Tara Powell
Portsmouth,Hampshire
Summary
A dedicated professional with expertise in probate and estate administration, demonstrating exceptional caseload management and team collaboration skills. Known for remaining calm under pressure, with a strong ability to prioritise tasks effectively. Committed to delivering meticulous attention to detail while fostering empathy and emotional intelligence in all interactions.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Private Wealth Solicitor
Moore Barlow LLP
Portsmouth, Hampshire
2025.03 - 2026.05
- Preparing and drafting Wills and Codicils at all levels, including complex Wills incorporating nil rate band trusts and discretionary trusts.
- Drafting and registering both Health and Welfare and Property and Finance Lasting Powers of Attorney.
- Drafting Deeds of Variation to optimise tax efficiency.
- Assisting with a wide range of probate matters, from small estates to multi-million pound estates, both from inception and joining partway through.
- Managing tasks such as collating the assets of the deceased, including liaising with banks, Registrars, utility companies and other relevant parties.
- Supported estate management process for intestate estates.
- Drafting and submitting IHT205s and IHT400s.
- Independently handling my own caseload, with minimal supervision.
- Liaising directly with the clients to address questions and to provide updates.
- Finalising estate accounts ensuring they balance and sending final version to clients for approval.
- Drafting detailed letters of advice to clients.
- Conducting client meetings for Lasting Powers of Attorney including managing challenging communication situations, such as assisting a client who was only able to communicate by writing - ensuring clear communication and acknowledgement.
- Conducting detailed research on estate and tax matters including the timing benefit realisation when selling a property for RNRB purposes.
- Independently dealing with registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney from initial meeting through to registration.
- Mentoring and supervising junior colleagues, delegating responsibilities within my cases to help develop their practical skills and confidence.
Training Contract
Moore Barlow LLP
Southampton, Hampshire
2023.03 - 2025.02
- Prepared numerous Court of Protection applications, including COP1, COP1A, COP1E, COP4, COP14, COP15, and COP24 forms.
- Drafted witness statements and created detailed client budgets.
- Managed equity release for an attorney client who lost capacity, ensuring long-term wishes were met.
- Assisted in drafting Wills, codicils, and Lasting Powers of Attorney for clients at all levels.
- Supported probate matters, including collating assets and liaising with banks, Registrars, and other relevant parties.
- Conducted research on estate planning, inheritance tax, and tax-efficient strategies for private clients.
Paralegal
Moore Barlow LLP
Southampton, Hampshire
2019.06 - 2023.03
- Managed high-volume caseload of hundreds of repossession matters for major lenders and mortgage providers, handling cases independently from start to finish.
- Drafted applications, correspondence, and court documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with evolving procedures.
- Developed and implemented new processes in response to procedural changes during COVID-19 pandemic, improving efficiency and client outcomes.
- Trained and mentored new colleagues, taking a hands on approach to support their development and integration into the team.
- Stepped in as an advocate in a last-minute telephone application hearing made by the Defendant, representing a client, the lender, when there was no time to instruct external counsel.
Education
LPC LLM - Law
University of Law
Guildford 2020.01 - 2021.01
LLB - Law
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth 2016.01 - 2019.01
A levels and BTECH -
Highbury College
Portsmouth 2013.01 - 2016.01
GCSE and BTECH -
Mayfield School
Portsmouth 2008.01 - 2013.01
Skills
- Probate & Estate Administration
- Calm under pressure
- Caseload Management
- Team Collaboration & Leadership
- Empathy & Emotional Intelligence
- Excellent attention to detail
- Time Management & Prioritisation
REFERENCES
Available on Request
INTERESTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Keen interest in running., Took part in a bake sale to raise money for the South Legal aid charity., Part of the athletics society at Portsmouth University taking part in training and competitions., Law Society Member, participating in several events including, mock trials and workshops.
Affiliations
- Running
- Reading
Timeline
Private Wealth Solicitor
Moore Barlow LLP
2025.03 - 2026.05
Training Contract
Moore Barlow LLP
2023.03 - 2025.02
LPC LLM - Law
University of Law
2020.01 - 2021.01
Paralegal
Moore Barlow LLP
2019.06 - 2023.03
LLB - Law
University of Portsmouth
2016.01 - 2019.01
A levels and BTECH -
Highbury College
2013.01 - 2016.01
GCSE and BTECH -
Mayfield School
2008.01 - 2013.01