As an ambassador for the EA/PA profession, Paula Harding knows how important, rewarding and challenging the role of a Personal Assistant (PA) can be. ILSPA had the pleasure of talking to Paula about the role of the PA and what she feels makes a PA efficient and successful. 

Can you give us a brief explanation of what the role of a PA involves and how it differs from a Secretary?

Legal Secretaries will often be expected to proofread documents as part of their role. We have, therefore, put together a list of tips in order to help you proofread effectively.

1.            Remove as many distractions as possible. You will need all of your concentration when proofreading.

2.            Read the document slowly to ensure that you don’t miss anything.

3.            Print out a copy of the document that you are proofreading if possible rather than editing it on a screen.

4.            If you are editing on a screen, use the Track Changes function in Word in order to note the changes as you go along.

5.            If proofreading on a computer, use a spell checker during your first read-through, but remember that it is not infallible.

The UK’s complex Inheritance Tax (IHT) system could shortly be due for reform depending on the results of a review by the Office for Tax Simplification (OTS). Chancellor Philip Hammond has written to the OTS asking it to review the IHT regime and he said: 

“IHT, and the system within which it operates, is particularly complex and I would like to request that the OTS carry out a review. I would be most interested to hear any proposals you may have for simplification to ensure that the system is fit for purpose and makes the experience of those who interact with it as smooth as possible.”

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.

Rebecca Bouhsine is a successful Legal Secretary and current Student here at the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs. Having previously completed ILSPA’s Legal Secretaries Diploma and our Civil Litigation Advanced Diploma, Rebecca is currently working towards her Criminal Law Advanced Diploma with us. Rebecca kindly took time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about her role, her studies and what advice she would give to others who want to enter the profession.

What does your role involve at Voisin Law?

ILSPA’s Legal Secretary Jobs Board is a hub for Legal Secretary vacancies. We advertise a wide range of positions in London and throughout the UK, from law firms, legal recruiters and other legal jobs boards.

For a limited period, recruiters can post their vacancies for FREE on our jobs board. We simply want to provide the best opportunities for recruiters and candidates right now. ILSPA’s aim is to bring together legal recruiters and top-quality candidates to help them achieve their goals.

This month we will be considering the changing ways in which it is now possible to qualify as a Lawyer. In particular, we will consider the effects of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) decision to proceed with a new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and the potential impact this may have on other routes to qualifying as a practising Lawyer. But before we dive into the detail, below are three common questions that people ask when discussing legal training.

From delays and fare increases to navigating foreign cities and language barriers, there are seemingly endless challenges for business travellers and Legal PAs tasked with booking travel. In recent years, there have also been incidents domestically and worldwide, bringing concern about employee safety and security to the forefront of business travel management. Such challenges, coupled with financial pressures and the need to respond to clients at the drop of a hat, have given rise to new technology aimed at solving these problems and supporting employee duty of care.

Employee tracking

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

Conveyancing Legal Secretary – Bude Nathan Iwanier

Location: Golders Green, London

Salary: £26,000

Bude Nathan Iwanier is looking for a personable and experienced Conveyancing Secretary/PA for their busy practice.  Familiarity with all Land Registry, SDLT, common Landlord & Tenant forms, both online and using in-house software is essential.

View the full job description here:

https://www.institutelegalsecretaries.com/jobs/candidate/job/122823/

Receptionist and Admin Support – David Conway & Co

With the PA of the Year Award nominations now open, we caught up with previous Legal PA of the Year Rachel Newman to discuss the PA of the Year Awards, talk about her career as a Legal PA and garner some top tips for other Legal employees in the industry.

Tell us about your experience of the 2014 PA of the Year Awards.