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, …

SecsintheCity, the UK’s only job site dedicated to Personal Assistants, is hosting the 13th annual PA of the Year awards in 2024. These awards celebrate the vital support that Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants and Business Support Managers bring to businesses across the UK. The clock is ticking to submit your Legal PA of the Year 2024 nominations, as the deadline of 20th September is fast approaching!

Legal PA of the Year is one of the awards’ most popular categories. Those in Legal PA jobs are indispensable members of many law firms, Barrister’s chambers and in-house legal teams, providing administrative and …

We’ve got some tips on one of the most important aspects of working as a personal/executive assistant: building a strong professional relationship with your executive. This bond is the backbone of your work, helping everything run smoothly and efficiently. So, let’s dive into some quick and easy strategies to foster a connection that’s not only professional but also genuinely supportive and collaborative. 

Understand Their Working Style 

First things first, you need to get a handle on your executive’s working style.

• Observe and learn: Pay attention to how they prefer to work - do they like early mornings or late …

ILSPA has recently explored a wide array of free resources, and we are excited to share our findings with you. Whether you are currently studying to become a Legal Secretary or are already working in the field, these resources will help you streamline your tasks, enhance productivity, and manage your work more efficiently. 

Microsoft Office Alternatives

• LibreOffice: A powerful open-source alternative to Microsoft Office, offering word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools.
• WPS Office: Another free office suite with compatibility for Microsoft Office files.

PDF Editors

• PDFescape: A free online PDF editor that allows you to edit, fill out, …

At the beginning of 2024, SecsintheCity surveyed over 1,400 Legal PAs, EAs and other business support professionals to get the inside exclusive on salaries, bonuses and employee expectations. The landscape of talent acquisition continues to evolve for Legal PAs in 2024; shaped by changing workforce dynamics with return-to-office schemes, and the ever-growing demand for skilled professionals. This year, the industry delivers on salary, bonuses and employees’ desire for flexibility, with 77% of Legal PAs conducting a hybrid working schedule.

Average Earnings:

62% of Legal PAs received a pay rise in 2024. Despite employers’ budgets under greater pressure, competition for suitably qualified …

The legal sector is finding opportunities to leverage AI for efficiency, accuracy and innovation. There are a number of sector-specific AI tools, such as Co-Counsel Core from Thomson Reuters. This is an AI Legal Assistant (launched in the US in 2023) that equips its customers with eight generative AI-powered core legal skills, including Prepare for a Deposition, Draft Correspondence, Search a Database, Review Documents, Summarise a Document, Extract Contract Data, Contract Policy Compliance and Timeline. 

Some Law firms, such as Clifford Chance, are announcing pilots and trials in collaboration with major software companies. These mostly remain internal to law firm …

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 …