How Vicky Burdett, one of our wills and lasting powers of attorney specialist solicitors, is supporting clients during lockdown

Vicky Burdett is based at our Margate office and, along with all of our private client team, is focusing on dealing with an influx of enquiries from local people who are seeking legal assistance. 

Here, Vicky explains how she is gladly helping clients achieve some peace of mind in the current crisis and talks about how she is adapting to working from her somewhat unusual home office.

Vicky explains: “It’s a hugely worrying time for everyone, especially some of the older clients who I see, some of whom have breathing problems, like COPD, or a person in their home who is especially vulnerable. I’m finding that I speak to people quite a lot on the telephone, as they are not just frightened they won’t get their wills completed, but worried about the practicalities.

“I spoke to a client about signing a will – outside in the open air. We talked about how she could sign her will using the recycling bin to lean on, put a brick on top, to stop the wind blowing it away, and her neighbours could then step forward, whilst she stepped back, and sign the will in her presence, but at a distance. We laughed about the recycling bin being used for such an important purpose. I said she could have a lovely fresh one made up for her witnessed in the office when this was all over, if it got grubby and she wanted a clean version.

“Sometimes I wonder that we are the only people that our clients have spoken to in days, because they cannot get out and go shopping even, because they are terrified of catching the virus. It’s really helpful that Age Concern are helping some people to get some basic shopping needs. It’s still very difficult when you are a sole carer at home though.

“My current office is a very pink caravan outside my home. The caravan was actually bought for my stepdaughter to use as her space because it’s a lot quieter when there are two boys in the house. They are either not happy about doing school work and constantly on the prowl for food or on their computers whooping with triumph when they have won a game or achievement. 

“Out here I can have clients talk to me on speaker so I have my hands free to type or make notes and I don’t have to worry about sensitive information being overheard. 

"I’m not sure Virginia Woolf meant a pink caravan when she said every woman should have a room of their own but the separate space definitely helps.”

If you would like assistance you can call Vicky on her direct line 01843 269284 or email her via this link.