We are delighted to announce that Megan James has secured a permanent contract with the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs as our Senior Administrator. Megan started working for us in August 2014 in an administrative role. We have been very impressed by her performance and professionalism over the past six months. She has dealt with her duties and responsibilities with great efficiency and has an excellent work ethic. Within a short period of time, we could see she was a very competent member of the team and capable of taking on more responsibility in the company. Well done, Megan!
Megan has answered some questions about her background and told us about her experience working for ILSPA so far:
What attracted you to work for ILSPA?
When I first saw the vacancy for an Administrator at ILSPA, I thought it would be a great way to combine my previous professional experience with the subject that I studied for my degree. I studied an LLB Law Degree at Plymouth University, and after graduating I began working for a sales and marketing company as an Administrator to gain some professional experience. I always wanted to return to the legal profession, but as I started to progress and move up within my previous company the years began to pass and I still hadn’t made the move. When I saw that there was a position available at the Institute that required my experience and skills, I knew that this was my chance.
What experience or qualifications do you have which made you suitable for the role?
I feel my degree was a good qualification for the role. Not only do I have an understanding of the legal profession and our course contents, but I also have a passion for the subject. Having previous administration experience was essential. You need to have a keen eye for detail and good organisation in a role like this. By the time I left the sales and marketing company, I had worked my way up to Office Manager, so I was confident in my skills. I was also involved in the recruitment for the sales team. As in my current position, where I have a lot of interaction with Members, recruitment meant I was always dealing with people. Being a ‘people person’ has been so important here at ILSPA, as my entire role is focused around the Students and Members.
What does your daily work involve?
ILSPA gets a large amount of applications and enrolments which all need to be processed within an acceptable timescale. My job as Senior Administrator is to ensure that these are all completed within the specified deadlines. I also respond to the general enquiries that come through to our information email account each day. I am one of the people whom you will reach if you contact us directly by phone. ILSPA’s social media sites are kept up to date by me, and I really enjoy researching content for the posts and keeping an eye out for articles and ideas for the monthly journal. Each month, the articles for our Legal Secretary Journal must be collated, proofread and published, which is my responsibility.
What’s your favourite part of your role?
I love how varied the role is. I speak to a whole range of people each day, which means that no two days are ever the same. I love learning new things, so the fact that I am encouraged to take on new responsibility in my role is fantastic. I also like keeping an eye out for what is happening in the legal world and turning it into journal and social media content. I used to read for fun; now I can do it as part of my job as well.
Tell us about your experience at ILSPA so far.
I have really enjoyed the past six months. I love the people and place where I work. There is such a happy, positive atmosphere in our office that you can’t help but be in a good mood. I’m the sort of person who always likes to be learning things, and ILSPA is always giving me the opportunity to gain new skills.
How did you feel being promoted to Senior Administrator?
I was over the moon to be promoted to Senior Administrator. When I started in August my contract was subject to a six-month probation period. To be told that not only had I passed my probation but I also was being offered a promotion was more than I could wish for. It is really nice to know that ILSPA felt my work and capabilities were of such a good standard.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I come from a very music-loving family. We all go to various festivals together every summer, and have done since I was little. My favourite thing to do is seek out live music, whether it is in a small pub or a large arena. About a year ago I was given a sewing machine, and since then I have loved learning how to make things for myself and my friends. I really enjoy the outdoors. Living in Devon means that I have some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK on my doorstep. My husband and I like to walk, swim and camp as much as we can.