I’ve been a legal secretary, paralegal or executive assistant for most of my adult life (far longer than I care to admit). It’s not just something I do — it’s who I am.

As a working mum, I’ve balanced school runs with deadlines, preschool pickups with urgent client calls, and dinner prep with drafting support. I’ve worked across many different areas of law over the years — each with its own pace, pressure, and people — and throughout it all, I’ve found deep meaning in being part of something greater than myself.

Clients come to us during pivotal, often stressful moments in their lives. They don’t just want outcomes — they want answers, reassurance, and someone who cares. As a legal support person, I’m often the first voice they hear and the steady presence they remember. I help manage expectations, guide them through unfamiliar processes, and support the solicitor to deliver the best possible service under pressure.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work for some truly wonderful solicitors — people who value their teams, build strong relationships, and genuinely care about both clients and colleagues. When you work in an environment like that, the role becomes so much more than a job. It becomes a partnership. You learn each other’s rhythms. You anticipate needs. You build trust. And over time, you become more than support staff — you become part of the heart of the practice.

The legal world is changing. Clients expect things faster, cheaper, more personalised. Social media has created a culture of urgency — instant advice, immediate attention, and constant updates. That pressure doesn’t just sit with the solicitor. It reaches the whole team. But as legal secretaries, paralegals and EAs, we adapt. We stay organised, calm, and responsive. We look after the detail, the people, and the progress.

I’ve also seen how under-recognised this role can be — how paralegals are sometimes viewed as having less knowledge or value than we truly bring to the table. But the reality is, many of us have spent decades honing our skills, building legal insight, and becoming trusted pillars within our firms. We see the toll that legal practice can take on those we support. And we’re often the ones holding things together behind the scenes — quietly, reliably, professionally.

For me, being a paralegal and EA isn’t a stepping stone. It’s a career I’ve built with pride. It has given me flexibility, purpose, challenge, and connection. It has introduced me to lifelong mentors and friends. And most of all, it has given me the privilege of helping people through meaningful work that truly matters.

Now, I’m fortunate to bring all that experience into my role with the Family Law Education Network — where I work across member engagement, serve as Executive Assistant to Amanda Little, and act as Administration Manager. It’s a space where I can combine my background with a commitment to building community, supporting practitioners, and strengthening the profession from the inside out.

So if you’re reading this and you work with a legal secretary, paralegal, EA or support team — take a moment to let them know you value them. Behind the scenes, we’re riding the wave with you. We feel the pressure, the urgency, the emotional load. And when we feel seen, appreciated, and included — that’s when the real magic of teamwork happens.