Recognise those who supported you by supporting your junior colleagues

The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs is very pleased to support *office with their valuable event this year.  There will be a wealth of excellent seminars and exhibitors available to assist you in your working life.

With visitor registration now open, office* – the award-winning business event for executive office support professionals, taking place at the new venue of ExCeL London on 11-12 May, has announced Libby Moore, former EA/chief of staff to Oprah Winfrey, as its first Keynote speaker for 2016.

Renowned for attracting a host of ‘inspirational’ big names from around the world, former headline Keynote speakers include Karren Brady, Deborah Meaden, Zelda La Grange, former PA to Nelson Mandela, Judith Croasdell, former PA to Professor Stephen Hawking, Freda Kelly, former secretary to The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein, Margaret Mountford, Michelle Mone and Jacqueline Gold.

ILSPA’s Scholarship Scheme enables one Student each year to study our Legal Secretaries Diploma course for free. ILSPA would like to offer financial support to someone who may not be able to fund the course themselves, enabling him or her to have a successful Legal Secretary career.  

The application process for our Scholarship Scheme is open until 31 March 2016, and the successful applicant will be informed on 11 April 2016. If you are interested in applying for our Scholarship Scheme, or if you know anyone who would benefit from it, you can request an application form by emailing us at info@institutelegalsecretaries.com.

Anyone familiar with the intricacies of probate law was probably watching Joy Williams’ recent case for a half share in her deceased partner’s property with a rather sympathetic smirk stretching across their face. Little could they have known what the eventual outcome would be, especially when it turned out to be a ruling that was utterly unexpected by all.

Nevertheless, it would seem that Joy Williams, 69, has managed to achieve the impossible by securing a ruling in her case that many probate legal experts would say actually goes against the current law to quite a large extent. Ms Williams had been cohabiting with Norman Martin for some 18 years; however, the property was actually in the name of his estranged wife, to whom the estate went upon Mr Martin’s death back in 2012.

This month we will be looking at recent developments in the world of Wills and Probate.

Funeral Wishes

As I am currently in the middle of an in-depth course that deals with the law of obligations, I have to admit to feeling a little ashamed of myself for never having heard of Pigot’s Case – especially the rule and the impact it currently has on English contract law. I have gone through every last textbook connected to the course with a fine-tooth comb, and there is not a single mention of this case anywhere.

So, would this lack of knowledge about and coverage of the case of Winchcombe v. Pigot [1558-1774] All E.R. Rep. 50 mean that the rule established in this case is no longer applicable in our common law?

Deciding to pursue a course in law really can prove to be a challenge at times. Every now and again you might feel distracted when your family needs you or your friends are enjoying active social lives. At these times, a question that may spring to mind is “Why am I doing this?”

The Benefits of Study

Procrastination, the habit of putting tasks off to the last possible minute, can be a major problem in both your career and your personal life. Side effects include missed opportunities, frenzied work hours, stress, overwhelmedness, resentment and guilt. This article will explore the root causes of procrastination and give you several practical tools for overcoming it.

The behaviour pattern of procrastination can be triggered in many different ways, so you won’t always procrastinate for the same reason. Sometimes you’ll procrastinate because you’re overwhelmed with too much on your plate, and procrastination gives you an escape. Other times you’ll feel tired and lazy, and you just can’t get going.

Let’s now address these various causes of procrastination and consider intelligent ways to respond.

1. Stress

Knowledge is power, and knowledge of the market for your own job is always empowering, even if you’re not thinking of moving in the foreseeable future. That knowledge can help protect you against shocks to your earning power or even your job security.

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

Property/Conveyancing Secretary – Quality Solicitors Rose & Rose

Location: Kingston Upon Thames

Salary: £18,000 - £23,000 dependant on experience and credentials

Closing Date: 31/12/16

Property/conveyancing secretary with experience required to join the team at Quality Solicitors Rose & Rose based in Kingston Upon Thames.

View the full job description here:

https://www.institutelegalsecretaries.com/jobs/candidate/job/28440/

Residential Property Secretary – Howell-Jones LLP

Location: Cheam

Salary: Competitive