Debra John-Pierre
London
Summary
Debra is a hardworking individual seeks experience in solicitor's firm to build on legal knowledge and experience. Outstanding oral and written abilities for reliable communication and documentation. Analytical thinker with good problem-solving skills for positive, productive outcomes. Focused Solicitor committed to delivering positive outcomes through clear, helpful client guidance. Impartial and fair for professional support during sensitive cases. Skilled in problem-solving and decision-making for good case progress.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Legal Consultant
Hillman Legal Partnerships
Crouch End, London
07.2014 - Current
- Working on Wills, Trusts within wills, Lasting Powers of Attorneys, as well as general Inheritance Tax Planning; covering the following postcodes, East London, Essex and North London.
- Drafting legal correspondence and documentation, maintaining seamless processing of administrative paperwork.
- Proposed innovative business solutions to preserve and expand business opportunities.
- Liaised with clients to prepare and draw up wills.
- Provided knowledgeable advice covering sensitive estate planning legal matters.
Legal Consultant
Casey & Associates
Guildford , Surry
06.2013 - 07.2014
- Worked on Wills, Trusts within wills, Lasting Powers of Attorneys, as well as general Inheritance Tax Planning.
- Guaranteed ethical, risk-based decision-making through independent challenge and questioning.
- Drafted legal correspondence and documentation, maintaining seamless processing of administrative paperwork.
- Devised individualised contracts and legal documentation to fulfil bespoke client requirements.
Principal
Write Your Will Ltd
Manor Park , London
10.2008 - 06.2013
- A Will writing and Estate Planning Service, providing, Wills (both single and mirror wills), codicils, Lasting Power of Attorneys, Trusts and Inheritance Tax Planning.
- Working in conjunction with third party agencies that provided Trusts, Estate Planning services and Specialist Tax Advice when necessary.
- Offered helpful, informative legal advice to clients, colleagues and external practitioners.
- Evaluated financial statements to support case research.
Assistant Solicitor
Smith Law Partnership
Braintree, Essex
08.2003 - 12.2005
- Personal Injury (PI) (60%) – Contentious - Employment (20%) - Non Contentious Debt (15%) - Contentious
- Facilitated case resolution by conducting thorough legal research and analysis.
- Moderated legal negotiations between clients and third parties.
- Negotiated client settlements to limit costly court proceedings in legal disputes.
- Advised clients on various legal issues, using easy-to-understand language to ensure comprehension.
Trainee Solicitor
Smith Law Partnership
Braintree, Essex
11.2001 - 07.2003
- Training contract covered three main seats: Litigation, Wills & Probate and Company Commercial.
- Evaluated legal loopholes and pitfalls, proactively addressing potential case challenges.
- Strategised arguments to successfully present client positions.
- Interviewed clients and witnesses to corroborate case evidence.
- Harnessed evidence from diverse sources to build robust client defences.
- Drafted legal arguments to gain mastery of case strategy and support attorney litigation.
- Shadowed lawyers to understand workloads, case management and network development.
Legal Assistant
Smith Law Partnership (Formerly H J Smith & Co)
Braintree
08.2001 - 10.2001
- Assisted the partners of the firm in drafting in house precedents, wrote up minutes of meetings, carried out research; drafted documents; chased matters and reported to clients and third parties.
Legal Aid Franchise – Money Advice Case Worker
Citizen's Advice Bureau
Grays, Essex
02.2000 - 09.2000
- Provided detailed casework in Debt and Bankruptcy matters
- Negotiated with creditors including landlords, local authorities and the Inland Revenue on behalf of the client to settle the client's outstanding debts.
- Maintained confidential case documentation in line with data protection regulations.
- Completed tasks within specified timeframes and confirmed information shared between relevant internal and external parties.
Para-Legal
Cunningtons Solicitors
Braintree, Essex
01.1999 - 12.1999
- Personal Injury Claims: RTA's, asbestos, accidents at work and on a vessel
- Matrimonial Claims: Divorce petitions and hearings on contact with children
- Other areas of work undertaken were Employment, Landlord & Tenant, Crime, Debt Counselling, and Private Client.
- Offered comprehensive client advice across various legal matters.
- Drafted and submitted legal documents to senior staff for review and approval.
Education
Successful Staff Management – Stage II - Legal
Regent's College
London 06.2004 - 08.2004
Successful Client Management – Stage II - Law
Regent's College
London 06.2004 - 08.2004
CLT – Management Course Stage I - Law
Regent's College
London 06.2004 - 08.2004
City & Guilds 7302 – Certificate in Delivery Learning & Training - Pass - Teaching
Braintree College
Essex 09.2004 - 12.2004
Professional Skills Course for Law - Law
Regents College
London 05.2002 - 09.2002
Legal Practice Course - Law
Anglia Polytechnic University
Chelmsford, Essex 09.2000 - 07.2001
LLB (Hons) Law Degree: - Law
University of East London
Barking, Essex 09.1993 - 06.1997
Institute of Legal Executives (Part I) - Law
Kingsway College
London 09.1989 - 06.1992
‘A' Level Law - Law
Waltham Forest College
London 09.1986 - 06.1988
B/TEC Certificate Of Business Studies - Business
Newham Community College
09.1985 - 06.1986
R.S.A. Stage 1 Typing - Business
Newham Community College
London 09.1985 - 06.1986
‘A' Level General Education Foundation Course - General Education
Newham Community College
London 09.1983 - 06.1985
Skills
- Full driving license, a good listener, good with people
- Reviewing literature
- Report writing
- Record-keeping
- Legal documentation knowledge
- Analysing documentation
- Caseload prioritisation
- Customer-focused
Custom
- Music
- Cooking
- Cinema
- Yoga
- Aerobics
- Dance (Salsa)
Affiliations
- Cooking for friends, Salsa dancing, Yoga and Cinema
Certification
Member of the Society of Will Writers
Member of the Solicitor Regulatory Authority
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Legal Consultant
Hillman Legal Partnerships
07.2014 - Current
Legal Consultant
Casey & Associates
06.2013 - 07.2014
Principal
Write Your Will Ltd
10.2008 - 06.2013
City & Guilds 7302 – Certificate in Delivery Learning & Training - Pass - Teaching
Braintree College
09.2004 - 12.2004
Successful Staff Management – Stage II - Legal
Regent's College
06.2004 - 08.2004
Successful Client Management – Stage II - Law
Regent's College
06.2004 - 08.2004
CLT – Management Course Stage I - Law
Regent's College
06.2004 - 08.2004
Assistant Solicitor
Smith Law Partnership
08.2003 - 12.2005
Professional Skills Course for Law - Law
Regents College
05.2002 - 09.2002
Trainee Solicitor
Smith Law Partnership
11.2001 - 07.2003
Legal Assistant
Smith Law Partnership (Formerly H J Smith & Co)
08.2001 - 10.2001
Legal Practice Course - Law
Anglia Polytechnic University
09.2000 - 07.2001
Legal Aid Franchise – Money Advice Case Worker
Citizen's Advice Bureau
02.2000 - 09.2000
Para-Legal
Cunningtons Solicitors
01.1999 - 12.1999
LLB (Hons) Law Degree: - Law
University of East London
09.1993 - 06.1997
Institute of Legal Executives (Part I) - Law
Kingsway College
09.1989 - 06.1992
‘A' Level Law - Law
Waltham Forest College
09.1986 - 06.1988
B/TEC Certificate Of Business Studies - Business
Newham Community College
09.1985 - 06.1986
R.S.A. Stage 1 Typing - Business
Newham Community College
09.1985 - 06.1986
‘A' Level General Education Foundation Course - General Education
Newham Community College
09.1983 - 06.1985
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