ILSPA's Legal Secretary Blog - Discover the latest legal insights, receive expert career advice and elevate your professional skills

How to Keep Customer Service on Point When Dealing With Stressed Clients

Date : 13 Jun 2024, 2:59 p.m.

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 …

A Deep Dive into Legal Secretary Salaries in the UK

Date : 5 Jun 2024, 9:41 a.m.

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. …

Why Qualifications are Worth the Time and Money

Date : 28 May 2024, 2:57 p.m.

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 …

Interview with Fatma Al Hassona – Legal EA, Law LLB Student and ILSPA Graduate

Date : 17 May 2024, 11:15 a.m.

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 …

Are You Eligible for a Higher Membership Level?

Date : 14 May 2024, 11:13 a.m.

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 …

Can Working as a Paralegal be a Stepping Stone to Becoming a Solicitor?

Date : 9 May 2024, 8:19 a.m.

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 …

Take Part in a Study on Legal Secretaries

Date : 25 Apr 2024, 10:28 a.m.

Dr. Gerbrand Tholen from the Department of Sociology and Criminology, City, University of London would like to invite UK-based legal secretaries to participate in a research study. 

What is the purpose of the study?
In the last few decades, many experts have tried to understand how occupations have changed under the influence of new technologies, globalisation, and developments in work and procedures.

So-called “middle occupations”, often white-collar workers in administrative roles or technicians, have faced some of the biggest changes to their work. As the use of both technology and A.I. increase, we can expect further changes to these roles. …

Navigating Second Interview Questions

Date : 22 Apr 2024, 12:34 p.m.

Congratulations! You've made it to the second round of interviews for a Legal Secretary position. This is a significant achievement and a testament to the professional and capable impression you made on the first round. Whilst the first interview would have covered the essentials, the second interview delves deeper into your capabilities and fit for the role. One of our Students inspired us to write this blog post after securing a second interview with a multinational law firm in London. To help you prepare effectively, let's explore some common second interview questions for Legal Secretaries and how you can ace them. …

ILSPA's Next Online Classes - Wednesday 15 May

Date : 10 Apr 2024, 12:06 p.m.

Are you considering a career as a Legal Secretary or an existing Legal Secretary who would like to advance your skills and gain a formal qualification? If so, you're on the right path to having a dynamic and rewarding career in law. It’s essential to equip yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the legal profession. That's where the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs (ILSPA) comes in with their highly regarded Legal Secretaries Diploma course.

Starting on Wednesday 15 May, ILSPA offers you the opportunity to dive deep into the intricacies of a Legal Secretary …

Legal Obligations to Protect Animals

Date : 9 Apr 2024, 10:46 a.m.

The songs of Humpback whales are passed down through generations. Crows and ravens are renowned for their exceptional problem-solving skills. Elephants display empathy and emotional sensitivity. Chimpanzees and orangutans exhibit complex tool use. Dolphins engage in sophisticated vocalisations and coordinated behaviours. The interconnectedness of humans, animals and the environment is recognised by the World Health Organisation, and the body of scientific work into intelligence within the animal kingdom continues to grow. Science tells us that animals are social and sentient creatures, that they experience the world much like we do, but the law treats them very differently. Despite some progress, …