Amanda Harris, Founder of ALH Legal Will Writers
Providing a professional service in clients’ own homes
I worked all my life to get a high-powered corporate job; then I didn’t like it. When I became head of HR at my local city council, I spent all my time in meetings making decisions. My world was more about strategy than people. I worked from 8am to 6pm every day.
In 2011, my son was aged four and about to start school. I couldn’t see how the pieces of my life were going to fit together; then I was offered voluntary redundancy with a generous package. It was one of those moments that almost felt fated. Everything pointed to taking the leap.
I started thinking: ‘What’s next?’ before I left. During my Law degree, I learned about Wills & Probate. My husband said: “People might pay you to do Lasting Powers of Attorney.”
I looked the Society of Will Writers up online and went to an open day. A new career as an independent will writer sounded perfect! I’ve always enjoyed putting together legal documents and being around people. I became a member of the society and completed my training. The only issue was: How would I get to their houses? I was born visually impaired and I’m not allowed to drive.
All the things I worried about came true on one of my first appointments. I went to visit a client in the dark on the bus. It was raining and, when I got to the street, I couldn’t see the house numbers. My passion is helping others, but I also know when to ask for help myself. I called the client, who was more than happy to guide me there.
These days, I pay drivers to get me around. As a lone woman going to strangers’ houses, it has its advantages. No-one has ever been negative or unkind, just the opposite in fact. I’ve had lifts and been invited to stay on for another cup of tea whilst waiting for a ride. There are things I can’t do, but I’m not going to let them stop me.
I always found HR to be adversarial… someone always felt they had lost. These days, people thank me for giving them peace of mind.
Amanda’s help was invaluable to us during the preparation and compilation of our ‘Wills’ and ‘Power of Attorney’, any queries that arose were dealt with without any issues