or decline any application at our discretion.

By submitting an application, you confirm that all information provided is true, accurate, and complete.

2. Membership Benefits

Membership entitles you to the benefits applicable to your Membership category. These may include access to the ILSPA online Member area, professional recognition, newsletters and legal updates, CV and career guidance, CPD recognition, certificates, and discounts on ILSPA products and services.

Membership benefits are provided at the discretion of ILSPA and may be updated, amended, or withdrawn at any time.

3. Code of Conduct

All Members are required to uphold the integrity, professionalism, and reputation of ILSPA and the legal profession at all times.

Members agree to:

Act with honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all professional dealings.
Maintain appropriate standards of competence and take responsibility for their professional development.
Respect confidentiality and handle sensitive information with care and discretion.
Treat colleagues, clients, employers, and fellow Members with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
Avoid discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any form of inappropriate or unlawful behaviour.
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations relevant to their professional role.
Refrain from making misleading or false representations about their qualifications, Membership status, or professional experience.
Use post-nominal letters (such as AILS or FILS) accurately and only while Membership is valid and in good standing.

Members must not:

Engage in conduct that brings ILSPA into disrepute.
Misuse ILSPA branding, logos, or professional designations.
Share confidential ILSPA materials or Member-only resources without permission.
Make public statements purporting to represent ILSPA without prior written authority.

Alleged breaches of this Code may be investigated by ILSPA. Where appropriate, ILSPA may request information, invite written representations, or take disciplinary action. Disciplinary measures may include a warning, suspension, or termination of Membership.

4. Member Responsibilities

Members must maintain accurate contact and payment information at all times.

You are responsible for safeguarding your login details and must not share access to the Member area or Membership benefits with non-Members.

ILSPA materials and resources are provided for personal, non-commercial use only and must not be copied, distributed, or shared without prior written consent.

5. Membership Fees and Renewal

Membership fees are set by ILSPA and may be reviewed or amended from time to time.

Membership is valid for one year from the date of joining unless otherwise specified. Renewal fees must be paid by the due date to maintain active Membership status.

If Membership fees are not paid by the renewal date, ILSPA reserves the right to suspend or cancel Membership benefits.

Membership fees are non-refundable once payment has been processed, except at ILSPA’s discretion or where required by law.

6. Cancellation

You may cancel your Membership at any time by providing written notice. Cancellation does not entitle you to a refund of any membership fees already paid.

Upon cancellation or expiry, access to the Member area and all associated benefits will cease.

7. Privacy and Data Protection

ILSPA is committed to protecting your personal data. Any personal information provided in connection with your Membership will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection legislation.

By becoming a Member, you consent to the collection and use of your personal data for Membership administration, communication, and service delivery purposes.

8. Intellectual Property

All content, materials, resources, branding, and logos provided by ILSPA remain the property of ILSPA.

Membership does not grant ownership of any intellectual property rights. Members are granted a limited, non-transferable licence to use materials for personal professional development only.

9. Suspension and Termination by ILSPA

ILSPA reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership without refund where a Member breaches these Terms or the Code of Conduct, fails to maintain professional standards, or engages in conduct detrimental to ILSPA or its Members.

Where appropriate, ILSPA may provide notice and an opportunity to respond before taking such action.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, ILSPA shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental loss arising from Membership.