At The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs, our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme is more than just an opportunity for learning—it’s a pathway to excellence. This initiative is designed to empower Legal Secretaries and PAs by enhancing their knowledge, refining skills, and bolstering their professional development.

The Benefits of CPD

• CPD ensures Members stay current with evolving legal practices and technologies. By engaging in structured learning, they can deepen their understanding of legal procedures and tools, keeping their expertise sharp and relevant.
• Demonstrating a commitment to professional growth enhances career prospects. A CPD Certificate from ILSPA is a testament …

The landscape for Legal Secretaries is changing quickly, and 2025 promises to be a year of significant opportunity. The Legal Secretary job is vital for members of any legal team, providing critical assistance in administrative tasks and document drafting while aiding in case preparations as well. Whether you're beginning your legal secretarial career or aiming for career growth opportunities, grasping the skills and various career trajectory possibilities will equip you to navigate through the industry successfully. With the right blend of legal expertise and professional growth, 2025 offers promising prospects for Legal Secretaries looking to thrive in a rewarding career.

The responsibilities …

The fourth National Paralegal Day, hosted by the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) took place at the Six Clerks Bar within the Law Society at 113 Chancery Lane, London this week (Monday 11th November).

This year’s winners of the ‘NALP Paralegal Achievement Awards’ were announced on the night.

The winners are:

• Highest Achievement for the NALP Level 3 Award 2023/24: Sponsored by JK Total Business Solutions – URSULA KING
• Highest Achievement for the Level 3 Certificate 2023/24: Sponsored by Mindful Education – LISA FOX
• Highest Achievement for the NALP Level 3 Diploma in Paralegal Practice 2023/24: Sponsored by the National …

The PA Show is one of the largest gathering of Executive Support Professionals in the UK.

Whether you’re a PA, Legal PA, Executive Assistant, Office Manager, Virtual Assistant or involved in office support in any way, The PA Show offers you the chance to enhance your skills and knowledge, grow your network of contacts, and source premium global suppliers to support you in your role.

The PA Show offers unique access to a wealth of CPD accredited training designed to support professionals excel at every stage of their career.

The PA Show will feature world class CPD accredited Theatres. The Keynote …

ILSPA's Legal Secretaries Diploma Course is designed to be suitable for all levels of experience and fit around people's existing commitments, be that work, family or additional studies. We recently had the pleasure of speaking to CJ Carter who recently completed the Diploma with ILSPA. CJ spoke about how she fitted her work around her family and what her studies have now given her the opportunity to do.   
 
What were you doing before you joined ILSPA?
Before and while studying for the Legal Secretary Diploma, I was both a stay-at-home mum, as well as doing work needed for …

The National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) will be hosting the fourth National Paralegal Day with an evening event at the Six Clerks Bar within the Law Society at 113 Chancery Lane, London on Monday 11th November from 7pm to 9pm. 

The event will also host the annual ‘NALP Paralegal Achievement Awards’. 

The Awards are for: 

Highest Achievement for the NALP Level 3 Award 2023/24: Sponsored by JK Total Business Solutions
Highest Achievement for the Level 3 Certificate 2023/24: Sponsored by Mindful Education
Highest Achievement for the NALP Level 3 Diploma in Paralegal Practice 2023/24: Sponsored by the National Paralegal …

Many legal secretaries see progression into the paralegal sector as a desirable career move. Working as a paralegal can take on many forms, but one of the most rewarding areas is probate research.

During my 21 years in probate research, I have distributed inheritances to a diverse group of individuals, including famous faces, landed gentry, minor royals, persons of no fixed abode, a former neighbour, and an old school friend. Beneficiaries come from all walks of life, but it can be a challenge navigating the complexities involved in passing on a person’s estate. Probate researchers combine knowledge of the process …

Over recent years, the legal profession has undergone significant changes due to both technological advancements and practical necessities. One of the most prominent changes for legal professionals, including Legal Secretaries, has been the transition to remote hearings. The HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has introduced a new video hearings service that has become a crucial part of the justice system in the wake of court closures and funding reallocations. Understanding how this shift impacts the court process, your role, and the broader court system is essential.

The Push Towards Remote Hearings

The COVID-19 pandemic was the primary catalyst that …

ILSPA’s Legal Secretaries Diploma is a fantastic refresher course for people who are considering returning to the legal sector after a long break. 

ILSPA recently spoke to Lisa Unsted who completed the Diploma earlier this year. Lisa worked as a Legal Secretary back in the 1990s but then went on to train as a Nurse. After many years in her nursing career, Lisa decided to return to the legal profession but was conscious that law and procedures would have evolved since she last worked in the sector.

In this article, Lisa discusses how studying ILSPA’s Legal Secretaries Diploma course helped …

Online interviews are often easier to organise than face-to-face, as they make interview times and locations less of an issue. This approach allows for more flexibility in the hiring process and widens the candidate pool. They are an efficient way to meet and discuss available opportunities. 

By now, you probably know the basics: make sure you have a reliable internet connection, dress appropriately, and opt for a quiet space.

But what else can you do to ensure you’re getting the best chance of securing a new role?

Preparing the perfect setting

We all know that it is best to pick a tidy, …