Tell us about yourself
I am a Paralegal who joined Bookers and Bolton as a receptionist in 1995. When the secretary to the Head of the Probate Department left I was offered her job. I really enjoyed the work and found it interesting so was encouraged to take legal training.
In which areas of law do you specialise?
I specialise in Wills and Estates and deal with everything under the heading of drafting wills, estate planning and asset protection, Probate and administration of estates.
What do you offer clients of Bookers and Bolton?
One of the most important qualities of any lawyer has to be empathy and patience, and I offer both of these in ample supply. My work is approached with enthusiasm, care and acute awareness of the fact that clients are often very nervous and sensitive about the issues that they come to see me about, especially if they are elderly, on their own or recently bereaved.
I appreciate that the issues we have to discuss and questions I need to ask can sometimes be very distressing and I approach everything with compassion and complete understanding.
There are many stories to impart of times when I and other members of the team here have gone far further than the extra mile to make things easier for our vulnerable clients. We offer home visits of course, but our personal service goes much further than that and I would invite any client to ask anything of me that they feel would make things easier for them.
All in all, the firm as a whole has a clear focus on quality of work and the fact that clients come back to us again and again seems to speak for itself.
To help clients get to you know you a bit better, could you answer a few questions about you?
Where did you grow up and what are your earliest memories?
I was born in Canvey Island in Essex but we moved to a small village just outside Alton in Hampshire when I was a year old. We lived there until I was eight and then moved to Wales. My earliest memory is bathing in a tin bath in front of the fire; it was some time before we were blessed with a bathroom!
What is your favourite childhood memory?
My grandmother was in a wheelchair and lived with us; my favourite childhood memory is sitting on her lap while she talked to me.
What was your first job?
While I was still at school I worked Friday evenings and all day Saturdays in the china and gardening department at Woolworths.
What is your favourite film or TV programme?
The film Strictly Ballroom – pure escapism!
Who is your favourite TV or sports personality and why?
Chris Evans (radio) – he always makes me laugh no matter what sort of day I have had.
Name two things you love most and why
This is easy: my 3 children and 4 grandchildren. My children for always being there for me and for giving me four gorgeous grandchildren; and my grandchildren because they are pure joy and if they are naughty you can hand them back to their parents.
What was your last holiday destination?
Australia to visit my newest granddaughter (and first Australian one) and of course my son and daughter-in-law.
What country would you most like to visit and why?
It is my dream to one day go on an African Safari to see the animals and in particular big cats in the wild.
Can you remember your last dream?
Yes; something to do with getting lost which is quite possible as I have a hopeless sense of direction!
What are your personal ambitions?
To die a healthy and happy old, old lady in my own home with all my faculties and surrounded by all my family.
