Jyoti Jagatia

Why did you choose the law?

I have always wanted to have a career whereby I can use my skills and knowledge to help and support people. The law seemed a natural fit for me.

Tell us a bit about how you got here…

I began my career working for the Land Registry and worked there for just over 20 years. At a later stage in my life, while bringing up my two children and working at the same time, I decided to pursue my dream of a career in the law by embarking on a Law Degree at Coventry University, which was challenging but rewarding. I graduated in 2007 and then went on to complete my Legal Practice Course at De Montfort University in 2009. I qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2022.

I have specialised in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Estate Administration and Court of Protection matters since 2011. I joined the Wills, Trusts and Probate Team at Band Hatton Button in June 2020.

What does your day job look like?

I regularly help clients to plan ahead by putting Wills in place, that can be anything from a straightforward Will to a more complex Will containing an Asset Protection Trust. I prepare Lasting Powers of Attorney for clients who wish to put their affairs into good order and make it clear who they would want to make decisions on their behalf, if a time were to come in the future, that they couldn’t do so for themselves. I also help with applications to the Court of Protection to appoint individuals as Deputies for relatives or friends who lack the mental capacity to manage their own financial affairs.

I advise Executors and Family members on all matters relating to the administration of an individual’s estate from explaining the Will, ascertaining assets and liabilities, advising whether a Grant of Probate is required, completing the HM Revenue and Customs papers and submitting the application to obtain the Grant to the Probate Registry and thereafter realising the assets, paying the liabilities and distributing to the beneficiaries.

I enjoy the client contact and helping individuals and families through difficult times in their lives and to be able to provide them with an excellent service by listening empathetically to their needs to achieve their objectives.

I have become a Dementia friend, inspired by my team who are all members so that I can learn more about Dementia and use my understanding of someone living with the condition to help them and their families.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy socialising with friends and family. I also enjoy going to the theatre and going to gym classes to keep fit and healthy. I like travelling abroad on my holidays and one of my memorable trips was visiting an elephant sanctuary in Koi Samui, Thailand where they provide a loving and caring home for rescued elephants. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.