LUCY Crofts
Huntingdon,United Kingdom
Summary
Motivated and positive Principal Paralegal with strong problem‑solving skills and a proactive approach to learning. I manage my own caseload while supporting fee earners, supervising junior colleagues, and maintaining high standards under pressure. I have solid knowledge of the legislation governing Local Authority work and a clear understanding of client needs, enabling me to anticipate issues and deliver timely, practical support. I'm highly organised, enjoy collaborative working, and contribute to a supportive team culture. I regularly liaise with external stakeholders, provide compliance training, and help improve internal processes, including template and workflow development. I work confidently with sensitive information in line with GDPR and data protection requirements.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2024
2024
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Principal Paralegal with Management Responsibility
Pathfinder Legal Services Ltd
Huntingdon
09.2025 - Current
- Achieved team cohesion through effective line management of junior members, resulting in increased performance.
- Enhanced compliance across teams, significantly reducing risks associated with non-compliance.
- Established robust relationships with clients, leading to improved client satisfaction.
- Successfully chaired management meetings, driving actionable outcomes and strategic alignment.
- Optimised workload distribution through comprehensive capacity reviews, improving team productivity.
- Secured top talent by conducting thorough interviews, strengthening team capabilities.
- Monitored legislation changes, keeping the team informed promptly.
Paralegal
Pathfinder Legal Services Ltd
Huntingdon
09.2021 - 09.2025
- Oversaw case progression for fee earners while managing a personal caseload of contentious SEND tribunal appeals against local authorities regarding children's education health and care plans, and during a secondment worked across various Adult Social Care matters, including S21a / S16 Proceedings and Court of Protection matters.
- Liaised with external parties such as courts or barristers to expedite procedures.
- Prepared court filings, maintaining punctuality in submission deadlines.
- Collaborated with lawyers to facilitate appeals by securing instructions and delivering informed advice.
- Implemented compliance measures within the team and liaising with the compliance department to uphold standards.
- Led prioritisation of work based on urgency and deadlines to maintain high-quality output.
- Engaged with litigants and representatives, acting as a key contact for advice and support throughout the process.
- Navigated legal databases proficiently, retrieving relevant precedents swiftly.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Ensured up-to-date knowledge of laws by attending continuous professional development courses.
Legal Admin Assistant
Pathfinder Legal Services Ltd
Huntingdon
12.2019 - 09.2021
- Supported accurate record-keeping with proficient data entry skills.
- Improved customer satisfaction through prompt response to email and phone queries.
- Interacted professionally with clients providing excellent service at all times.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly maintaining high level confidentiality at all times.
- Streamlined administrative processes for increased efficiency in the workplace.
Benefit Assessment Officer
Huntingdonshire District Council
Huntingdon
06.2017 - 12.2019
- Administer housing benefit and council tax support to over 8000 households within the district of Huntingdonshire, ensuring compliance with legislation and case law governing benefit regulations.
Benefit Admin Assistant
Huntingdonshire District Council
Huntingdon
04.2014 - 06.2017
Education
CILEX Paralegal - Law
CILEX
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 09.2023 - 03.2025
A-Levels -
Hinchingbrooke Sixth Form
Cambridge, CambridgeshireGCSEs -
Hinchingbrooke School
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 04.2001 - 07.2010
Skills
- Dictation and transcription
- Case analysis
- Legal database navigation
- Civil litigation understanding
- Electronic filing systems use
- Document drafting and revision
- Paralegal certification
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Legal research
- Professional communication
- Extensive work and experience in local authorities
Accomplishments
- Received 'Problem Solving Specialist' award during an inter-department team day in 2024 and again in 2025.
- Published article by the ‘Local Government Lawyer' in September 2023.
- Compliance Champion.
- Received ‘Going above and beyond' award at our firm's away day in 2022.
- One of the first in our team to undertake a ‘Paralegal rotation', this has formed a ‘Hybrid' Team of cross-department working.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Principal Paralegal with Management Responsibility
Pathfinder Legal Services Ltd
09.2025 - Current
CILEX Paralegal - Law
CILEX
09.2023 - 03.2025
Paralegal
Pathfinder Legal Services Ltd
09.2021 - 09.2025
Legal Admin Assistant
Pathfinder Legal Services Ltd
12.2019 - 09.2021
Benefit Assessment Officer
Huntingdonshire District Council
06.2017 - 12.2019
Benefit Admin Assistant
Huntingdonshire District Council
04.2014 - 06.2017
GCSEs -
Hinchingbrooke School
04.2001 - 07.2010
A-Levels -
Hinchingbrooke Sixth Form