We asked one of our members, Juliette Print who is EA to the CEO & Head of Chambers and Chambers Administrator at St Philips Chambers to tell us about her experience and thoughts on the importance of business support roles in law firms. Juliette has given us her insights here and we’re delighted to share them with you.
“When I first stepped into the legal industry just over a decade ago, it was a world away from my previous career in hair dressing and I certainly didn’t start with a grand plan to build my long-term career in business support. What became clear pretty quickly though, was the impact I could have and just how essential the function is, not only in keeping a firm running smoothly but also in shaping its culture, direction and resilience. That’s what hooked me and what gets me out of bed every morning (weekdays at least).
My role has changed dramatically since I began as a telephonist, working the switchboard at a large solicitors’ firm. I have transitioned to a barristers’ chambers juggling multiple responsibilities: from EA duties to HR leadership, and increasingly, I find myself acting as a sounding board for our CEO and wider leadership team. The job description has expanded but so has my opportunity to influence Chambers in meaningful ways.
Business support isn’t just about “getting things done”, though that’s certainly part of it. It’s about staying one step ahead and creating space for others to excel. Whether I’m managing people, planning changes, or keeping everything on track during stressful times, a strong support function touches every part of our business.
For anyone starting out in business support, I’d say this- don’t underestimate what you can achieve. Stay curious and embrace continuous learning, listen carefully and build relationships at every level of your organisation. The better you understand the people and the purpose driving the business, the more you’ll be able to influence, support and lead with real confidence. Be proactive, always look for inefficiencies you can fix or processes you can enhance.
The nature of business support will keep changing. With AI and automation taking on more tasks, we’ll focus even more on strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and rolling with the punches. The human side- insight, empathy, good judgement- will matter more than ever. Support professionals who embrace change and keep developing their skills will remain vital to their organisation’s success.
Being highly commended in the PA of the Year category at the PA Awards was an honour I genuinely didn’t expect. I don’t do the job for recognition, but it felt incredibly rewarding to see my work acknowledged in this way. It also reminded me of the real value our profession brings to the legal industry—often behind the scenes but always central to delivery.
At its best, business support isn’t an add-on to a legal practice; it’s foundational. I’m proud to be part of a profession that keeps evolving and even prouder to help show just how critical our contribution really is.”