We would like to share some exciting news with you. ILSPA graduate Georgie Theobald won the Legal PA of the Year Award with Secsinthecity last month.
The PA of the Year awards were founded by Secsinthecity to provide recognition for the hard work and professionalism performed by PAs. The awards have been running for 5 years and each year the organisation receives nominations for dedicated PAs throughout the country. This year, Secsinthecity received over 400 entries with categories such as Legal PA of the Year, Social Media PA of the Year, PA of the Year as well as an Outstanding Achievement category.
Georgie gained ILSPA’s Legal Secretaries Diploma in 2015 and has found the course to be of great benefit to her in her career. We spoke to Georgie Theobald about her achievement and it was wonderful to hear what she had to say about her award and her studies with ILSPA.
Why were you nominated for the Legal PA of the Year award?
I was nominated by a senior barrister I work with and didn’t actually know I had been nominated until I was shortlisted. The reason that they nominated me was because they said I’m the glue to the team, I hold everything and everyone together, from the admin, to the actual work on the cases, to the small things like making sure everyone has had lunch and getting them a sandwich if not. According to my team, I look at it as more than just a job and no matter what I do, I give it my all; however, I still feel like I just do my job! It’s what I’m supposed to do being a Legal PA - assist my directors! It’s really nice to hear such lovely comments.
How does it feel to gain such a prestigious title?
I feel very overwhelmed and humble. As I previously said, I feel like I have only done what I am supposed to do and been given an award for simply doing my job. I didn't think anyone even noticed the late nights and early mornings. I’m very grateful and feel it’s one of my biggest achievements. I can’t thank the judges, the person who nominated me, the sponsors of the awards and everyone else who’s involved enough.
How did your studies through ILSPA help you in your career?
My studies with ILSPA helped an awful lot, more than anything, and I am so glad I did it. The lectures and course work are very in-depth, as is the testing; it’s not a case of a very short course that you forget after a while. It gives you a great concept of the legal world and the work you are actually assisting with. My legal knowledge expanded hugely after my studies; I still refer back to my course work now and remember stuff I was taught by the wonderful Amanda. When a contract comes in the post now, I can do more than just pick it up, scan it and let my director know it’s arrived. I can actually check it, make sure it’s all in order and has everything it needs, and request amendments if need be; in fact, I can even draft contracts now and that's just a small example of the difference it has made to me. My confidence also improved, which helped me to start my career within a city firm, and the wonderful portfolio of all your hard work is great for interviews; rather than saying what you can do, you can actually show what you have done. It’s recognised by many city firms; I would recommend it to anyone.
Well done, Georgie! We are very proud of you. If any of our Members are interested in the 2017 awards, keep an eye on Secsinthecity’s social media.