Megan Pengelly-Redding
Exeter,England
Summary
Tax, Trust & Succession Paralegal with experience managing complex, high-value, UK and international estate administration matters, including drafting Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Previous experience as a Property Litigation Paralegal supporting councils and housing associations on housing disrepair litigation from initial claim to resolution.
I am confident in managing a high-volume caseload independently, prioritising competing deadlines and ensuring work is completed accurately and efficiently. I am committed to delivering excellent client service and contributing to a high-performing, collaborative, diverse team.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Tax and Succession Paralegal
Tozers LLP
Exeter
06.2023 - 05.2026
- Independently conduct Will and Lasting Power of Attorney appointments with clients.
- Draft tailored legal documents in line with client instructions, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Prepare inheritance tax and estate administration documents.
- Liaise with third parties and financial institutions to obtain accurate estate valuations for inheritance tax purposes and to maintain accurate estate accounts.
- Support lawyers with probate and estate administration for UK and international estates, including preparing client correspondence and liaising with overseas lawyers and international organisations.
- Independently manage a high-volume caseload from instruction to completion, proactively driving matters forward to ensure efficient progression under minimal supervision.
- Oversee the distribution of estate assets to beneficiaries and charitable organisations, including the accurate calculation of statutory interest in line with government-prescribed rates.
- Collaborate with internal teams to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and maintain high professional and client service standards.
Property Litigation Paralegal
Ashfords LLP
Exeter
12.2023 - 05.2025
- Provide strategic legal and commercial advice to local authorities and housing associations on housing disrepair litigation following tenant-initiated claims.
- Independently manage a high-volume caseload of small and fast-track claims, from initial instruction to trial or settlement, ensuring efficient and effective case progression with minimal supervision.
- Draft and prepare a wide range of legal documents, including defences and witness statements, ensuring strict compliance with court directions.
- Maintain regular and proactive communication with clients through weekly virtual meetings, providing case updates, discussing key developments and obtaining instructions.
- Lead negotiations with opposing solicitors, advocating for clients' best interests to secure optimal results.
- Remain up-to-date with evolving legislative and regulatory changes, ensuring that advice aligns with the latest developments in housing law.
Sales Assistant
Marks & Spencer
Exeter
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Provided outstanding customer service, including personalised services such as private suit fittings, personal shopping experiences, and click-and-collect services.
- Utilised product knowledge to provide informed recommendations to customers.
- Efficiently handled and resolved customer complaints by using appropriate negotiation skills to achieve a positive outcome that met the customer expectations and complied with internal store policies.
- Collaborated closely with team members to meet and exceed sales targets to ensure the store's success in a competitive retail environment.
- Effectively contribute to the store’s sales performance. For example, I successfully won a sales competition among my colleagues by selling the most Christmas advent calendars which resulted in a significant increase in the store's profitability.
Waitress
Las Iguanas
Exeter
09.2018 - 08.2020
- Delivered exceptional customer service at a fast-paced, Latin-American-inspired restaurant to ensure a high-quality dining experience for all customers.
- Collaborated seamlessly with kitchen, bar, and management teams to facilitate an efficient and smooth service whilst maintaining clear communication between all relevant teams throughout service.
- Resolved customer complaints with professionalism ensuring issues were addressed promptly to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed reservation enquiries over the phone and efficiently handled booking requests.
- Proactively anticipated potential challenges, took the initiative to support colleagues and offered customers timely alternatives to minimise delays and prevent complaints.
- Trained and mentored new staff, provided guidance and constructive feedback to enhance their service delivery and professional growth.
Education
Law LLB -
University of Exeter
Exeter 09.2020 - 06.2023
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Graphic Design -
Exeter College
ExeterSkills
- Legal research and analysis, proficient use of Practical Law & Lexis Nexis
- Legal document preparation including court bundles, defences, witness statements, Wills and LPAs
- Efficient client and case management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to Work Under Pressure
- Attention to detail
- Collaboration
- Time Management
- Organisation
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Commercial awareness
- Adaptability
Websites
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Pro Bono Advisor: University of Exeter 'Access to Justice' Clinic:
- Conducted initial client consultations to assess legal issues and clarify desired outcomes.
- Prepared detailed attendance notes summarising key facts for accurate record keeping and follow-up work.
- Undertook comprehensive legal research to support the drafting of tailored advice letters.
- Drafted clear and actionable advice letters, outlining clients' current position, next steps, and recommendations.
- Managed competing deadlines effectively, including delivering advice letters within a strict 30-day time frame while balancing academic and employment commitments.
COURSES
- Foundation & Advance Course , LexisNexis
- Basic & Advance Certification, Thomson Reuters
Timeline
Property Litigation Paralegal
Ashfords LLP
12.2023 - 05.2025
Sales Assistant
Marks & Spencer
09.2023 - 12.2023
Tax and Succession Paralegal
Tozers LLP
06.2023 - 05.2026
Law LLB -
University of Exeter
09.2020 - 06.2023
Waitress
Las Iguanas
09.2018 - 08.2020
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Graphic Design -
Exeter College