Kate Theobald
Colchester,Essex
Summary
Dedicated Legal Assistant with over 15 years experience in the Private Client sector. Extensive expertise in the preparation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Administration of Estates and applications for Grants of Probate/Letters of Administration. Proficient in preparing IHT returns and legal statements, with a strong ability to provide advice on rules of intestacy. Demonstrates reliability, professionalism, and adaptability while effectively utilising case management software such as Partner for Windows, Arken Wills and Probate Plus. Known for being organised, communicative, and a resilient team player.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
21
21
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Legal Assistant, Associate Member of CILEx
Ellisons Solicitors
06.2015 - 09.2025
- Managed own case load and met fee targets for past 2 years.
- Supported fee earners in Private Client Department for 10 years.
- Liaised directly with clients to establish strong professional relationships.
- Ensured client satisfaction with timely and accurate communication.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of legislation changes relevant to practice area.
- Ability to accurately time record
- Coordinated meetings, enhancing team collaboration and productivity.
- Built positive client relationships to increase satisfaction and retention.
- Organised files and documentation to improve ease of information retrieval.
- Submitted forms and applications for ongoing cases, supporting case progression.
- Billed clients and processed payments to maintain balanced accounts.
- Prioritised activities to meet changing case demands and achieve deadlines.
- Identified cross-selling opportunities to increase client case value.
- Managed own caseload independently for past three years, demonstrating strong legal acumen.
- Pursued studies through Chartered Institute for Legal Executives, specialising in Private Client.
Legal Secretary
Ellisons Solicitors
10.2009 - 05.2015
- Acquired five years of experience as legal secretary in Private Client Department.
- Managed daily enquiries related to Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate, Attorneyship and Court of Protection work.
- Handled incoming calls and emails, ensuring prompt response.
- Collaborated closely with fee earner to maintain organised files and schedules.
- Arranged appointments, attended meetings, and witnessed Wills and LPAs.
- Processed lasting powers of attorney from drafting to registration with the OPG.
- Adapted communication skills to handle sensitive probate matters while maintaining professionalism.
- Demonstrated strong organisational abilities by managing deadlines effectively.
- Successfully balanced CILEx studies with work commitments, showcasing self-motivation and capability under pressure.
- Improved client relationships with professional communication skills.
- Executed general secretarial tasks such as photocopying or scanning, maintaining a well-functioning office space.
- Implemented an effective document control system to enhance access to essential files.
- Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
- Drafted and submitted legal documents to senior staff for review and approval.
- Updated client files in case management systems for accurate, current records.
- Typed letters, memoranda and emails to convey accurate and professional information.
- Organised meetings for solicitors and clients.
- Transcribed verbal communications from attorneys, client interviews and depositions.
Trainee Legal Secretary
Marshall Legal LLP
Colchester , Essex
08.2007 - 10.2009
- Accurately transcribed legal dictations, maximising accuracy in documentation processes.
- Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
- Executed general secretarial tasks such as photocopying or scanning, maintaining a well-functioning office space.
- Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
- Maintained a well-organised office environment which improved staff productivity.
- Provided comprehensive administrative support one to one, resulting in increased efficiency.
- Entered new cases into company database.
- Organised files and documentation to improve ease of information retrieval.
Front Office Assistant / Receptionist
Marshall Legal LLP
05.2007 - 08.2007
- Executed clerical duties, including data inputting, scanning, photocopying and collecting/delivery of post.
- Answered telephone calls to address client inquiries efficiently.
- Enhanced client communication skills through extensive telephone interactions.
- Retrieval of deeds and documents from strongroom.
- Archiving of files and deeds.
- Maintained accuracy while performing tasks under pressure.
Sales Assistant
Williams & Griffin
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Accumulated three years of retail experience in a busy independent department store.
- Executed customer service, merchandising, stock control, and cash handling tasks.
- Maintained cleanliness and organisation within the department while managing stock levels.
- Demonstrated planning and coordination skills to enhance operational efficiency.
Education
CILEx – Level 6 Higher Professional Diploma - Specialising in Private Client
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
01.2016 - 06.2025
CILEx - Level 3 Professional Diploma - Various legal subjects
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
01.2009 - 03.2013
A-Levels - English Language, Media Studies, Photography, Art and General Studies
The Sixth Form College Colchester
01.2004 - 01.2006
GCSE - English Language, Textiles, English Literature, Physical Education, Maths, German, Science (Double Award), Religious Education, Media Studies, Art & Design
Manningtree High School
01.1999 - 01.2004
Skills
Professional Skills
- Preparation of Wills; including Life Interest Trust Wills, Discretionary Trust Wills and Vulnerable Persons Trust Wills
- Preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney
- Administration of Attorneyship files
- Providing advice on rules of intestacy
- Applications for Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration
- Preparing Estate Accounts
- Efficient using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Experience with case management packages including Partner for Windows, Arken and Probate Plus
Personal skills
- Reliable and professional
- Approachable and empathetic
- Organised
- Communicative
- Self-motivated
- Resilient
- Adaptable
- Team player
Personal Information
- Health Status: Excellent
- Date of birth: 11/08/88
- Nationality: British
Outside of work
- Enjoying time with my children and family
- Socialising with friends
- Eating out
- Keeping fit
Timeline
CILEx – Level 6 Higher Professional Diploma - Specialising in Private Client
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
01.2016 - 06.2025
Legal Assistant, Associate Member of CILEx
Ellisons Solicitors
06.2015 - 09.2025
Legal Secretary
Ellisons Solicitors
10.2009 - 05.2015
CILEx - Level 3 Professional Diploma - Various legal subjects
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
01.2009 - 03.2013
Trainee Legal Secretary
Marshall Legal LLP
08.2007 - 10.2009
Front Office Assistant / Receptionist
Marshall Legal LLP
05.2007 - 08.2007
A-Levels - English Language, Media Studies, Photography, Art and General Studies
The Sixth Form College Colchester
01.2004 - 01.2006
Sales Assistant
Williams & Griffin
01.2004 - 01.2007
GCSE - English Language, Textiles, English Literature, Physical Education, Maths, German, Science (Double Award), Religious Education, Media Studies, Art & Design
Manningtree High School
01.1999 - 01.2004