A day in the life of a Wills, Probate and Power of Attorney Lawyer
When it comes to helping families plan for the future, or deal with matters when they have lost loved ones, a Private Client Lawyer in the Wills, Probate and Power of Attorney areas, would describe their work as full of variety.
Sarah Crook shares with us, her day in the life as Head of Wills, Probate and Lasting Power of Attorney at Osborne Morris & Morgan.
08:30am – I collect any post from reception and look at my diary to reveal the day’s appointments.
09:00am – After reviewing the emails received overnight, a few matters are easily responded to and others are flagged to be dealt with later that day. I am then able to prioritise work for the day, before making a cup of tea!
10:00am – I meet with new Will clients, and today, I am drafting a Will for a young family who wish to appoint guardians for their children.
11:00am – Time to sort through the post and action anything that arises. A couple of client feedback forms have arrived back today; always great to receive such positive feedback about the work we do!
12:30pm – Lunchtime and I head home to walk Sky – my German Shepherd. It’s always good to get out for some fresh air.
1:30pm – I return to deal with emails (usually more complex ones at this time), dictate letters and draft documentation for clients.
2:30pm – A young couple arrive for their appointment to sign their Lasting Power of Attorney paperwork – they are putting sensible arrangements in place should they lose the capacity to make or carry out decisions.
3:15pm – Another appointment, but this time a sensitive matter with a recently bereaved family. I explain how the estate administration process works, what insurers, banks and other companies tend to need when a person dies and the various options available as to how we can help and the likely fees involved. The client confirms our instruction to apply for the Grant of Probate and I agree to write an introductory letter to them setting everything out. The letter is dictated soon after the appointment, typed up and checked over.
4:00pm – Outgoing post is sorted, signed and ready to go out.
4:30pm – I briefly meet with Melissa, a current member of staff who has recently joined our Wills team and make sure she is happy and settling into her new role.
5:00pm – Once I plan to get ahead for tomorrow’s day, it’s time to head home.
Throughout the day, I’ll also be responding to particular matters, dependant on their urgency.
Due to my role as a Private Client Lawyer, my days are typically varied – from helping young parents to make future plans should they lose the mental capacity to manage their own affairs – to visiting elderly clients in a nursing home to give advice – to attending to a deceased’s property to liaise with estate agents.
Here at Osborne Morris & Morgan, our award-winning Wills, Probate and Power of Attorney specialist team are experts in their field and are prepared to work around you and your commitments. To make an appointment at a time to suit you, speak to our specialist team today on 01525 378177 or contact us online.
