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

The Importance of Mentoring in the Legal Profession

Date : 2 Apr 2026, 1:36 p.m.

This article is based on content originally published by our trusted partner, TotallyLegal. You can read their article “Mentoring in the Legal Profession: How to Find and Be a Mentor” in the careers advice section of their website.

Mentoring has long been an important part of developing a successful legal career. However, in today’s fast-paced and competitive profession, structured guidance and professional support are more valuable than ever. With alternative qualification routes, hybrid working models and changing expectations from clients and employers, legal professionals at every stage are increasingly seeking reliable advice, industry insight and confidence in …

The Mini MBA for Senior & Executive Assistants Launches AI Module

Date : 19 Mar 2026, 3:04 p.m.

The industry-first Mini MBA for Senior & Executive Assistants Programme, originally launched in 2021, enters its next evolution this April with the introduction of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence module designed specifically for modern Executive and Personal Assistants.
 
Delivered by Microsoft MVP and Executive Assistant Lizebeth Koloko-Green, Founder and CEO of ANWOW (Adopt New Ways of Working), the new three-hour AI session equips senior support professionals with practical, real-world strategies to integrate AI into their daily workflows from executive briefing preparation and communication refinement to structured decision support and strategic planning.
 
Recognised for redefining professional development for senior support …

Northern Ireland Legal Market 2026: Salary & Working Trends for Legal Secretaries

Date : 13 Mar 2026, 11:28 a.m.

Our trusted partner Pathway has recently conducted a salary survey examining salaries and working trends for legal professionals in Northern Ireland. Surveys like this are beneficial because insights into current salaries and market trends help professionals make informed career decisions. ILSPA were pleased to see some positive findings regarding the roles of legal support professionals in Northern Ireland.

The survey showed that legal support professionals remain in demand, with salary levels influenced by experience, seniority, and the type of firm. Pathway has kindly summarised their findings below.

Typical Salary

  • Legal Executive: Average pay £30,000 – £36,000

Senior support roles with …

Is AI Replacing Legal Secretaries or Making Them More Valuable?

Date : 3 Mar 2026, 4:41 p.m.

Concerns about Artificial Intelligence replacing jobs have become increasingly common. Headlines and surveys sometimes predict that large numbers of roles will disappear within the next decade. It is therefore understandable that aspiring and experienced Legal Secretaries may be questioning the future of this career.

However, rather than being replaced by AI, Legal Secretaries are becoming the professionals who enable it to be used effectively, responsibly, and safely within legal environments.

Stepping Into a More Strategic Role

AI is a powerful tool but it is not a decision-maker. It requires skilled professionals to guide, monitor, and refine its outputs. In law …

Sustainable Office Practices: How Legal PAs and Administrative Professionals Can Lead the Change

Date : 2 Mar 2026, 10:54 a.m.

As legal support staff, you sit at the centre of your organisation’s day-to-day operations. That unique position gives you real influence when it comes to driving sustainable office practices and reducing your company’s environmental impact.

Sustainable working doesn’t mean slowing down processes or adding unnecessary complexity. In many cases, greener systems actually improve efficiency, streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance workplace culture.

By embedding sustainability into everyday decisions, administrative professionals can lower their office’s carbon footprint while strengthening long-term business performance.

Why Sustainable Law Firm Practices Matter

Sustainability is no longer a passing trend. It’s a core expectation for modern …

The Modern Day Assistant - Led by Lucy Brazier OBE

Date : 16 Feb 2026, 11:46 a.m.

Your role has evolved. So should you. The administrative profession is changing fast. AI. Automation. New expectations. Bigger impact.

Today’s most successful Assistants aren’t just supporting the business. They are shaping it.

This programme is designed for Assistants who are ready to step into their power and operate with:

  • Strategic confidence
  • Leadership presence
  • Influence at the table

Led by Lucy Brazier OBE, this is not another course full of tools and tactics. It is a mindset shift.

You will learn how to:

  • Communicate with clarity and authority
  • Think strategically and commercially
  • Use AI as a true strategic advantage
  • Build executive-level …

An Overview of The Civil National Business Centre

Date : 13 Feb 2026, 10:06 a.m.

In recent years, an important change has been made to the way civil claims are processed in England and Wales, which will be of interest to those studying and working in litigation.

The County Court Money Claims Centre (CCMCC) in Salford and the County Court Business Centre (CCBC) merged to form a single national unit: the Civil National Business Centre (CNBC). This centre is now responsible for the processing of civil claims.

The Civil National Business Centre is responsible for the administrative stages of many County Court claims. Its role includes issuing claims, processing acknowledgments of service and defences, entering …

Tips for Success in a Legal Career While Working Part-Time in the UK

Date : 2 Feb 2026, 2:42 p.m.

The legal profession has changed considerably in recent years and there has been a greater emphasis on flexibility and work-life balance, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic and the newfound desire by many to work in a more flexible and agile way.

Many Legal Secretaries will choose part-time roles for various reasons. But just because an individual works part-time hours, this does not mean they cannot be successful or achieve goals in their careers.

We explore some tips for how part-time workers can take steps to make progress in their legal careers.

Why May Individuals Pursue a Part-Time Career in Law? …

Key Employment Law Updates

Date : 29 Jan 2026, 10:55 a.m.

The UK employment law landscape is undergoing significant change. At the end of 2025, the government introduced a new Budget and passed the Employment Rights Act 2025. Over the next two years, a series of reforms will strengthen employee protections, expand family-friendly rights, and place new compliance obligations on employers. For Legal Secretaries and those supporting HR teams, understanding these developments is essential.

Below is a practical overview of the most important employment law updates and what they mean in day-to-day legal practice.

Strengthened Unfair Dismissal Rights

One of the most notable reforms is the expansion of unfair dismissal protection.

- The …

Unlocking the AI Revolution Course - New Date Announced!

Date : 26 Jan 2026, 3:10 p.m.

Unlocking the AI Revolution 
Earn your Microsoft Certified AI Badge 
10 & 17 March 2026 | Online 

 
A beginner-friendly six-hour programme designed specifically for administrative professionals who want practical AI skills.
 
What you will learn 
 
Gain hands on experience with AI tools reshaping administrative work, including ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, Claude, and advanced chatbots. You will learn how to: 
 
- Automate repetitive tasks 
- Streamline workflows 
- Extract meaningful insights 
- Support better leadership decisions 
- Increase productivity without increasing workload 
- Use AI responsibly and confidently 
 
Led by Professor Corinne Hoisington, Microsoft Certified Trainer and …