NATALIE LAI
Manchester
Summary
As a motivated and detail-oriented legal professional with a background in law, I bring hands-on experience across probate, personal injury, and clinical negligence. I have developed strong skills in case management, legal research, and regulatory compliance, alongside the ability to analyse complex information and manage sensitive client matters with professionalism and empathy.
I thrive in fast-paced legal environments and am confident in supporting solicitors through effective organisation, accurate documentation, and proactive communication with clients and third parties. I am now seeking to progress my career within the legal sector, where I can continue to develop my expertise and contribute to delivering high-quality legal services.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work history
Probate Case Manager
Co-op Legal Services
Manchester
2025.01 - 2026.04
- Managed a personal caseload of probate matters, providing both legal and administrative support to clients going through bereavement. I communicate with empathy and professionalism, regularly liaising with financial institutions, government bodies, estate agents, and conveyancers to progress matters efficiently. I also handle property-related aspects of estates, such as arranging valuations and coordinating with conveyancers to manage sales. My role requires accurate record-keeping using the case management system, timely preparation of legal documents, and close monitoring of financial transactions, all within a fast-paced and highly regulated environment.
Travelling Abroad
**GAP**
Asia
2024.07 - 2024.09
- During my time travelling around Asia, I immersed myself in diverse cultures and developed a global perspective that has enriched both my personal and professional life. Navigating new environments strengthened my adaptability and problem-solving skills, while experiencing different ways of life enhanced my communication and interpersonal abilities. These experiences have shaped my open-minded approach to work and my ability to thrive in new and unfamiliar situations.
Paralegal (Industrial Disease)
Keoghs
Bolton
2024.04 - 2024.06
- Managed a diverse range of industrial claims (NIHL, VWF, Asbestos) on the defendant side, supporting file handlers in advancing cases. Responsibilities included filing and serving documents, contacting courts and counsel, and preparing bundles for instructions. Additionally, I diarised key directions and court details in the system. A significant part of my role involved scheduling audiology appointments and liaising with the claimant's solicitors.
Legal Assistant (Serious Injury)
Slater and Gordon Lawyers
Manchester
2023.11 - 2024.04
- Provided comprehensive administrative assistance to solicitors, encompassing tasks such as requesting records (employment, medical, DWP, etc.), and liaising with clerks, insurers, medical agencies, and clients. Efficiently arranged and attended conferences, taking detailed notes. Reviewed medical reports and records, annotating them according to case circumstances. Assisted in creating bundles for the court and barristers. Maintained accurate time records throughout the day. Additionally, managed financial tasks, including disbursing funds to third parties/clients and compiling lists of disbursements and unbilled expenses. Ensured costs were accurately reflected in the ledger, which is crucial for case settlements. Demonstrated critical thinking and timeliness in addressing urgent matters.
Personal Injury Negotiator
FirstCentral Insurance
Manchester
2023.10 - 2023.11
- Primarily handled insurance claims on the defendant side, proactively recording, processing, and settling claims in accordance with RTA and Article 75 standards. Analysed files to address initial fraud concerns, such as LVI, related to third-party harm, personal injury, and property damage, and determined indemnity. Engaged with clients to gain a comprehensive understanding of potential damages. Demonstrated proficiency with the MOJ and OIC portals.
Clinical Negligence File Handler
UKExpertMedical
Manchester
2022.03 - 2023.10
- Conducted client vetting and triaging with meticulous attention to detail, determining case viability and documenting case chronologies in the system. Communicated confidently with medical experts and solicitors, following given instructions. Independently sourced appropriate experts for Medico-Legal Reports and provided necessary enclosures. Assisted with general administrative tasks, including requesting medical records and organising conferences.
Medical Receptionist
The Wilbraham Surgery
Manchester
2021.07 - 2022.04
- Greeted and assisted patients, addressing phone calls with an open-minded and quick-thinking approach to find solutions. Maintained a calm demeanor when dealing with distressed patients. Demonstrated the ability to quickly learn and efficiently use the EMIS medical system, showcasing strong computer skills.
Education
Law - 2:2
Manchester Metropolitan University
ManchesterA-Levels - A-Law, C-Sociology, A-Media Studies
Xaverian College
ManchesterGCSE - undefined
Manchester Communication Academy
ManchesterSkills
- Legal case management
- Legal documentation and court bundle preparation
- Client communication (including sensitive cases)
- Liaising with courts, solicitors, and third parties
- Caseload organisation and deadline management
- Attention to detail in regulated environments
- Case management systems, MOJ & OIC portals
References
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Volunteering
- Lawbid - 2018: I was able to apply my knowledge of law into real life situations and work in an office. I was able to develop commercial awareness as the company had a new system which required advanced technology, this made me adapt to the trends and efficiency.
- Mustard Tree - 2016: Cooked and organised dishes to cook for the homeless made me give back to society and become socially aware. I cherished the benefit of making people happy which was an amazing reward.
- Viglen - 2015: Gained knowledge in IT and confidence in public speaking, I realised the importance of analytical skills to make the audience stay engaged.
Timeline
Probate Case Manager
Co-op Legal Services
2025.01 - 2026.04
Travelling Abroad
**GAP**
2024.07 - 2024.09
Paralegal (Industrial Disease)
Keoghs
2024.04 - 2024.06
Legal Assistant (Serious Injury)
Slater and Gordon Lawyers
2023.11 - 2024.04
Personal Injury Negotiator
FirstCentral Insurance
2023.10 - 2023.11
Clinical Negligence File Handler
UKExpertMedical
2022.03 - 2023.10
Medical Receptionist
The Wilbraham Surgery
2021.07 - 2022.04
A-Levels - A-Law, C-Sociology, A-Media Studies
Xaverian College
GCSE - undefined
Manchester Communication Academy
Law - 2:2
Manchester Metropolitan University