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Keri Wood

Why did you choose the law?

From watching courtroom dramas to completing my work experience in Coventry City Council’s Legal Department at the age of 15, the law is something that has always interested me.

When I found out I could qualify as a lawyer whilst working in a legal environment and gaining the practical experience along the way I dived straight in to my studies at College in the evenings after work!

Tell us a bit about how you got here…

I joined Band Hatton Button in 2006 and am a Chartered Legal Executive in the Wills, Trusts and Probate Team.

When I initially joined the firm as a receptionist the firm quickly recognised my potential and encouraged and supported me to develop my skills and train to be a Chartered Legal Executive through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).

I studied in the evenings at City College whilst working full time and completed and passed my final exam in January 2012. In March 2016 I qualified as a Chartered Fellow of CILEx following completion of 3 years’ post qualification experience.

What does your day job look like?

My working day is made up of meetings with clients and spending time drafting tailored documentation.

I specialise in the preparation of simple and complex Wills (including different types of asset protection trusts), Lasting Powers of Attorney, registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection applications (such as Deputyship and Statutory Wills) and the administration of taxable and non-taxable estates (in accordance with the terms of a Will or under the rules of Intestacy), as well as day to day Trust administration.

Matters I have dealt with include:-

  • Drafting complex Wills for business owners which included a Business Discretionary Trust
  • Preparing a Will for a wealthy land owner with complex requirements involving farm tenancies and substantial cash assets
  • Obtaining a Grant of Probate to an estate with a foreign element and dealing with the additional requirements
  • Preparing a submitting a Deputyship application and a Statutory Will for someone who had lost mental capacity

I would say that my greatest strengths lie in my  helpful and compassionate approach to clients, ensuring that their intentions and wishes are met and understood.

I am a full member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).  STEP is the leading worldwide professional association for practitioners dealing with family inheritance and succession planning.

I am also a fully qualified and accredited member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers previously known as Solicitors for the Elderly.  The Association of Lifetime Lawyers is an independent organisation that provides specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.

In 2017 I became a Dementia Friend along with the rest of the Wills, Trusts and Probate team. The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends training programme enables people to understand the condition and it changes the perception people have on dementia. The initiative makes a difference to someone with dementia as it provides others with an insight into how it may affect them.

I was delighted to be named Young Lawyer of the Year at the annual Warwickshire Law Society Awards in 2018.

In 2023, I completed a Mental Health First Aid course to become a Mental Health First Aider. The course teaches knowledge and skills for providing first aid support to people who may be experiencing poor mental health.

I am personally named as ‘Associate to Watch’ by Chambers and Partners in their ‘High Net Worth Guide 2024’ which is a huge achievement for me.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my husband and family, attending fitness classes, watching rugby and travelling. On my travels, I was lucky enough to swim with dolphins in Mexico and visit the top of the Empire State Building in New York. Whilst on honeymoon, I visited Thailand, Bangkok and Koh Samui.

My family and I have raised thousands of pounds fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease Association and The Myton Hospices by taking part in events over the years.  In the past I have also taken part in the Wolf Run to raise money for Heart of England Community Foundation.