Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Timeline

HEATHER TAYLOR

Bristol

Summary

Dedicated Legal Professional experienced in criminal defence and civil litigation. Managed caseload of Crown Court matters while assisting clients throughout criminal justice process, from initial instruction to trial and sentence. Qualified as Accredited Police Station Representative, authorised to represent clients in all offences and consistently undertaking duty and own-client police station work.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Legal Assistant / Accredited Police Station Representative

Bobbetts Mackan

10.2022 - Current

Joined firm to assist Senior Partner in Criminal Defence Department, progressing from administrative support to direct client contact, taking instructions, attending meetings and prison visits, and preparing criminal cases.
I have subsequently developed my own caseload and now undertake substantial responsibility for the progression and management of criminal matters, working closely with solicitors and Counsel to prepare cases for hearings and trial.
Manage a caseload of more than 30 criminal defence matters, predominantly within the Crown Court.
Conduct matters from the early stages of proceedings through to trial and sentence, ensuring that cases are progressed in accordance with court directions and relevant procedural requirements.
Attend Bristol Crown Court for trials, hearings, case management hearings and other appointments.
Met regularly with clients to take detailed instructions and proofs, ensuring thorough preparation for hearings and trial.
Advise clients on the criminal court process, including the progression of cases, sentencing hearings, trial preparation and procedural requirements.
Instruct and liaise with Counsel, preparing detailed briefs and providing Counsel with relevant evidence, instructions and case information.
Draft instructions to Counsel, defence statements, skeleton arguments, applications and other legal correspondence.
Assisted in identifying and developing defence strategies based on client instructions and available evidence, contributing to case preparation and legal arguments.
Instruct psychologists, psychiatrists and other expert witnesses where appropriate and liaise with experts throughout the preparation of cases.
Conduct client conferences and prison visits, including obtaining detailed instructions for the preparation of a defence.
Review and consider prosecution evidence and assist in identifying evidential and procedural issues within cases.
Liaise regularly with Counsel, clients, courts, prosecution representatives and other professionals to ensure cases progress effectively.
Prepare and submit applications to the Legal Aid Agency and assist with legal aid and funding requirements.
Assist the accounts team with billing and financial matters following the conclusion of cases.
Manage competing deadlines and ensure compliance with orders and directions made by the Court.
Maintain accurate and detailed case records and ensure that matters are progressed efficiently.
Accredited Police Station Representative - August 2026
Successfully completed the Police Station Representative accreditation process, including the written examination, case portfolio and Critical Incident Test.
Completed a portfolio demonstrating experience across a range of police station cases and developed the ability to provide appropriate advice and representation in accordance with the relevant legal and ethical requirements.
Successfully completed the Critical Incident Test, demonstrating the ability to assess a developing police station scenario, provide appropriate legal advice and consider issues including vulnerability, ethics and client welfare.
Now authorised to represent clients in relation to all offences, including indictable offences.
Regularly undertake both duty solicitor and own-client police station attendances as part of an on-call rota.
Advise clients at the police station from the initial stages of detention through to interview and disposal.
Consider disclosure, evidence, the circumstances of arrest, detention and interview strategy when advising clients.
Provide tailored advice based upon the individual client's circumstances, instructions, vulnerabilities and the evidence disclosed by the police.
Represent clients during police interviews and provide advice throughout the interview process.
Make representations regarding bail, release under investigation and other appropriate outcomes where applicable.
Work within the requirements of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and relevant Codes of Practice.
Demonstrate particular awareness of professional ethics, client confidentiality, appropriate adult requirements and the need to ensure vulnerable clients are properly supported.

Litigation Executive

Lysander Law Ltd

04.2022 - 10.2022

Managed a caseload of financial claims from initial instruction through to settlement.
Assisted with issuing proceedings and progressing claims through the Court process.
Negotiated with opposing solicitors to obtain favourable settlements for clients.
Made and considered offers and counter-offers as part of the settlement process.
Valued claims and assessed the strengths and weaknesses of cases when considering settlement.
Advised on the appropriate timing of settlement, balancing the potential value of a claim against the risks and costs of continued litigation.
Drafted and issued Letters Before Action and subsequent legal correspondence.
Operated within civil litigation environment, managing financial claims in accordance with Civil Procedure Rules and overriding objective, enhancing commercial awareness, negotiation skills, and attention to detail while managing substantial caseload under strict procedural deadlines.
Prepared settlement documentation and financial schedules.
Coordinated communication between clients, solicitors, insurers, and other parties throughout litigation process, ensuring clarity and efficiency.
Facilitated completion of matters following settlement, coordinating payment arrangements and recovery of costs and fees.

Supervisor

Bristol Harbour Hotel

08.2020 - 04.2022

Supervised restaurant and events operations, enhancing guest experiences for weddings and large-scale functions.
Managed bookings and coordinated event organisation and delivery, ensuring seamless execution.
Collaborated with teams in restaurant, bar, and reception to ensure smooth operations.
Trained and supported new members of staff, ensuring they were confident and competent within their roles.
Cultivated customer service, leadership, and communication skills in a fast-paced environment.
Prepared end-of-service reports and completed cashing-up procedures.

Hospitality Team Member

The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

04.2019 - 10.2019

Delivered excellent customer service and communication in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
Collaborated effectively within a large team to provide direct customer service daily.
Maintained professionalism and composure while managing competing demands.

Sales Assistant

Victoria's Secret, Cabot Circus

10.2018 - 01.2019

Delivered customer service by assisting with purchases, exchanges, returns, and damaged goods, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Worked on tills and handled financial transactions accurately.
Developed sales techniques to achieve individual and store targets.
Enhanced organisational skills through various tasks and responsibilities in a fast-paced retail environment. and the ability to work independently.
Managed stock deliveries and arranged shop floor during night shifts, contributing to efficient store operations.