Professional Development

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.

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

It is common in January for people to start thinking about what skills they would like to learn in the coming year, or what areas they would like to improve in. So this month ILSPA wanted to consider not only how best to set and achieve your chosen 2019 goals but also the best mind-set to allow yourself to succeed and progress too. 

The genius zone idea is popular among many friends of mine. The idea is that we should spend more time doing what we do amazingly well, and delegate or eliminate everything else that we can.

The new year is traditionally a time for reflection and resolutions. Many of us will be looking back at the previous year and thinking about which areas of our personal and professional lives we would like to improve in the coming one. And why not? The new year can be a fantastic excuse to revaluate our goals and consider how we would like to work on our skillset.

It’s December and for many professionals an office party or get-together is on the cards. Whether this fills you with dread or excitement, it would be fair to say that company parties can sometimes be a complicated night to navigate. If you are unsure what to expect or what is expected of you, then ILSPA’s list of advice on Christmas party etiquette is here to help. Christmas parties can be a fun distraction from the normal working day but they can also be a great opportunity to network, get to know your colleagues and set yourself up for the coming year. Here are our dos and don’ts for the Christmas party season.

As you progress your career as Legal PA and start to work with more senior fee earners, you may find yourself faced with the prospect of working for a Partner who is notorious for being “difficult”.

We’ve all heard horror stories of Secretaries and PAs leaving the office in tears, but has the fear of this happening to you ever put you off from taking that step up you have always dreamed of? Or perhaps you have recently been assigned a new Partner and it’s just not working?

If so, here are some tips on how to overcome these fears and crack a difficult boss.

Have an open mind

Navigating social etiquette whilst trying to get ahead in business can be a minefield. One of the main concerns for an individual trying to make it in their field can be the desire to assert themselves professionally without seeming aggressive. Many of us find it difficult to express ourselves confidently without becoming overwhelmed by emotion or thinking we are overstepping the line. Whether it comes to applying for a new job, aspiring towards a promotion or pay rise, resolving conflict within the workplace, or pushing ideas forward in a team, learning how to communicate in an assertive manner can provide you with considerable benefits.

A question we often get asked at ILSPA is “How can I improve my typing skills?” Many of our Students have acquired these skills through their work experience or college/university studies. However, some Students have not had the experience in this area that they need.

If you are one of these Students, fear not! Improving your typing skills is something you can easily do at home. You can even do it alongside your studies for ILSPA so that when you achieve our qualification, you are all set to go and will have the required skills for securing employment.

Legal Secretaries help Lawyers with their work and are an integral part of a team of legal professionals. One of the most important relationships Lawyers develop in their professional working lives is with their Secretary, so it is beneficial to be of as much assistance as possible to optimise their performance.

Legal Secretaries must have knowledge of law and legal procedures. You must understand not only how to perform certain tasks but also the reason for doing them. When entering the profession it is essential to have studied a course such as ILSPA’s Legal Secretaries Diploma, or if you are an experienced Legal Secretary, it is important to undertake professional development so that you are continually advancing your knowledge and skills.

The National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) is happy to announce that it is offering ILSPA Legal Secretaries Diploma graduates a 10% discount on enrolments for their Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies.

ILSPA’s Legal Secretaries Diploma course provides Students with a great significant foundation in law and legal procedures. It is a great starting point for a successful legal career, and with the right training, you can go on to work as a Paralegal.