Hello! I'm Orla Williams
With over 25 years of freelance secretarial experience, I bring a unique combination of legal expertise, professional polish, and dedicated client service to every project. My background spans work with barristers, legal consultancies, high-wealth family offices, and major legal publishers across the UK and Ireland. Whether you need support with legal documentation, diary management, client liaison, or confidential administrative tasks, I deliver exceptional results with meticulous attention to detail and absolute discretion.
Orla Williams
LEGAL SECRETARY AND VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
123-456-7890
Phone:
EXPERIENCE
2017-2025
Legal secretary
Secretarial work for an Irish consultancy start-up (previously non-incorporated, as of 2025 a company) in legal technology areas
especially cross-border data and privacy. This involves a mix of PA & secretarial skills such as typing, taking calls, diary management,
liaising with clients.
1998-2025
Legal researcher
Secretarial and research work for a UK self-employed consultant
barrister/legal author since 1998 and her ‘trading as’ business since
2012, mostly litigation in civil cases: typing, diary management, taking calls and arranging meetings, meeting clients, taking notes and doing research, general office support.
2024-2025
Personal assistant
PA at a confidential high-wealth family office legal team in London
(approx. 12 weeks). Noting and observing a long court case,
preparing daily updates on the progress during the day, helping to
coordinate meetings across two time zones.
EDUCATION
September 2025
Diploma in Admin, Secretarial and Personal Assistant at QLS Level 5
Functions of a PA/Secretary, telephone skills, mail services and shipping, travel arrangements, organising meetings, time management, keeping accurate records, writing business letters, other written communications
2024
London School of Mediation Certificate, civil disputes
1998
Pitman UK Legal Secretarial Diploma
Audio typing, Windows 98, Access 97 proficiencies, write for business, PAYE, computer keyboard skills, legal introductory module, legal wills and probate, legal conveyancing
1993
Diploma in Law
1990
BA (Hons) Psychology (2:1)
SKILLS
Legal Secretary - Advanced
Client Liason - Advanced
Diary Management - Advanced
Microsoft Office - Proficient
Transcription - Proficient
Confidentiality - Advanced
EXPERTISE
PROFESSIONAL
My expertise extends beyond traditional secretarial support, encompassing event coordination, project management, and strategic communication. I am dedicated to enhancing the operational effectiveness of my clients by providing comprehensive solutions that align with their objectives and contribute to their overall success.
QUALIFIED
I'm an experienced graduate secretarial professional with over 25 years of freelance expertise. I hold a BA (Hons) in Psychology, a UK Diploma in Law, and I'm completing both the Pitman Advanced Legal Secretary Diploma (Irish Law) and the Pitman Medical Secretary Diploma. I'm also a certified mediator and member of the Society of Virtual Assistants, committed to delivering exceptional, confidential service.
EXPERIENCED
My experience includes PA work for barristers and legal consultancies, supporting high-wealth family offices, editorial work for major legal publishers, and comprehensive office management. I excel at diary coordination, client liaison, meeting management, and maintaining strict confidentiality.