A PA position no longer means hours spent typing and answering phones - the role now requires juggling schedules, researching, and even attending partner meetings. Charlotte Edmond gets the lowdown from law firm PAs

You could be forgiven for wondering whether legal secretaries are just suckers for punishment. Serving as the right hand of many a dealmaker, often working unsociable hours to be at the desk before their boss and balancing demanding clients and egos, nonetheless their role within the modern law firm is often overlooked.

But most partners will tell you a good PA is worth their weight in gold, with several not just taking responsibility for the traditional diary management, but also attending partner meetings and even becoming involved in partner hires.

The job of a PA or a secretary is as variable as those of the people they work for. Some race around making coffee while others are indispensable researchers, organisers and consultants. Some speak more languages than the people they work for and most can give you a more than passable definition of whichever legal term you choose. But the one thing all PAs seem to have in common is that there is no average day.

While for some there is a lot of administration work - sorting diaries, arranging meetings, organising travel - other tasks like getting involved in the firm's charity work are common, and many work closely with other areas of the firm such as business development and marketing.

The role of Sue Ives, PA to Berwin Leighton Paisner managing partner Neville Eisenberg, extends beyond that normally expected of a secretary, as she also attends the firm's three annual partner meetings and liaises with partners and human resources over lateral hires.

She says: "There has never been an average day since I started with the firm 19 years ago. Every day is different. My job has been ever evolving, with Neville's progression into management and the merger between Berwin Leighton and Paisner & Co in 2001. I have built strong relationships both within the firm and externally. But one key difference between what I do and what other secretaries involved in client work do, is that I do not get to enjoy the celebratory glass of champagne that she or he would at the end of a deal!"

At many firms, PAs often take responsibility for screening and answering partners' phone calls and emails, and as such act as a gateway. Koren O'Connor, PA to CMS Cameron McKenna managing partner Duncan Weston, jokes: "Everybody sees me as a way of gaining access to Duncan's time. I'm inundated with daily requests because they know he is usually tied up in meetings. It's surprising how popular I've become!"

Generally a highly personable bunch, organisational and communication skills are essential in a good PA. Another stand-out characteristic of law firm PAs is diplomacy. When dealing with clients and juggling diary demands, discretion and tact are key.

Taylor Wessing's Chris Boniface says: "It's all about attitude and accuracy. Check, check and then check again. There is no room for silly mistakes - the people you deal with and the projects you are working on are very specific and need to be correct the first time."

And, of course, getting on with your boss makes a big difference. DLA Piper's Pam Cousins says: "You have to get into your boss' way of thinking - you grow to anticipate their responses and you have to be one step ahead all the time."

Sue Ives – Berwin Leighton Paisner

Sue moved to London from Manchester in 1987 to work in the City and joined BLP in 1990. She has worked for managing partner Neville Eisenberg for 17 of the 19 years she has been at the firm.

What was your best day on the job? Probably the day after Berwin Leighton and Paisner & Co merged in 2001. It was great being involved with the respective management teams.

…and your worst? 7 July 2005 – the day of the London bombings when I realised I’d missed being on one of the trains by 10 minutes and then the thought of how I would get back home to Northampton. Or any day that involves filing!

What’s your strongest characteristic... and worst trait? There are several, but I’d say loyalty and persistence are my strongest traits.  As for the worst, I can sometimes be overly-cautious – but I don’t know that it’s necessarily a bad thing.

Have you ever been asked to buy a present for your boss’ spouse? No, but I’d be happy to help if he asked – I’m a serious shopper!

What advice would you give to young secretaries/PAs starting out? Research a selection of firms: look at their websites, identify the clients they act for, read their recent press and get a feel of what they do so you can identify firms you think you might like to work for. I’d also suggest being professional in your approach to tasks and you’ll be taken seriously. Also, never be afraid to ask for help – you may think you’re asking a stupid question, but in reality it could be a key one!

What’s the best perk of the job? It’s not a physical perk, but for me it would be success – it motivates me. So I would say dealing with key people, both internally and externally, is rewarding. Having said that, success doesn’t have to involve really large tasks. Smaller ones can be equally rewarding.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? Bad communication. I think good communication is key to my role – you just can’t function without it! Lack of communication is the most annoying thing.

Pam Cousins – DLA Piper

Pam joined DLA at 21-year-old as a secretary to a partner after working at a chartered surveyors for several years. She was asked to work for now UK managing partner David Bradley seven years ago when his PA left.

What was your best day on the job? Being promoted to my current role as PA to David Bradley in 2002, who at the time was UK head of human resources and is now UK managing partner. Before that, I worked in a secretarial pool. When David’s former PA decided not to return to work after her maternity leave, he asked me to work for him. I was delighted.

…and your worst? Is it terrible that I have not really had a bad day?

What’s your strongest characteristic...? I am a positive person and like to motivate people. Whenever I do performance reviews for other secretaries I enjoy helping them to appreciate the role that they play within the department and for the firm as a whole.

…and worst trait? Sometimes I am too focused on my work; I see this as a positive; however, my co-workers may see this as a negative trait because I do not always hear what is going on around me in the office.

Have you ever been asked to buy a present for your boss’ spouse? No.

What advice would you give to young secretaries/PAs starting out? To show enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Use initiative. Do not wait to be asked to produce work, plan ahead and think what may be needed. Inspire to be inspired!

Chris Boniface – Taylor Wessing

Having taken a job at Taylor Wessing nine years ago doing secretarial work in the HR team, Chris was subsequently asked to work for now chief operating officer Jonathan Croucher, and until May this year former managing partner Michael Frawley. She also provides admin support for the head of HR, training and development and the head of marketing and communication. As well as PA duties, she is involved with the firm’s charity work and helps co-ordinate involvement with community initiatives.

What was your best day on the job… and your worst? Oddly, the worst and best occurred on the same day! A few years ago, all the partners were booked to fly out for a two-day conference when a lightening storm grounded virtually all flights. Groups of partners were stranded at all the London and southeast airports and I spent the whole day, along with our travel desk co-ordinator, trying to get everyone to Nice by various means. We succeeded with all but a very small number, but it was probably the longest, most frantic day I can ever remember. The relief in the end was tremendous and I was left with the feeling of a job well done.  

What’s your strongest characteristic... and worst trait? Strongest, I would hope, is being helpful and reliable. Worst – definitely brutal honesty. Was it Paul Simon who wrote, “There’s no tenderness in my honesty”?

Have you ever been asked to buy a present for your boss’ spouse? Not to go out and actually choose, although I have done some research on the internet.

What advice would you give to young secretaries/PAs starting out? If you maintain a good attitude, have high standards and can stay enthusiastic, you’ve cracked it! Being prepared to work hard and keep a sense of humour also helps.

What’s the best perk of the job? I’m still enjoying the new building (the firm moved to New Street Square in November 2008).  It’s a pleasure to come into the office.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? That lawyers seem to be getting younger and younger! (Or is that just me?)

Koren O’Connor – CMS Cameron McKenna

Koren has worked at the firm for 15 years, initially in the projects and construction practice on a float basis. She applied for a job in Prague and in the space of six weeks had moved to replace then Central and Eastern Europe head Duncan Weston’s PA who was going on maternity leave. She stayed in Prague for six months before transferring back to the UK when Weston was voted managing partner.

What was your best day on the job? Being given the opportunity to go and work in Prague!

…and your worst? The first day back in the London office after being in Prague and realising that I still really wished I was in Prague! It really was amazing and the best six-and-a-bit months of the last few years.

What is your strongest characteristic? Good methodical organisation skills.

…and worst trait? I can be a control freak where work is concerned (and friends would probably say I’m a control freak generally – in a good sense, of course!)

Have you ever been asked to get a present for your boss’ spouse? No gift purchasing, but the odd flower order.

What advice would you give to young secretaries/PAs starting out? Never be worried that you’re not capable enough to do something out of your normal remit; always have a go irrespective and ask lots of questions. It’s better to have tried something new than to stay in your comfort zone and never know your full potential.

Generally, secretarial roles can be somewhat limiting, but over the years they have changed drastically. I remember hours of pure typing, very little administration and no organisational work at all – I’m talking the days of golf ball typewriters, tippex, carbon paper and the birth of PCs in the office.  Since then, PCs and the fact that fee earners are computer literate has minimised hours of typing and introduced more varied roles. I’d definitely advocate getting involved in and learning as much as you can.

What’s the best perk of the job? My biggest perk to date is getting involved in the organisation of the private equity ski weekend and attending. It’s a lot of hard work but thoroughly enjoyable – it’s a bit difficult trying to take calls from clients while skiing down a mountain, but all in a day’s work!

What most annoys you about the legal profession? I’ve worked at CMS Cameron McKenna for 15 years, surely if I was annoyed by anything I wouldn’t still be here!

A PA position no longer means hours spent typing and answering phones - the role now requires juggling schedules, researching, and even attending partner meetings. Charlotte Edmond gets the lowdown from law firm PAs

You could be forgiven for wondering whether legal secretaries are just suckers for punishment. Serving as the right hand of many a dealmaker, often working unsociable hours to be at the desk before their boss and balancing demanding clients and egos, nonetheless their role within the modern law firm is often overlooked.

But most partners will tell you a good PA is worth their weight in gold, with several not just taking responsibility for the traditional diary management, but also attending partner meetings and even becoming involved in partner hires.

The job of a PA or a secretary is as variable as those of the people they work for. Some race around making coffee while others are indispensable researchers, organisers and consultants. Some speak more languages than the people they work for and most can give you a more than passable definition of whichever legal term you choose. But the one thing all PAs seem to have in common is that there is no average day.

While for some there is a lot of administration work - sorting diaries, arranging meetings, organising travel - other tasks like getting involved in the firm's charity work are common, and many work closely with other areas of the firm such as business development and marketing.

The role of Sue Ives, PA to Berwin Leighton Paisner managing partner Neville Eisenberg, extends beyond that normally expected of a secretary, as she also attends the firm's three annual partner meetings and liaises with partners and human resources over lateral hires.

She says: "There has never been an average day since I started with the firm 19 years ago. Every day is different. My job has been ever evolving, with Neville's progression into management and the merger between Berwin Leighton and Paisner & Co in 2001. I have built strong relationships both within the firm and externally. But one key difference between what I do and what other secretaries involved in client work do, is that I do not get to enjoy the celebratory glass of champagne that she or he would at the end of a deal!"

At many firms, PAs often take responsibility for screening and answering partners' phone calls and emails, and as such act as a gateway. Koren O'Connor, PA to CMS Cameron McKenna managing partner Duncan Weston, jokes: "Everybody sees me as a way of gaining access to Duncan's time. I'm inundated with daily requests because they know he is usually tied up in meetings. It's surprising how popular I've become!"

Generally a highly personable bunch, organisational and communication skills are essential in a good PA. Another stand-out characteristic of law firm PAs is diplomacy. When dealing with clients and juggling diary demands, discretion and tact are key.

Taylor Wessing's Chris Boniface says: "It's all about attitude and accuracy. Check, check and then check again. There is no room for silly mistakes - the people you deal with and the projects you are working on are very specific and need to be correct the first time."

And, of course, getting on with your boss makes a big difference. DLA Piper's Pam Cousins says: "You have to get into your boss' way of thinking - you grow to anticipate their responses and you have to be one step ahead all the time."

Sue Ives – Berwin Leighton Paisner

Sue moved to London from Manchester in 1987 to work in the City and joined BLP in 1990. She has worked for managing partner Neville Eisenberg for 17 of the 19 years she has been at the firm.

What was your best day on the job? Probably the day after Berwin Leighton and Paisner & Co merged in 2001. It was great being involved with the respective management teams.

…and your worst? 7 July 2005 – the day of the London bombings when I realised I’d missed being on one of the trains by 10 minutes and then the thought of how I would get back home to Northampton. Or any day that involves filing!

What’s your strongest characteristic... and worst trait? There are several, but I’d say loyalty and persistence are my strongest traits.  As for the worst, I can sometimes be overly-cautious – but I don’t know that it’s necessarily a bad thing.

Have you ever been asked to buy a present for your boss’ spouse? No, but I’d be happy to help if he asked – I’m a serious shopper!

What advice would you give to young secretaries/PAs starting out? Research a selection of firms: look at their websites, identify the clients they act for, read their recent press and get a feel of what they do so you can identify firms you think you might like to work for. I’d also suggest being professional in your approach to tasks and you’ll be taken seriously. Also, never be afraid to ask for help – you may think you’re asking a stupid question, but in reality it could be a key one!

What’s the best perk of the job? It’s not a physical perk, but for me it would be success – it motivates me. So I would say dealing with key people, both internally and externally, is rewarding. Having said that, success doesn’t have to involve really large tasks. Smaller ones can be equally rewarding.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? Bad communication. I think good communication is key to my role – you just can’t function without it! Lack of communication is the most annoying thing.

Pam Cousins – DLA Piper

Pam joined DLA at 21-year-old as a secretary to a partner after working at a chartered surveyors for several years. She was asked to work for now UK managing partner David Bradley seven years ago when his PA left.

What was your best day on the job? Being promoted to my current role as PA to David Bradley in 2002, who at the time was UK head of human resources and is now UK managing partner. Before that, I worked in a secretarial pool. When David’s former PA decided not to return to work after her maternity leave, he asked me to work for him. I was delighted.

…and your worst? Is it terrible that I have not really had a bad day?

What’s your strongest characteristic...? I am a positive person and like to motivate people. Whenever I do performance reviews for other secretaries I enjoy helping them to appreciate the role that they play within the department and for the firm as a whole.

…and worst trait? Sometimes I am too focused on my work; I see this as a positive; however, my co-workers may see this as a negative trait because I do not always hear what is going on around me in the office.

Have you ever been asked to buy a present for your boss’ spouse? No.

What advice would you give to young secretaries/PAs starting out? To show enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Use initiative. Do not wait to be asked to produce work, plan ahead and think what may be needed. Inspire to be inspired!

Chris Boniface – Taylor Wessing

Having taken a job at Taylor Wessing nine years ago doing secretarial work in the HR team, Chris was subsequently asked to work for now chief operating officer Jonathan Croucher, and until May this year former managing partner Michael Frawley. She also provides admin support for the head of HR, training and development and the head of marketing and communication. As well as PA duties, she is involved with the firm’s charity work and helps co-ordinate involvement with community initiatives.

What was your best day on the job… and your worst? Oddly, the worst and best occurred on the same day! A few years ago, all the partners were booked to fly out for a two-day conference when a lightening storm grounded virtually all flights. Groups of partners were stranded at all the London and southeast airports and I spent the whole day, along with our travel desk co-ordinator, trying to get everyone to Nice by various means. We succeeded with all but a very small number, but it was probably the longest, most frantic day I can ever remember. The relief in the end was tremendous and I was left with the feeling of a job well done.  

What’s your strongest characteristic... and worst trait? Strongest, I would hope, is being helpful and reliable. Worst – definitely brutal honesty. Was it Paul Simon who wrote, “There’s no tenderness in my honesty”?

Have you ever been asked to buy a present for your boss’ spouse? Not to go out and actually choose, although I have done some research on the internet.

What advice would you give to young secretaries/PAs starting out? If you maintain a good attitude, have high standards and can stay enthusiastic, you’ve cracked it! Being prepared to work hard and keep a sense of humour also helps.

What’s the best perk of the job? I’m still enjoying the new building (the firm moved to New Street Square in November 2008).  It’s a pleasure to come into the office.

What most annoys you about the legal profession? That lawyers seem to be getting younger and younger! (Or is that just me?)

Koren O’Connor – CMS Cameron McKenna

Koren has worked at the firm for 15 years, initially in the projects and construction practice on a float basis. She applied for a job in Prague and in the space of six weeks had moved to replace then Central and Eastern Europe head Duncan Weston’s PA who was going on maternity leave. She stayed in Prague for six months before transferring back to the UK when Weston was voted managing partner.

What was your best day on the job? Being given the opportunity to go and work in Prague!

…and your worst? The first day back in the London office after being in Prague and realising that I still really wished I was in Prague! It really was amazing and the best six-and-a-bit months of the last few years.

What is your strongest characteristic? Good methodical organisation skills.

…and worst trait? I can be a control freak where work is concerned (and friends would probably say I’m a control freak generally – in a good sense, of course!)

Have you ever been asked to get a present for your boss’ spouse? No gift purchasing, but the odd flower order.

What advice would you give to young secretaries/PAs starting out? Never be worried that you’re not capable enough to do something out of your normal remit; always have a go irrespective and ask lots of questions. It’s better to have tried something new than to stay in your comfort zone and never know your full potential.

Generally, secretarial roles can be somewhat limiting, but over the years they have changed drastically. I remember hours of pure typing, very little administration and no organisational work at all – I’m talking the days of golf ball typewriters, tippex, carbon paper and the birth of PCs in the office.  Since then, PCs and the fact that fee earners are computer literate has minimised hours of typing and introduced more varied roles. I’d definitely advocate getting involved in and learning as much as you can.

What’s the best perk of the job? My biggest perk to date is getting involved in the organisation of the private equity ski weekend and attending. It’s a lot of hard work but thoroughly enjoyable – it’s a bit difficult trying to take calls from clients while skiing down a mountain, but all in a day’s work!

What most annoys you about the legal profession? I’ve worked at CMS Cameron McKenna for 15 years, surely if I was annoyed by anything I wouldn’t still be here!