The Legal Executive Assistant Network (LEAN), is the UKโs first region-specific network for legal executive assistants (EAs), personal assistants (PAs), and other legal support professionals, launched on 24 July 2025 with its inaugural event in Leeds.ย
Established by Helena Frankland, Joanna Jackson and Linda Nawoj, long-standing EAs from the Leeds office of national law firm Mills & Reeve, the West Yorkshire-focused initiative has been created to address a critical gap in peer support, networking and advocacy for legal support professionals outside London.
The power of collaboration
Over 20 Legal EAs and PAs from leading law firms came together for the launch of the LEAN network at Mills & Reeveโs Leeds office. The evening was filled with meaningful conversations, as attendees collaborated to shape LEANโs future direction. Discussions centred around the power of collaboration and the evolving role of artificial intelligence, with valuable experiences and insights shared throughout the night.
The network emerged from a recognition that legal support staff lack regionally focused peer communities. Unlike generic multi-city PA groups, LEAN specifically serves West Yorkshire-based legal EAs/PAs, offering tailored peer-support and knowledge sharing. With almost 100 members already engaged via its LinkedIn group, the network aims to challenge outdated perceptions of legal support roles while fostering skills development.
Helena Frankland, co-founder of LEAN
PA Life hear from Helena Frankland, senior executive assistant at Mills & Reeve and co-founder of LEAN, who stated: “For too long, legal EAs have operated without dedicated networks matching those available to lawyers. LEANโs purpose is to champion our professionโs essential role in the legal sector and to elevate and inspire those working in legal support roles across West Yorkshire. The strong turnout and energy at our first event highlights how much this ambition resonates with our peers.”
Following the success of its launch event, LEAN is planning to host its next event this autumn in collaboration with a partner law firm. Based on feedback from attendees, the upcoming event will feature a round-table discussion focused on the integration of artificial intelligence into executive assistant and personal assistant roles, and the potential impact on the profession moving forward.
Paul Johnson, head of Leeds office at Mills & Reeve
Further more, PA Life then hear from Paul Johnson, head of Leeds office at Mills & Reeve. He said: “This network is a fantastic opportunity for legal support professionals, and weโre proud that individuals from Mills & Reeve have been instrumental in creating it. Weโre committed to supporting the development of all our people and upholding the highest standards across the legal sector, so weโre delighted to be able to support the initiative.”
In conclusion, LEAN is a ground breaking network for legal executive assistants that fills a gap within the PA and EA community. This dedicated space creates a positive space for collaboration outside of London where these kinds of experiences are typically located. The growing online engagement of LEAN is an incredibly positive result, we believe that it is set to have an empowering role in supporting legal assistants in the north.
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