In the fast-paced world of law, precision is essential. Legal Secretaries play a vital role in maintaining the accuracy and professionalism of legal documents. However, even the most diligent professionals can fall prey to common proofreading mistakes. Understanding these pitfalls is the first step in preventing them.

Here are some of the most frequent proofreading errors and how to avoid them:

1. Overlooking Homophones
Example: “Their” vs. “There” vs. “They’re” or “Principal” vs. “Principle”

Legal writing demands absolute clarity. Confusing homophones can change the meaning of a sentence and potentially affect the interpretation of legal content.

Tip: Read the document …

I am 60 years old, very soon to be 61. I don’t feel it, I hope I don’t look it, and I certainly don’t act it!

My life has been quite eventful, and I have tried to do things that are interesting and different. When I talk about my life at work nobody believes half of what I say, or they say I’ve lived a couple of lifetimes in one! The fact that I am over twice most of their ages anyway speaks volumes! My background was in scientific research, then scientific sales, then logistics. I have worked for research …

London, we’re coming back - and we’re bringing the best. 

This November, Executive Support LIVE returns to London for the first time since 2022 - and it’s going to be unmissable.

Forget everything you think you know about conferences. This is two days of transformation for Senior Assistants who are ready to lead, grow, and own their space at the top. You can expect:

• World-class speakers like Chynna Clayton (former Special Assistant to Michelle Obama) and Libby Moore (Oprah’s former Chief of Staff), Lizebeth Koloko Green, Simone White, Laura Belgrado and Peggy Vasquez
• The Supper Club at Gaucho - an …

Legal ethics form the foundation of the legal profession, ensuring fairness, integrity, and the rule of law. While lawyers often take the spotlight when discussing ethical responsibilities, support staff such as Legal Secretaries play an equally critical role in maintaining these standards. This guide explores the core principles of legal ethics and provides practical advice for support staff.

What Are Legal Ethics?

Legal ethics are a set of rules and principles that govern the behaviour of legal professionals. In the UK, Solicitors are bound by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Code of Conduct, while Barristers follow the Bar Standards Board …

We’re delighted to share an exciting update to our Key Legal Secretary Skills unit. We’ve introduced a new section on artificial intelligence, designed to equip our Students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the evolving legal landscape.

At ILSPA, our aim is to equip our Students with both the foundational skills essential to a Legal Secretary role and the insight needed to keep pace with the advancement of technology. This balanced approach ensures they are confident in traditional practices while also gaining a clear understanding of how emerging tools like AI can enhance their work. Whether they are part of a firm that embraces advanced technology …

Executive and Personal Assistants are expected to move quickly and think even faster. Managing complex schedules, coordinating critical logistics, and handling last-minute changes are part of the job. The demands are constant, and the to-do list never stops growing.

But being an effective Assistant isn’t just about doing more. It’s about making smarter decisions about what not to do.

Creating impact means focusing time and energy where it matters most. Building a Stop Doing list is a practical way to refocus your efforts and increase the value you bring to your executive every day.

Why a “Stop Doing” List Matters …

The annual SecsintheCity Salary Survey has once again shed light on the business support profession, offering valuable insights into trends, rewards, and workplace dynamics across sectors. This year, legal secretaries and PAs stand out as the champions of loyalty, recognition, and adaptability. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways from the survey:

Legal Secretaries and PAs Lead in Loyalty

In 2025, Legal Secretaries and PAs demonstrated the highest company loyalty among surveyed roles, with an impressive 47% remaining in their roles for more than seven years. This unwavering commitment highlights their deep integration within the legal sector and their …

Do you work in the legal profession? Have you faced experiences in your role that challenged your personal values or sense of right and wrong?

The University of Bath and King’s College London are conducting a research study to explore moral injury—a phenomenon that can occur when individuals encounter deeply challenging moral or ethical situations in their work. While moral injury has been studied in military contexts, there’s a growing need to understand its impact in professions like law, where ethical dilemmas are common.

What’s Involved?

•  A short online survey (10-15 minutes) to explore your experiences, well-being, and professional challenges.  …

Specialisation is one of the most effective ways Legal Secretaries can advance their careers and stand out to employers. While general legal knowledge provides a strong foundation, developing expertise in a specific area of law adds significant value and can open doors to more fulfilling, higher-paid roles.

At ILSPA, we’re proud to support your professional growth by offering Foundation and Advanced Level courses in a variety of specialist legal areas. As part of our commitment to your development, ILSPA Members receive a 20% discount on the Advanced Level courses.

Why Specialise?

With law firms and in-house teams seeking support staff …

TotallyLegal’s 2025 Salary Survey has shed light on the career experiences and compensation trends for Legal Secretaries and Personal Assistants (PAs), revealing encouraging data on job stability, salary progression, additional rewards, and working arrangements within these roles. Below, are some of the key findings:

Longevity in the Profession

Legal Secretaries and PAs demonstrate remarkable career longevity. The survey found that:

• 50% of Legal Secretaries have been in their current roles for over 10 years.
• Similarly, 46% of Legal PAs reported the same level of tenure.

This consistency underscores the stability and commitment within these positions, highlighting them as attractive long-term …