Lauri Ann Wilden

Highly organised and proactive Legal Assistant with over 20 years' experience in legal work. Recently completed CILEX Paralegal Qualification and Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. Seeking a fresh challenge with expertise in personal injury claims, family law, civil litigation, and private client work.

Legal Assistant - Ellisons Solicitors - Stowmarket, Suffolk

(2021-03)

Previously worked at Ellisons as a legal secretary from 2014 to 2019, left for a new challenge, and returned in 2021 as a Paralegal with the offer to study CILEX. Upon return, worked as a Paralegal in the Claimant PI Department. Studied for the CILEX Paralegal qualification from September 2022 to August 2024, and upon successful completion was promoted to Legal Assistant.

• Assist with handling claims for catastrophic injuries and arranging rehabilitation for clients
• Draft Court Documents and letters
• Communicate with clients and witnesses
• Draft Witness Statements
• Deal with clients and professionals including medical experts, Defendant Insurers and Solicitors, Barristers and Cost Lawyers
• Draft complex costs schedules and prepare documents for submission at Court
• Research changes in the law to ensure correct procedures are followed in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules
• Review medical records and provide summaries to the Lawyer handling the claim
• Deal with new enquiries, taking detailed notes of accident circumstances and injuries
• Provide initial information about PI claims and funding in a clear and understandable manner
• Consider essential aspects of claims such as breach of duty of care and negligence
• Carry out quantum assessments through various stages of claims to assist with valuing appropriate damages

Private Client Legal Secretary - Gudgeons Prentice

(2019-04 - 2021-03)

Worked as a Legal Secretary in the Private Client Department. The role required empathy, kindness and discretion assisting people going through difficult times.

• Assist with drafting complex and straightforward Wills
• Prepare Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and register them with the Office of the Public Guardian
• Deal with Executors of Wills and Attorneys for LPAs
• Attend appointments with clients preparing Wills and LPAs

Personal Injury Legal Secretary - Ellisons Solicitors

(2014-11 - 2019-03)

Worked as a Legal Secretary within the Claimant Personal Injury Department.

• Proactively carry out all legal secretarial duties
• Train new staff
• Carry out research to find appropriate experts to assist in trials
• Prepare complex schedules of loss and Excel spreadsheets to show dates of availability for trial for multiple parties
• Carry out work within the accounts system for payments into and out of the firm

Dispute Resolution Secretary - Greene & Greene

(2007-01 - 2014-11)

Worked as a Legal Secretary in the Dispute Resolution Department. Dealt mainly with property litigation and debt recovery, however assisted with all areas of Dispute Resolution.

• Carry out legal secretarial duties
• Work independently to reclaim money owed to the company by bad debtors
• Send letters before action
• Pursue claims against debtors through the Money Claims Online service
• Draft Claim forms
• Calculate interest payable and submit claims
• Request Judgment and pursue the best form of recovery of funds

Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills - Counselling - TQUK (2025-12 - 2026-01)

CILEX Paralegal - Law - CILEX Law School (2022-09 - 2024-08)

Specialist Paralegal Qualification - Family Law - Central Law Training, University of the West of England (2012-01 - 2013-07)

Specialist Paralegal Qualification - Civil Litigation - Central Law Training, University of the West of England (2012-01 - 2013-07)

Level 2 Adult Numeracy - Numeracy - City & Guilds (2008-01 - 2008-12)

Certificate in Paralegal Studies - Paralegal Studies - ILEX Tutorial College (2005-01 - 2006-12)

Advanced GNVQ Science - Science - Stowmarket High School 6th Form (1998-01 - 2000-12)

GCSEs - Multiple subjects - Stowmarket High School (1995-01 - 1998-12)