Alicia May Cooke
Salisbury
Summary
Detail-oriented Private Client Paralegal with background in probate, estate administration, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Supports solicitors by managing complex estates, drafting legal documents, and liaising with clients and financial institutions to ensure compliance and efficient case progression. Committed to enhancing expertise in private client law.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Client Paralegal
Batt Broadbent Solicitors
02.2026 - Current
- Assist with drafting Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
- Prepare probate documentation and assist with progressing estate administration matters.
- Supported solicitors with diverse caseload of Wills, Probate, Estate Administration and Lasting Powers of Attorney, enhancing case management efficiency.
- Liaise daily with clients, executors, beneficiaries, financial institutions and third parties.
- Managed files to ensure compliance with requirements and timely resolution of estate matters.
- Draft legal correspondence, attendance notes and private client documentation.
- Maintain accurate electronic records using the firm's case management system.
- Deliver a high standard of client care while dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.
Probate Paralegal
Bonallack & Bishop Solicitors
07.2023 - 02.2026
- Drafted Probate Registry applications, including PA1A applications, together with IHT205 and IHT400 inheritance tax returns and supporting schedules.
- Managed the day-to-day progression of probate matters from initial instruction through to final estate distribution under solicitor supervision.
- Assisted with the administration of straightforward, taxable and complex estates, including those involving foreign assets and overseas beneficiaries.
- Obtained comprehensive estate information from banks, investment providers, pension companies, HMRC, the Probate Registry and other organisations to facilitate probate processes.
- Liaised directly with executors, beneficiaries and professional advisers, providing regular updates and ensuring timely progression of probate matters.
- Coordinated estate property valuations, asset investigations and estate property visits.
- Assisted with estate accounts and collection of estate assets.
- Maintained compliant, organised files while managing multiple matters.
- Attended client meetings alongside solicitors.
- Organised funerals, interment of ashes and related arrangements by coordinating with funeral directors, cemeteries and local authorities to honour the wishes of the deceased and their families with sensitivity and care.
- Increasing knowledge of probate practice, inheritance tax procedures and estate administration while delivering compassionate support to bereaved families.
Reception Teaching Assistant
Whiteparish Primary School
09.2020 - 08.2023
- Supported children's learning through targeted one-to-one and small group sessions to enhance understanding and engagement.
- Planned and organised classroom activities, ensuring accurate record-keeping to track progress and inform future lessons.
- Cultivated strong organisational, communication, and time management skills to effectively facilitate learning and support teachers.
Nursery Assistant
Spire View Nursery
11.2019 - 07.2020
- Nurtured development of children aged 0–5 years in busy nursery environment.
- Implemented safeguarding procedures and facilitated early years learning.
Customer Service Assistant
Boots UK
09.2016 - 11.2019
- Provided exceptional customer service in high-traffic retail setting, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Developed effective communication, problem-solving and organisational skills to support team operations and improve service delivery.
Education
A Levels - Sociology, English Language, Textiles
Brockenhurst College
BrockenhurstGCSEs - English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, History, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Textiles, Music
The Trafalgar School at Downton
SalisburyContinued Professional Development
Skills
- Estate administration
- Probate applications
- Client communication
- File management
- Attention to detail
- Case Progression
- Microsoft Office
- Case Management Systems
- Time recording
- Problem solving
- Document drafting
Additional Information
- Full UK Driving License
Timeline
Private Client Paralegal
Batt Broadbent Solicitors
02.2026 - Current
Probate Paralegal
Bonallack & Bishop Solicitors
07.2023 - 02.2026
Reception Teaching Assistant
Whiteparish Primary School
09.2020 - 08.2023
Nursery Assistant
Spire View Nursery
11.2019 - 07.2020
Customer Service Assistant
Boots UK
09.2016 - 11.2019
A Levels - Sociology, English Language, Textiles
Brockenhurst College
GCSEs - English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, History, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Textiles, Music
The Trafalgar School at Downton
Continued Professional Development