Contributors

We would like to provide you with an insight to the people who contribute articles for our Journal, together with their experience and expertise.

Seamus Ryan has been working in the legal industry for over 12 years.  He is a qualified Solicitor, Law society accredited Lexcel consultant, Member of the Institute for learning and experienced law lecturer.  Seamus is a tutor for the Institute.  Our Students enjoy his classes very much as he has a friendly approach to teaching and makes lessons fun. Previously, he taught the Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies for the National Association of Licensed Paralegals.

Quin Hoskins is a professional writer and legal scholar who is accustomed to the intricacies that are involved in conducting good research. Quin is currently studying towards a Law Degree and has qualifications in housing law and legal studies. Apart from law, Quin has studied contemporary science. He has been to 25 different countries and is a professional travel writer.

Emma Stacey is the Chief Executive of the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs. She has a diverse role making important decisions about how the company operates, helping to manage courses and providing career guidance to Students and Members.  Emma has worked in the legal field for nearly 20 years and she thorougly enjoys helping people with their careers.

Michael Hall is the IT Manager and Web Developer for the Institute. He makes sure that the Institute’s information infrastructure is keeping up with the rest of the world and helps to develop the Institute’s online presence. Mike has been using computers since the days of the Commodore 64 and has been interested in the Internet since 1995. He has worked in various IT roles from technical support consultant to WAN Admin for an international internet service provider.

Maria Richards is a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and has over 13 years experience practising for one of the largest firms in the Southwest. Maria specialises in residential conveyancing, however she has teaching experience which extends from legal secretary courses to graduate and postgraduate levels in all areas of law.  Maria is a course assessor for ILSPA and sees each Student as a unique and valuable individual.  

Alison Clements is a journalist, blogger and copywriter with 17 years research and writing experience, focusing on ethical business, HR issues, recruitment and careers advice. Currently Content Manager for www.simplylawjobs.com, she was previously Features and Associate editor on business magazine Retail Week before going freelance and writing regularly for HR magazine, The Grocer, Times Online, and many other commercial clients.

Des Whitehorn is the training principal for Zee Associates. The firm offers consultancy and skills development courses. Des has many years' experience within the legal sector and has worked with many of the country's top law firms. She is a well-known adviser to many leading professional service firms and has written a number of articles for professional journals including the Law Society Magazine and the Business Law Review.

Judith Di-Castri is the Professional Communication Skills Consultant Trainer with Zee Associates. Judith has 20 years' experience as a trainer. As part of her consultancy role, she reviews and assesses courses for Europe's largest training provider. Judith specialises in Business Writing, and was commissioned by the Law Society magazine to write a series of articles for them on writing plain English.

John Stacey-Hibbert was the General Secretary (CEO) of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals before he retired in 2007.  Previously, he worked for Solicitors for over 21 years - from a sole practitioner in N.W. London to heading the Civil Litigation Department in a large London West End firm.  He had his own private Conveyancing practice in the 1980s and was a Senior Lecturer in Law and Management at South Devon College for six years before taking over NALP.  

Sarah Jeffrey-Gray works as a counsellor and psychotherapist in private practice in Bristol. A law graduate, she started her professional life as a commercial lawyer in 1986. Sarah has had a keen interest in psychology for many years before qualifying as a counsellor and has recently been awarded a distinction in a post graduate diploma accredited by the European Therapy Studies Institute. She specialises in treating anxiety and teaching coping skills using a solution-focused brief therapy approach.

Efoli Ekot Efoli Ekot is a Public Administrator and Personal Assistant with over nine years experience. He began his career with a law firm but currently works as PA to the Group Deputy Managing Director of a leading bank.  He is a qualified Legal Secretary and Legal PA, a Certified Secretary and Reporter and is now studying to qualify as a Chartered Secretary.  Efoli is a dedicated Member of the Institute.

Members of the Institute are encouraged to share their experiences and they support us with their dedication and enthusiasm. They are situated throughout the UK and overseas and have varying levels of experience. We offer four levels of Membership, which are Student, Affiliate, Associate and Fellowship.

If you are interested in becoming a contributor for our online journal, please contact us.