The Data Protection Act (1998) includes legislation to protect the personal information of Internet users to ensure that they are not exploited illegally online. This is the only real legislation which exists in the UK to protect individuals from what goes on online, and it is only scratching at the surface when it comes to Internet safety. Victims of cyberbullying, websites containing illegal and indecent images of children or minors, plagiarism or illegal sharing of intellectual property, and other online content which can be considered illegal are not protected, censored or restricted in the same way that our credit card details might be, and this is causing a huge degree of controversy over Internet use.

Since the new Conservative government was elected, there have been announcements that significant changes will be made to the strike laws which are currently in place. When these changes come into effect, any strike which will affect the public services will need to have the support of 40% of the eligible voting union members. As it stands, a strike can be carried out if it has the support of the majority of those who vote.

Unions have responded to the announcement by saying that the new legislative measures will make legal strikes almost impossible. The new percentage will not be calculated from the number of people who vote, but from the total number of union members who are eligible to vote and therefore could have voted.

We are often much better at identifying our strengths than looking objectively at our weaknesses, but knowing the areas in which we struggle most is usually the most beneficial piece of information we can have in terms of improving our performance. Whether you are not receiving the marks you were hoping to achieve on a course or not getting the recognition or results you want in the workplace, there are a few things you can do to try to work out where your weaknesses are and therefore give yourself the best chance of improving them.

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There are several skills you need to have when studying ILSPA’s Legal Secretaries Diploma course. Firstly, you do not need to have any previous experience in law to enrol. ILSPA’s Diploma will give you an understanding of the most important and most commonly practiced areas of law. Once qualified, you will be able to secure employment as a Legal Secretary and advance your knowledge on the job.

With the explosion of technological advances we’ve seen in recent years, it seems as though every single aspect of life has been affected and enhanced by technology. Not just life, though, but death as well: the wills industry has already started modernising itself in various ways in order to keep up with the times.

From probate apps on Apple and Android devices to the recording of video Wills, the Wills and Probate industry is undergoing a technological revamp in all sectors. Here are some of the major shake-ups we can expect to see in the coming months and years, as well as some of the implications of said developments.

The Main Upcoming Advancements

Our Legal Secretaries Diploma unit relating to Wills, Intestacy and Family Provision explains why it is important to make a Will. In the course assessments, Students learn how to produce a Will.

However, it is possible to make a Will without professional assistance; in fact, it is possible to pick up a draft Will with basic instructions on how to complete the same from a High Street stationery retailer. Whilst this can produce a valid Will, it is also very easy to make a mistake when writing the will or signing it, which can render it invalid or ambiguous. 

Legalex 2015 is the first national event and conference for the legal profession which is entirely focused on the business behind law. The event offers a wonderful opportunity to attend educational seminars, network with your peers and meet suppliers to the industry. You can register for free tickets by visiting www.legalex.co.uk.

ILSPA not only supports Legalex but is also holding a seminar in the practice management theatre on 14 May titled “The Legal Secretary Is One of Your Greatest Assets”. One of our tutors, Seamus Ryan, will be talking about the value of developing the Legal Secretary role and how this helps firms to optimise their performance. 

As part of your studies on ILSPA’s Legal Secretaries Diploma course, you have considered the topic of land law. This month, we are reviewing proposals to change rights over land. These changes affect public rights of way and were part of the government’s Deregulation Bill 2013 – 2014.

You may recall from your studies that a right of way is an easement. The land that is subject to such an easement means that the landowner must permit someone to pass over their land. Public rights of way allow members of the general public to pass over land, and these rights of way were designed to allow people to access the countryside. These types of easements are protected by law. If you are the owner of land that is subject to a public right of way, it is your responsibility to keep the right of way clear of obstructions.

The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs is pleased to announce the winner of our 2015 Scholarship. Congratulations to Karina Gindhay, who has successfully gained a place on our Legal Secretaries Diploma course.

We received a good selection of applications for our scholarship, but Karina Gindhay shone out above the rest. Karina made a particularly special effort to tell us about her background, why she wanted to study on ILSPA’s course and what gaining the qualification would mean to her. 

Those of you who are starting out in your legal secretary careers may be considering looking for employment in one of the larger law firms. We have provided some information about five large law firms which have offices in the UK and overseas.

Pinsent Masons