At Pathway, we have a deep appreciation for legal secretaries. In fact, I will say it openly, I love recruiting them. They are the essential team members of the legal world, and for Pathway they are the very backbone of what we do.
Over the years, I have seen a remarkable shift in the legal support field. Legal secretaries are no longer confined to purely administrative tasks they are stepping up, adding more value, and taking on responsibilities that increasingly resemble those of paralegals.
From Admin to Legal Expertise
Traditionally, legal secretaries focused on typing, managing calendars, and handling correspondence. Today, they are drafting legal documents, helping prepare court bundles, liaising directly with clients, and navigating compliance and case management systems. They are expected to understand legal processes, handle sensitive information with confidence, and work closely with fee earners to progress matters quickly and efficiently.
Put simply, legal secretaries are doing far more than they are often given credit for.
Why the Shift?
- Technology: Automation and AI tools have streamlined admin tasks, freeing up legal support staff to do more substantive work.
- Resourcing: Many firms are operating leaner teams, which means legal secretaries are naturally stepping into broader roles.
- Client expectations: Today’s clients expect responsiveness and efficiency from every level of a legal team, not just the solicitors.
- Upskilling: Many secretaries are proactively training and gaining qualifications that align more with paralegal work.
Recognising Their Value
More firms are now rethinking titles from “Legal Secretary” to “Legal Assistant” or “Executive Assistant” and exploring ways to support career progression. That’s a step in the right direction. But recognition isn’t just about titles; it’s about valuing the contribution, creating development opportunities, and investing in their growth.
At Pathway, we’ve built our reputation on understanding and valuing legal secretaries. They are at the heart of what we do . We know their strengths, the challenges they face, and just how vital they are to the success of a legal team.
Looking to recruit or Move?
Whether you’re a legal secretary ready to take the next step in your career, or a law firm looking to employ, we would love to help.