As new developments in artificial intelligence and automation continue to influence modern life, one thing is for certain: no industry will be immune to change – not even the legal profession, a sector historically known for its reluctance to move in line with the times.

Today, a technological revolution has come knocking on the door of this prestigious profession, promising cost-efficiency, enhanced productivity and client satisfaction. Lawyers know they must respond, but they aren’t wrong in recognising that the integration of cognitive computing will change the face of the sector forever.

Where professionals in the legal sector could once lean entirely on their knowledge and experience of the law, today’s law graduates must prepare themselves for a brave new world.

Tech-savvy

If you want to work in the legal sector but aren’t sure exactly what kind of firm you want to work for, a law fair is a great opportunity to hone your interests. You’ll be able to meet firm representatives face-to-face and ask them any burning questions you have about life at their firm.

What is a law fair?

If you’ve ever been to a careers fair—a conference-style event with different employers representing a range of companies—a law fair isn’t far off that experience. The difference being, of course, that every company there will be law-related. Law firms, barristers’ chambers and other companies with a legal focus or department will be on hand to talk about their organisation, provide you with brochures and guides, and answer all of your questions.

On 27 & 28 March, 2019, London’s ExCeL will play host to the latest edition of Legalex. This industry-leading show will create Europe’s most comprehensive and all-encompassing trade show package for legal professionals.

This year, the exhibition promises to be the most forward-thinking to date - housing 200 cutting-edge exhibitors and 150 educational seminars from some of the world’s top legal experts and innovative thinkers. Leading the industry as the most accomplished event for forward-thinking, ambitious and successful legal firms looking to modernise their practice. LegalEx 2019, is one not to miss.

Here is a selection of vacancies from our Legal Secretary Jobs Board this month:

Junior Secretary – Judge Sykes Frixou   

Location: London

Salary: Negotiable   

Judge Sykes Frixou has an exciting new opportunity for a college student to join the firm as a Junior Secretary.

The role will require someone to undertake work in all areas of law that they practice in. They will provide in house training and are prepared to offer external training opportunities for the right candidate.

View the full job description here:

https://www.institutelegalsecretaries.com/jobs/recruiter/job/140670/

Ever since the concept of proportionality was introduced to legal costs as part of the Woolf reforms in 1999, the courts and legal practitioners have wrestled with what this actually means. As part of Lord Justice Jackson’s package of reforms in 2007 the test was set out in the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Part 44. This part of the CPR provided that only costs which were considered proportionate to a case would be allowed. Costs which were considered disproportionate would either be disallowed or reduced even if the costs were reasonably or necessarily incurred.

To give a bit more clarity about what the courts consider when deciding whether costs are proportionate, they will look at:

(a) the sums at issue in the proceedings;

(b) the value of any non-monetary relief in the proceedings;

On the 8th November 2018, the 7th annual PA of the Year awards took place at the prestigious Ivy Restaurant in London. Hosted by SecsintheCity – the UK’s only job site dedicated to Personal and Executive Assistants – the ceremony recognises and champions the very best talent and achievements in the industry.

We asked Amy Franklyn, Legal EA at Bird & Bird LLP and winner of the Legal PA of the Year award, to give us a rundown of her career thus far and tell all about the glamorous awards ceremony.

Q: How did you become an EA?

Does that glass ceiling look familiar? For many within a support role whether you are a Personal Assistant in banking or the right hand man/woman to a celebrity, career progression within the support industry can be a difficult path to tread. However, it is not impossible.

Being an Assistant can be the greatest role in the world, preparing you for bigger things should you wish to take the leap. Unsure how to start when your to-do list is already long enough or your inbox is bursting with 1000 emails? It’s easier than you think!

Actions speak louder than words

Changing your chosen career is often a daunting thing to consider, especially if you have already dedicated a number of years to your current career path. If you have thought about joining the legal profession but worried that it was too late in the day to make the change then here is some positive news for you. With people generally working well into their 60’s a person’s working life is now a long one, and career switches are often happening at later stages.

You probably chose to pursue the job you’re in now years ago. The passion could well have faded, and you don’t enjoy it as much as you once did. If you are having doubts, maybe it’s time for a career change.

Not sure where to begin? Here are some tips on how to get your career transition journey started:

Consider every factor

Asking for help at work can sometimes seem daunting. You may question whether you should already have the answer, or worry that you may appear incapable. This article aims to help you embrace the concept of asking for help, explain how to go about it properly, and also show that it is a benefit rather than a hindrance to the success of your career.

Why should I ask for help?

Here is a selection of vacancies from our Legal Secretary Jobs Board this month:

Legal Secretary/Executive Assistant to Managing Partner – Armon-Jones Partners   

Location: St Paul’s – City of London

Salary: £25,000 - £45,000  

Armon-Jones Partners has been exclusively mandated to find a Legal Secretary / Executive Assistant for the managing partner of a law firm based in St Paul's, London.

Their client is one of the leaders within the intellectual property sector and currently has a team of 40 based in London. The salary range is wide as they are looking for either someone who is junior and looking for an opportunity grow with the firm, or someone with more experience who can maybe take on more responsibility.