Through the years, legal dramas have been regular offerings on TV and at the cinema. Atticus Finch, Perry Mason, Ally McBeal, Denny Crane and Harvey Specter are just a few of the characters to have entertained millions and inspired many to pursue careers in law. 

The first route into the legal profession many people think of is qualifying as a Solicitor, but the fees are hefty, and it takes a significant amount of time. To qualify as a Solicitor, you should plan on it taking five to six years and you need to be prepared to spend £27,000 on a degree …

Let’s be honest - Email is the lifeblood of the modern assistant. It’s how you keep the plates spinning, the projects moving, and your Executive’s world perfectly choreographed. However, as much as we like to think we’ve got our inboxes under control, even the most seasoned Executive or Personal Assistant can fall into the trap of using tired or misunderstood email phrases that send the wrong message.

A recent Forbes survey highlighted the email expressions that make co-workers cringe. When you’re the gatekeeper to the Executive’s inbox, those nuances matter more than ever. The way you write sets the tone …

The legal sector is evolving, and so are the skills employers expect from their support staff. Modern Legal Secretaries are now required to combine strong administrative abilities with solid legal skills and an awareness of the digital tools used in today’s offices. To help jobseekers and professionals develop these in-demand skills, we are running our next online Legal Secretaries Diploma course on Wednesday 28 January 2026.

Delivered one evening per week over twelve weeks, this flexible course provides Students with the essential knowledge and skills required to perform effectively in a law firm or legal department. It is ideal for anyone looking to start a …

This year’s winners of the NALP Paralegal Achievement Awards were announced at the fifth annual National Paralegal Day, hosted by NALP (The National Association of Licensed Paralegals).

These awards recognise outstanding learners across NALP’s suite of Ofqual regulated Paralegal qualifications.

The 2025 winners are: 

• LEVEL 3 CERT FOR PARALEGAL TECHNICIANS: SCARLETT REID-GORDON – CENTRE: Cardiff and Vale 
• LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA IN PARALEGAL STUDIES: JULIENNE GRESOCK – CENTRE: NPC (National Paralegal College) 
• LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN PARALEGAL PRACTICE: RUQAYAH AKBAR – CENTRE: NPC (National Paralegal College) 
• LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN PARALEGAL PRACTICE: DONNA MAMIGONIAN – CENTRE: DATALAW 
• LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE …

At Pathway, we have a deep appreciation for Legal Secretaries. In fact, I will say it openly, I love recruiting them. They are the essential team members of the legal world, and for Pathway they are the very backbone of what we do.

Over the years, I have seen a remarkable shift in the legal support field. Legal Secretaries are no longer confined to purely administrative tasks they are stepping up, adding more value, and taking on responsibilities that increasingly resemble those of Paralegals.

From Admin to Legal Expertise

Traditionally, Legal Secretaries focused on typing, managing calendars, and handling …

The Legal PA of the Year award goes to someone who truly stands out in supporting busy legal teams with skill, organisation and dedication. In 2024, Jo Benjamin, Senior Legal PA at Baker McKenzie, won the category thanks to her impressive ability to juggle complex tasks with calm and efficiency.

But it’s not just about the day-to-day. Jo has also made a real difference leading her firm’s Charity Committee, helping raise important funds for London’s Air Ambulance. Her hard work, professionalism, and genuine care make her a fantastic example of what it means to be a top Legal PA.

How …

The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs (ILSPA) is delighted to announce a special collaboration with The Assistant Room to offer an exciting competition for all our members and followers.

One lucky winner will receive:

• ILSPA Annual Membership – access exclusive resources, training, and support for your legal career. (Existing Members will have their Membership extended by one year). 
• The Assistant Room Annual Membership – join a vibrant network of professionals, gain career insights, and enjoy member-only perks.
• A Jo Malone candle. 
• A box of custom Steph Bakes cookies.

This competition celebrates our shared commitment to supporting and empowering administrative …

It is with great pleasure that ILSPA announces our new partnership with The Assistant Room. Founded in 2016, The Assistant Room exists to transform the future of Business Support Professionals. Through award-winning events, an internationally acclaimed podcast, and their industry-leading membership, they provide expert-led training, career tools, and a global network redefining excellence in support.

Who supports the people who support the Lawyers?
Behind every successful Solicitor, Barrister, and Paralegal is a Legal PA or Legal Secretary making sure deadlines are met, documents are flawless, and clients are supported. But here’s the thing..while lawyers are given clear routes for training and CPD, Legal …

ILSPA recently had the pleasure of interviewing Lucy Brazier OBE, a globally recognised advocate for administrative professionals and the CEO of Marcham Publishing. In this inspiring conversation, Lucy shares the story behind Executive Support Magazine, her passion for elevating the assistant profession, and her vision for the future of administrative work in an era of AI and global change.

What inspired you to focus your career on advocating for administrative professionals?
It began as a publishing project but quickly became a calling. When I acquired Executive Secretary Magazine (as it was then) back in 2010,  I started travelling and meeting …

For generations, “Dear Sirs” has been the standard opening for formal letters in legal and business correspondence. It conveyed respect and formality, in line with the norms of its era. But as language evolves, so does our profession.

At a time when women now make up a significant and growing proportion of practising solicitors, it’s clear that the old forms of address no longer reflect the reality of today’s legal community.

The phrase “Dear Sirs” dates back to a period when the legal profession was almost exclusively male. In those days, letters between firms and clients would naturally assume a …