In early 2024, TotallyLegal surveyed over 500 legal professionals to capture an industry-wide snapshot of salaries, bonuses, and working arrangements. Responses reveal an educated, highly experienced audience spanning the full range of roles, disciplines, and employment experiences – from small companies to Silver and Magic Circle firms. Amongst which, sit our valued Legal PA and Secretary niche.

Wondering whether you’re due a pay rise? Within this snapshot, TotallyLegal assess the standing of Legal PAs and Legal Secretaries across the legal recruitment market.

How long does the average Legal PA stay in their role?

Working in their role for a median …

SecsintheCity, the UK’s only dedicated PA job site, has opened nominations for its annual PA of the Year Awards. Nominate yourself, or a colleague to become the 2024 PA, Legal PA, or Business Support Manager of the year.

Nominations are now open for our 13th annual celebration of the essential support provided by Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants, Legal PAs and Business Support Managers.

What’s new?

This year brings the announcement of a new category: alongside our PA and Legal PA winners, we will be recognising a ‘Business Support Manager’ of the year.

This new category aims to recognise those that manage …

In the fast-paced and demanding world of business and law, executives are faced with an overwhelming array of responsibilities. To navigate these challenges successfully, many executives rely on a crucial pillar of support: personal and executive assistants. Assistants play an indispensable role in ensuring the smooth functioning of an executive’s daily affairs. This article delves into the significance of assistants around the world and why their presence is essential for every executive.

Time Management and Productivity
Time is an executive’s most valuable asset. The efficient allocation of time can be the difference between success and failure in today’s competitive landscape. …

In the fast-paced digital era, the ability to transcribe audio efficiently is a valuable skill. Whilst many AI powered solutions have been developed such as Transcribe, human input is still required in various roles. Whether you're a Student, a professional, or someone looking to explore new opportunities, acquiring audio typing skills can open doors. Fortunately, with the plethora of online resources available, honing your audio typing skills has never been more accessible. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to gain audio typing proficiency online.

Understand the Basics: Before diving into audio typing, familiarise yourself with basic …

Maintaining an excellent level of customer service can be tough, no matter the circumstances. But in the context of a law firm, appeasing a client comes with the added pressure of effectively and responsibly managing their legal affairs during a challenging time in their lives.

Some aspects of customer service are the same across the board – you want to be polite and engage with your client with the intention of solving their issue. However, there are some specific steps legal professionals can take to ensure their level of customer service stays on point, even when dealing with stressed clients.

Communicate …

Legal Secretaries provide indispensable administrative support and ensure the smooth functioning of legal proceedings. Unraveling the intricacies of pay in this profession is vital for both aspiring Legal Secretaries and seasoned professionals alike.

Salary Range

Legal Secretary salaries in the UK can vary significantly depending on various factors. On average, salaries for Legal Secretaries typically range from £18,000 to £35,000 per year. However, salaries can surpass this range in high-demand areas or prestigious law firms, especially in London and other major cities, and reach up to £45,000.

Factors Influencing Salaries

1. Geographical location: Location plays a pivotal role in determining Legal Secretary salaries. …

Malcolm Trotter is a renowned global education and training professional. In this article with our Partner, The National Association of Licensed Paralegals, he talks about the benefits of studying and how people should embrace recognised qualifications, not just degrees, to further their careers.   

Obtaining a university degree in the United Kingdom continues to be a goal for a significant number of individuals. With its array of academic disciplines, career prospects, and personal growth opportunities, pursuing higher education offers numerous benefits. But are those benefits of equal value to everyone who takes that path?

Return on your investment

Studying to gain a …

Legal Secretaries, PAs, and EAs need a high level of competence to perform their roles effectively. When Fatma realised she could not support the Barrister she was working for to her desired standard, she pursued ILSPA’s Legal Secretaries Diploma to acquire legal knowledge and practical skills.

What were you doing before you joined ILSPA?

Before joining ILSPA, I was working as an EA to three directors including a Barrister.

Why did you decide to do ILSPA's Legal Secretaries Diploma course?

The majority of the time, I felt helpless and couldn't assist the Barrister at my previous role to the highest level …

At the heart of every successful journey lies the choice to embark on a path of growth and distinction. Here at ILSPA, we understand the importance of recognising your accomplishments and striving for greater heights in your legal career. That's why we offer a choice of Membership levels tailored to your qualifications and experience.

For those who have passed our Legal Secretaries Diploma course, the journey continues with Affiliate Membership. It's more than just a designation; it's a badge of honour that signifies your expertise to employers. As you renew your Membership, envision proudly displaying your Affiliate Membership certificate, a …

Working as a paralegal practitioner can be just as rewarding as being a solicitor and involves much of the same work. Working as a paralegal can also be a stepping stone to becoming a solicitor and can count towards your two years’ qualifying work experience should you wish to go on to do your Solicitors’ Qualifying Examination (SQE).

How you make the move from paralegal to solicitor depends very much on whether or not you have a qualifying law degree or a degree in another discipline (or equivalent, such as an Ofqual Level 6 qualification).

If you do have a …