As we step into 2025, it’s natural to start reflecting on what the year ahead might hold for you and your career. Perhaps you’ve already set specific goals, or maybe you simply feel it’s time for a change. Whatever your aspirations, creating a career plan can be a powerful way to clarify your thoughts and chart a path forward. By defining clear short-term and long-term objectives and outlining a strategy for your professional growth, a well-structured plan can help you make the most of your time and unlock your full potential.

As a Legal Secretary, there are many routes of …

There was a time that the role of paralegal was thought of as no more than a stepping stone – a way to gain some experience before moving on to qualify as a solicitor. However, this is not the case today. 

People currently entering the sector, many of them having been legal secretaries, are choosing to become professional paralegal practitioners. Making their ambition not to qualify as a solicitor, but instead, to specialise in one or two areas of law and offer their specialist services to solicitors, in-house legal departments, or to the public. This can add value to a law firm, …

The 2024 PA of the Year Awards hosted by SecsintheCity, the UK’s only dedicated PA and EA job site, were recently held at the prestigious London venue - The Ivy.

Jo Benjamin, EA to a Managing Partner at Baker McKenzie took home the Legal PA of the Year Award for 2024. The evening saw finalists and their peers celebrate the essential support that Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants, Legal Secretaries, and Business Support Professionals have provided to businesses and executives throughout the UK.

The winners of the PA of the Year Awards 2024 are:
●    PA of the Year - Sarah Yallop, …

Many of ILSPA’s Students choose to study the Legal Secretaries Diploma alongside their university degrees to enhance both their skills and career prospects. Recently, we spoke with Ella Ramsey, who completed the course during the summer before her final year of university. Ella shared why she felt the Diploma was the perfect complement to her other qualifications and how it helped her with her work experience placements.

What were you doing before you joined ILSPA?

Before I started my Legal Secretaries Diploma, I was about to finish my second year of undergraduate study in Law with Criminology at university. I was …

Although not a qualified Solicitor, a Paralegal is legally trained and educated to perform legal tasks and offer legal assistance. Many Paralegals started their law careers as Legal Secretaries, so making the transition from one area to another is not alien. Many Paralegals are content in their role – some are employed by law firms, some set up as general Paralegal Practitioners, some specialise or work in glamorous industries such as football, fashion, film, stage and television. There are Paralegal positions to be explored in all sectors whether public, private, or charitable. There are a huge number of options for career …

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 …