The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs
Dedicated to your career every step of the way
Legal Secretary Careers
The legal profession encompasses a variety of roles that put law into practice, including Judges, Barristers, Solicitors, Legal Executives, Paralegals, Legal Secretaries, and Personal Assistants. Among these, Legal Secretaries play a crucial role, providing essential support to lawyers and functioning as integral members of legal teams. Their contributions help ensure the smooth operation of legal services, making them vital to the success of law firms and legal departments.
To thrive as a competent and qualified Legal Secretary, we recommend enroling for ILSPA's Legal Secretary courses. These courses cater to a wide range of individuals—from beginners and experienced Legal Secretaries to law graduates. They are highly regarded in the legal industry and recognised by law firms and legal recruiters. Completing a course through us can significantly enhance your employability and professional skills.
To secure employment as a Legal Secretary, explore ILSPA's Legal Secretary Jobs Board. This platform features various job openings in the legal field, connecting you with potential employers who value your qualifications and skills.
Skills and Attributes Needed
A successful Legal Secretary or PA combines a diverse set of skills with a strong professional mindset. You’ll need to be organised, detail-oriented and adaptable with the ability to juggle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Required Skills:
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Secretarial and administrative expertise
- Familiarity with law and legal procedures
- Proficient in IT and office software applications
- Fast and accurate typing, often from audio dictation
- Confidentiality and discretion
- Good time management and organisation
Whether you're assisting a Solicitor in a busy law firm or supporting legal operations in a public sector organisation, these skills will serve you throughout your career.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Legal Secretaries and Legal PAs perform essential tasks that help keep legal practices or departments running smoothly. While their responsibilities can overlap, Legal PAs typically take on more senior, client-facing and organisational duties.
Legal Secretary
Typical duties may include:
- Drafting legal documents and correspondence
- Completing legal forms and court paperwork
- Managing client files and records
- Typing from dictation
- Booking appointments and managing diaries
- Communicating with clients and responding to enquiries
- Supporting Solicitors with case preparation
Legal Secretaries work across various areas of law, including conveyancing, family law, litigation, probate, and criminal law. The variety makes the role dynamic and intellectually stimulating.
Legal PA (Personal Assistant)
Legal PAs take on broader responsibilities and often work more closely with Partners or Senior Solicitors. They may:
- Co-ordinate personal schedules and meetings
- Arrange travel and organise events
- Manage accounts, budgets and billing
- Oversee internal and client-facing communications
- Support with marketing and business development
- Make decisions or act on behalf of their managers when appropriate
Legal PAs are highly valued for their initiative, discretion and ability to anticipate needs before they arise.
Salaries and Career Progression
Salary Overview
Salaries for Legal Secretaries and PAs vary based on several factors, including experience level, geographic location, and the size and prestige of the firm. In London, professionals in these roles typically earn between £20,000 and £55,000, with those in high-profile or international firms commanding salaries at the upper end of the scale. With experience, earnings can increase significantly.
Firms often supplement base salaries with additional benefits such as hybrid working arrangements, annual bonuses, private healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
Outside of major cities, salaries tend to be lower, reflecting differences in the cost of living and local market demand.
Career Progression
The roles of Legal Secretaries and PAs offer exciting and flexible pathways to grow within the legal profession. They can evolve into one with greater responsibility, expertise, and reward.
Paralegal
With further training or experience, some individuals take on Paralegal tasks or move into Paralegal roles. These can be fee-earning positions that involve hands-on legal work. Paralegals may assist with legal research, draft documents, prepare case files, liaise with clients, and sometimes manage their own caseloads. Specialising in areas such as family law, criminal law, or conveyancing is common. The training provider for Paralegals is National Association of Paralegals (NALP).
Legal Executive
Legal Executives are qualified professionals who can specialise in a specific area of law and often have similar responsibilities to Solicitors. The role is fee-earning and may involve advising clients, representing them in court, and handling complex legal matters. It’s a respected and recognised legal career path in its own right. The training provider for Legal Executives is the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX).
Solicitor
With further qualifications or qualifying work experience, and passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), some individuals go on to become Solicitors. This role allows full representation of clients, giving legal advice, and specialising in niche areas of law. The professional body for Solicitors is the Law Society.
This progression isn't linear for everyone—some choose to deepen their expertise within a specific role, while others pursue qualifications and climb higher. The legal sector values experience and dedication, and your journey can be as unique as your ambition.
Every step adds to your knowledge, confidence and value in the legal field. Whether you aim to be a Legal Secretary or a Solicitor, the foundations start here.
How We Help You Succeed
We’re committed to helping our Students and Members land their dream legal roles. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step, our expert guidance gives you a clear advantage in the job market.
Our support includes:
- Personalised CV Help – Tailored advice that highlights your strengths and achievements
- Interview Preparation – Boost your confidence with expert tips
- Job Market Insights – Understand current trends and what employers are looking for
- One-to-One Support – Speak with our experienced team to build your career path
Let us help you take the next step with confidence. Your future in law starts here.
