Abigail King
York, North Yorkshire,United Kingdom
Summary
A highly organised and detail-oriented Legal Assistant, with strong client-facing experience developed over twelve years in legal and retail environments. Skilled in case management, diary coordination, the drafting and filing of legal documentation, and a strong ability to prioritise workloads to meet strict court deadlines. Confident in liaising and communicating effectively and professionally with clients, Counsel, and external agencies to fulfil day to day responsibilities, handle complex queries and manage sensitive information.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work history
Legal Assistant
Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors
York
2022.10 - Current
- Provide comprehensive administrative support to Solicitors within the Family Law department, assisting with child arrangements, divorce, and financial remedy matters.
- Open and manage case files, updating case management systems, ensuring accurate record-keeping and compliance within confidentiality requirements and guidelines.
- Draft and file legal documents, correspondence, court forms, and bundles for submission to the Family Court.
- Liaise with clients, barristers, courts, and external agencies/third parties, such as local police forces and authorities, maintaining professional and effective communication.
- Support solicitors in assisting with general case progression and client care.
- Coordinate appointments, conferences, hearings, and key deadlines, supporting solicitors with diary management and preparation for court proceedings.
- Issue client invoices in line with firm billing policies and process payments of Counsel fee notes and third party invoices.
- Maintain a high standard of service, providing empathetic and professional support to clients experiencing sensitive and complex circumstances, including domestic abuse, marriage breakdown, and child arrangement disputes.
Receptionist
Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors
York
2022.05 - 2022.10
- Served as a first point of contact for clients, delivering a professional and welcoming front-of-house service.
- Managed a high volume of incoming calls, directing enquiries efficiently to the appropriate solicitors and legal departments.
- Handled confidential legal documentation and sensitive client data in compliance with data protection regulations.
- Provided administrative support, including filing, correspondence preparation, and processing incoming and outgoing post, including court documents and recorded deliveries.
Sales Assistant
Marks and Spencer
York, United Kingdom
2018.12 - 2022.05
- Managed high volumes of customer interactions, resolving queries efficiently and professionally.
- Provided product knowledge to aid customer interactions and enhance customer experiences effectively.
- Operated POS system to handle financial transactions, refunds and account-related processes with accuracy and efficiency.
- Effectively processed online orders and stock management using handheld, digital systems (Honeywell)
- Communicated with internal departments, external stores and external partners (e.g. courier services) to resolve operational issues.
Bridal Sales Consultant
Bridal Rogue Gallery
York/Harrogate, United Kingdom
2015.03 - 2018.09
- Conducted one-to-one consultations, offering expert advice and identifying client needs to advise accordingly.
- Managed appointment scheduling, invoicing and written correspondence via email and post.
- Developed a strong rapport with customers, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills to assist with sensitive and high-value client decisions.
- Maintained an efficient and organised filing system of client records and documentation.
- Independently opened and closed the store premises, ensuring compliance with security procedures.
- Created an inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organisation and cleanliness.
-
Additional Experience
, United Kingdom
2013.07 - 2014.11
- Retail Sales Assistant - Emblazon, York (2014)
- Retail Sales Assistant - Rawcliffes Schoolwear Centre, York (2013)
Work Experience - Care Assistant
Hartrigg Oak, The Oaks
York, United Kingdom
2014.10 - 2015.02
- Worked within a regulated care environment requiring discretion and safeguarding awareness.
- Provided overall companionship to elderly residents, allowing for a positive relationship between residents, relatives and staff.
- Aided in the organisation and participation of communal events such as weekly entertainment, workshops, and the facility's annual christmas party.
- Demonstrated empathy, professionalism and responsibility in sensitive situations.
Work Experience - Teaching Assistant
Poppleton Road Primary School
York, United Kingdom
2013.07 - 2013.07
- Collaborated closely with teachers to support pupils across a range of ages and learning abilities.
- Prepared and organised classroom environments, ensuring materials and resources were available prior to lessons and cleared efficiently afterwards.
- Supervised and facilitated small group activities to encourage participation and engagement.
- Provided targeted support to pupils requiring additional assistance to help them complete academic tasks.
- Supervised pupils during educational visits and off-site activities, ensuring safety and appropriate conduct.
Education
Solicitors Qualifying Examination Prep. Course 1 -
BARBRI
Online /2022 -
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology And Sociology
University of Liverpool
Liverpool, United Kingdom2019
A Level Qualification - Sociology, English Literature, Health And Social
The Joseph Rowntree School
York, United Kingdom2016
GCSE - English Baccalaureate (EBacc) - (All Graded B And Above)
The Joseph Rowntree School
York, United Kingdom2014
Skills
- Professional verbal and written communication
- Organised and enthusiastic
- IT proficient (Microsoft Office, Case Handling Systems)
- Client communication, complaint handling and dispute resolution
- Punctual, with good attendance record
- Positive team worker
- Effective time management and prioritisation
- Thrive when working under pressure and tight deadlines
- Enjoy adapting to new situations
- Reliable and hard working
Voluntary work
- Sociology Mentor - Supported GCSE Student with structured academic guidance.
- Assistant Coach - Haxby Netball Team
Timeline
Legal Assistant
Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors
2022.10 - Current
Receptionist
Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors
2022.05 - 2022.10
Sales Assistant
Marks and Spencer
2018.12 - 2022.05
Bridal Sales Consultant
Bridal Rogue Gallery
2015.03 - 2018.09
Work Experience - Care Assistant
Hartrigg Oak, The Oaks
2014.10 - 2015.02
-
Additional Experience
2013.07 - 2014.11
Work Experience - Teaching Assistant
Poppleton Road Primary School
2013.07 - 2013.07
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology And Sociology
University of Liverpool
A Level Qualification - Sociology, English Literature, Health And Social
The Joseph Rowntree School
GCSE - English Baccalaureate (EBacc) - (All Graded B And Above)
The Joseph Rowntree School
Solicitors Qualifying Examination Prep. Course 1 -
BARBRI
/2022 -