The legal profession is changing, and so is the role of the Legal Secretary and PA. Artificial intelligence is transforming how legal work is managed, automating routine tasks, streamlining processes, and creating new opportunities for those who understand how to use it.

AI is not here to replace you. It is here to enhance your skills, increase your efficiency, and elevate your role. The most successful Legal Secretaries will be those who embrace AI as a tool to work smarter, freeing up their time for higher-value responsibilities that require human expertise, critical thinking, and strategic insight.

The Changing Expectations for Legal Secretaries and PAs

AI is no longer a futuristic concept. It is already being used across industries, including the legal sector. According to the latest Microsoft Work Trend Index, 75% of workers now use AI in their daily tasks, and 66% of business leaders say they would hesitate to hire someone without AI skills. The largest group of professionals adopting AI? Administration and support staff, with 16% of the profession already incorporating AI into their day-to-day work.

This shift is redefining expectations. Legal professionals are no longer just expected to work harder. They are expected to work smarter. If a task can be done the same way more than once, it can likely be automated, freeing up time for Legal Secretaries and PAs to focus on more strategic and impactful work.

How AI Can Help You Work Smarter

As a Legal Secretary or PA, you already manage vast amounts of information, deadlines, and complex schedules. AI can support and enhance your role by:

• Automating legal document review to quickly scan contracts, flag inconsistencies, and suggest edits.
• Improving email and calendar management by prioritising messages and scheduling meetings efficiently.
• Enhancing legal research by pulling relevant case law and summarising key points instantly.
• Simplifying time tracking and billing to ensure greater accuracy and reduce administrative burdens.

These are not minor improvements. They are transformational shifts that can redefine how you work, making you more efficient, proactive, and valuable to your firm.

Maximising Billable Hours: The True Value of Working Smarter

In the legal profession, as we know, time is money. Every minute a lawyer spends on administrative tasks is a minute they are not billing clients. Your value as a Legal Secretary or PA lies in your ability to give your lawyer back time; time that can be dedicated to casework, client meetings, and business development.

By leveraging AI to streamline scheduling, document management, and legal research, you can significantly reduce the amount of non-billable work on their plate. This is not just about improving efficiency; it has a direct financial impact on the firm. The smarter you work, the more profitable the firm becomes, and the more indispensable you are to its success.

Take Control of Your Future with AI Certification

If you want to future-proof your career and gain a competitive edge, now is the time to develop your AI skills. In April, Executive Support Magazine is running a six-hour online course over two days that will give you the opportunity to earn your Microsoft AI Certification Badge.

The Unlocking the AI Revolution course is designed specifically for administrative professionals, including Legal Secretaries and PAs. It is led by Professor Corinne Hoisington, an internationally recognised expert in both the administrative profession and technology education.

Professor Hoisington is known for her engaging, accessible approach to teaching complex technology. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, an MVP in Information Technology, and the author of Introduction to AI: A Business Perspective, she brings real-world insights that will help you apply AI effectively in your daily work.

Upon completion, you will earn the Microsoft AI Certification Badge, a recognised credential that demonstrates your ability to use AI in the workplace. This certification sets you apart, proving to employers that you are forward-thinking, adaptable, and ready for the future of work.

AI is Not a Threat - It’s Your Opportunity

The legal profession relies on precision, efficiency, and expertise. AI is now a key part of that equation. The Legal Secretaries and PAs who embrace AI will gain more control over their careers, strengthen their influence, and open doors to new opportunities.

This is not about replacing traditional skills. It is about expanding them, using AI to work smarter, save time, and focus on the areas where your expertise truly shines.

The legal industry is moving forward. Will you move forward with it?

The Unlocking the AI Revolution Course takes place on April 8th & 10th. We have negotiated a discounted rate of £299 for ILSPA members. Simply use discount code ILSPA at checkout. Places can be booked here - https://executivesupportmedia.com/product/unlocking-the-ai-revolution-earn-your-microsoft-ai-certification-badge/

About the Author

Lucy Brazier OBE is a globally recognised authority on the administrative profession and CEO of Executive Support Media. With a mission to elevate the role of Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, and Administrative Professionals, Lucy has trained, spoken, and consulted in over 60 countries. She is the author of the award-winning book, ‘The Modern-Day Assistant’, a sought-after speaker, and a trusted advisor to businesses worldwide. Awarded an OBE for services to the profession in 2021, Lucy continues to drive change, working with top organisations and thought leaders to redefine the future of the assistant role. Her influence is shaping the next generation of administrative excellence.