Nichole Warren: In praise of my legal assistant, Hayley Warnes

This post is dedicated to giving well deserved appreciation to legal support staff, whose work is essential yet often overlooked. Behind every lawyer’s practice, there is someone whose support makes it possible. For me, that person is my assistant, Hayley Warnes.

Hayley joined me in January 2022, coming from a background in housing as a chartered surveyor, with no prior experience in law. Her willingness to step in, adapt and learn has been remarkable. Since then, she has grown into an invaluable part of my practice.

As a legal aid lawyer, the workload is heavy and the demands are constant. There are endless calls, deadlines, case papers and client needs to balance every day. Hayley takes my calls Monday to Thursday, organises my diary and handles countless tasks behind the scenes that allow me to stay on top of it all and give my full attention to my clients' needs. While she does not provide legal advice, her role as a reliable point of contact is hugely important. She ensures clients can reach me, passes on updates and communicates the information I need her to share, and that support makes an enormous difference.

If I am under pressure, which I almost always am, then Hayley is under pressure too. The way she deals with that pressure is truly commendable, and I admire her ability to stay composed and effective even when the demands are relentless.

Much of her work goes unseen, but it is the foundation that allows me to do mine. Legal assistants and support staff provide structure, organisation and continuity that the legal profession depends on. Without them, the work we do would not be possible.

It is important that people recognise just how vital legal assistants are. They do far more than many realise. They are often the first point of contact for clients, they keep everything organised and they provide the steady support that allows lawyers to focus on the work itself. Their professionalism, patience, and resilience deserve acknowledgment, and I believe it is always worth taking the time to show appreciation for the difference they make.

I want to thank Hayley for her commitment and hard work. Her contribution is essential, and I deeply appreciate everything she does to support me.

Nichole Warren