Who are you and what’s your role here at Circe Law?
I am Lisa Keefe, and at Circe Law I am the Head of Probate and Trust Property. I am a Chartered Legal Executive, Licensed Conveyancer and Probate Practitioner and a full member of Solicitors for the Elderly.
What made you want to get into this area of work?
I sort of fell into it, to be honest. I think mainly because I enjoy helping people. The clients we deal with are going through a really stressful and emotional time and I want to do my best to alleviate that for them.
You’ve been working in the legal profession since 1997. What’s the best advice you’ve received throughout this career?
I’ve received a lot of advice, but as simple as it is, the most important piece of advice I’ve received it to just take your time, consider all avenues of the scenario you are facing and have empathy for your client. Treat your client as you would wish to be treated yourself. It’s broad and may seem obvious, but it’s applicable to so many things and once you start to really apply it you go far.
What do you believe is the most important part of a working relationship?
Teamwork and honesty. There’s so much more as well but those two things are the main ones. You can’t get anywhere without teamwork and honesty.
What are you currently working on?
So, at the moment I’m dealing with a first registration of a property and also transferring 50% of the ownership of that property into a life interest trust. Unfortunately, this means one of the owners has passed away and it is important to get right as you are following the interests of the deceased’s owners wishes which they have implemented in their Will. A life interest trust protects their 50% share of the property, and this would also have given the deceased peace of mind that they have provided for their joint owner, (in this case their spouse, which is usual in this kind of matter) to have the ability to remain in the property or generate income from it if they wish to do so after they had passed away.
I have also have lots of other varied specialist property matters that I am dealing with ranging from severances of joint tenancy at the time the property owners are making their Wills so that any provisions they are putting in their Wills regarding the property can be implemented on their death, to a matrimonial transfer of equity to put the property ownership in line with the Court Order that has been put in place as a result of a divorce settlement.
I also have complex Declaration of Trusts to draft and some Probate Sales.
What are three traits that best describe you?
I’d say I’m approachable, willing to help, and kind.
Who was your idol growing up?
Not necessarily one idol, but my idols were my grandparents. My grandad was both the grandad figure in my life and my father figure. He taught me to drive and loads more. My gran also taught me to cook. They both used to take me places, like the museum to learn about new things. They had the most loving relationship that made me want to have the same when I grew up and I married, and I am very lucky to say that I have found that.
What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
Cadburys chocolate. It’s not fancy, but bog-standard chocolate will always feel like a treat. Honestly, joking aside, I couldn’t live without my husband, Richard, or my dog, Ernie either.
Do you prefer the countryside or the city?
Easily the country. I am a country girl born and bred. To be honest, the city terrifies me! Growing up, I’d love going on country walks with the dog, or going off just to play or wander. There’s something different about the country, there’s a different pace of life – no hustle and bustle – it’s a lot more serene and less stressful.
What’s the best thing about working at Circe Law?
The team really has a family feel, everyone is looking out for everyone else, it’s not a chore to come to work, you come because you want to, not because you have to.
