** *********** *****

Weymouth

Dorset

DT* *NG

Telephone: 013**-******

Email: x1ygnf@r.postjobfree.com

Kate Morris

Personal Profile

Having attained a degree in Law at Southampton Institute in 2003, I successfully completed a two year Open Learning Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at De Montfort University, Leicester in 2007 whilst continuing to work on a full time basis in housing. Since completion of my studies, I have been employed in a busy Personal Injury department.

The Legal Practice Course

My chosen electives were Employment Law; Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence; and Sports and Media Law

I am enthusiastic in terms of practical learning and enjoy attempting any set task. This is supported by my achievements in my current position; having no previous working experience in this area.

Other Education 2000 – 2003 I gained a second class degree in Law at Southampton Institute. Electives included Employment Law; Family Law and Housing and Welfare Benefits.

1997 - 2000 I studied for four A-Levels in English Language, General Studies, Law and Psychology at Weymouth College.

1992 – 1997 I attended The Royal Manor School, Portland and achieved 10 G.C.S.Es including Mathematics and English.

Employment

2007 – Present I am currently employed with Porter Dodson Solicitors as a Paralegal within their Personal Injury Department. Managing a case load on average of 170 files specialising in personal injury claims on a no win no fee basis, I handle compensation claims arising from personal injuries sustained in a variety of circumstances. I am also sole, Costs Recovery Negotiator within the department; responsible for entering into negotiations with defendant representatives to ensure costs recovery.

2004 – 2007 I was employed by Magna Housing Association as a Housing Officer; my most recent role being with their Anti Social Behaviour Team. Witness protection, court attendance and mediation were regular aspects of the role. Prior to this, I was a generic Housing Officer; assisting with maintenance of tenure through rent arrears management and estate management in Supported Housing for 16-24 year olds as well as General Needs housing.

2001 – 2004 I was employed by The Society of St James, a Registered Social Landlord and homeless charity based in Southampton. My role as Supported Housing Worker provided me with invaluable experience of working with vulnerable adults. My working knowledge of housing law was also strengthened by regular possession proceedings.

Prior to St James, I was employed with The Divert Project, another Southampton agency, providing treatment and support via Drug Treatment and Testing Orders to young offenders. As a Receptionist I was required to greet visitors as they arrived, this provided me with confidence to deal with difficult and challenging behaviour sometimes met when working with anxious adults.

Other employment has included working for New Look plc as a Maintenance Operative; providing me with experience of working under pressure and using one’s own initiative having been in demand by 250 stores nationwide on a daily basis. I have also been employed by Asda Stores plc as a Customer Services Representative dealing with queries and complaints from customers. This experience of dealing first hand with the general public has been invaluable.

Training

I was required to attend several training courses for my own safety and enhancement of my Housing Officer role. The most recently attended courses related to The Respect Agenda; the Government's initiative for tackling anti-social behaviour and its causes. I am also a fully trained Mediator which was vital for the every day conflict resolution necessary in that role. Other courses attended include:

Difficult, Disturbing & Dangerous Behaviour – skills and strategies on how to deal with difficult and possibly dangerous clients;

DIY Possessions – training on preparation and presentation in court for eviction proceedings;

Foundation Management – skills on managing and leading a team;

Security of Tenure – skills on how to help clients maintain accommodation having had no previous experience of independent living;

Survival Skills for Lone Workers – included assessing risk and focused particularly on lone female working;

Welfare Benefits – welfare benefit skills; and

Witness Statement Training – obtaining sufficient details for statements for court whilst being sympathetic to witness’ possible fear of reprisals for their information.

Computer Skills

Gained from various employment and the requirements of studying, I have working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Lotus Notes, Academy, Axxia and Outlook Express. I enjoy using computers and find I am quick to grasp new software packages upon introduction to them.

Interests

In my spare time I enjoy the company of my family. With a young son, this involves the outdoors as much as possible and we regularly enjoy long walks and cycle rides. I am a keen cyclist, and undertook the 56 mile London to Brighton ride in 2006. At home, I welcome time to sit down to read and find pleasure in autobiographies. I hold a full UK driving licence, and am a keen follower of football having travelled the country to watch matches live. I also very much enjoy gardening and when time permits, novelty cake making.

References Mr Robert Fox

Partner

Porter Dodson Solicitors

Central House

Church Street

Yeovil

Somerset

United Kingdom

BA20 1HH

Ms Ruth Ashdown

Area Housing Manager

Magna Housing Association

Hollands House

Poundbury Road

Dorchester

Dorset

United Kingdom

DT1 1SW

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