We are delighted to officially welcome Chief Executive of the Institute of Paralegals, Rita Leat to the judging panel for the upcoming exclusive British Wills and Probate Awards, which is brought to you by Today’s Wills and Probate, alongside headline sponsor, Arken.legal (UK) Ltd, a leader in software solutions for the legal services industry.
In this interview, she discusses how she got into the field of paralegals, how businesses in the sector could improve their delivery of service and the key main challenges the Wills and probate industry is facing.
Please could you provide us with a summary of your professional background and your present role?
I have worked in the Paralegal sector for more than 25 years. I started out as a law lecturer and then worked as a legal editor for over five years, developing paralegal courses and qualifications. After a few years as an in-house commercial contracts lawyer, I became the COO of a Paralegal Membership body. It was during this period that I co-founded the Professional Paralegal Register (PPR). In 2015 I took up the position of executive director at the Institute of Paralegals and became the chief executive in 2016.
How did you get into the field of paralegals?
I became involved with paralegals first as a lecturer and then as my role in developing paralegal qualifications for two membership bodies through a variety of awarding bodies.
What measures could businesses in the Wills and Probate sector put in place to improve their delivery of service?
Will writers are by definition paralegals. In order to maximise the benefit to their clients, they should persuade their membership bodies to join the PPR so that they can take advantage of independent regulation.
As a judge of the British Wills and Probate Awards, what will you be looking for in relation to the entries? What will make them stand out from the rest?
I will be looking for exceptional customer service, commitment to the sector and innovation on delivery.
How important do you think it is to recognise outstanding achievement and highlight progression in the sector?
It is incredibly important that all legal providers are recognised for the work that they do.
What do you think is the main key challenges the industry is facing at present?
I think the sector needs to show that it is professional both in terms of being qualified and independently regulated. Willwriters are paralegals and should have the same opportunity to join the fourth arm of the legal profession through the PPR.
The British Wills and Probate Awards will take place on the 17th October at the prestigious Belfry Hotel and Resort in Birmingham, where the array of category winners will be announced and celebrated.
As 276 people are set to attend the exclusive event, sponsoring the awards will provide you with a fantastic opportunity to ensure your company is seen by your professional target audience. If you are looking for an exclusive way to boost your company’s brand exposure and reinforce your reputation click here.
As an alternative, your firm could enhance their exposure within the sector by appearing in the awards brochure, which is handed out to everyone attending the event. Do not miss out on these amazing prospects to showcase your firm.
If you would like more information about the awards, sponsorship and advertisement opportunities please call Josh Hall on 01829 307 505 or email awards@todayswillsandprobate.co.uk.
Tickets for the awards are selling out fast so don’t leave it until the last minute to get an award ceremony seat at this ‘not to be missed’ event. Bookings for this key event are open here where you will find information and pricing for individual tickets and whole tables of twelve.
If you work in this sector, this event should not be missed and be a key date in your diary – what are you waiting for!
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