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 …

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 …