Laura Ablett is a mother of one as well as being a partner and solicitor at local law firm Thatcher + Hallam LLP.

Like everyone else, Laura's previous family and work life has been turned on its head by the coronavirus outbreak. In her own words, here is a brief insight into how she has coped during the first week of working from home as she adapts her new lifestyle to what has now become very much 'the new normal'.

Monday 23rd March I thought that I would continue working in the office. I am a solicitor who specialises in the preparation and execution of Wills, so am therefore classified by the government as a 'key worker'. It also meant that my 2 year old son was still able to attend his nursery. The office building was set up really well, with latex gloves and anti-bacterial wipes. The early morning chats getting the coffee ready whilst discussing what we did over the weekend had disappeared. We were fortunate in that we had a room each. When we needed to hand a file over to one of our colleagues, we did so by leaving in a box outside their door.

Then came the Monday evening announcement from Boris. Together with much of the population, I had to make some decisions on how best to protect my colleagues and my family.

On Tuesday I went into work to sort things out. Although being a 'key worker' I am really fortunate in that I am also able to work from home. Over the last year, the firm invested heavily in new IT and phone systems. At the time everyone groaned at having to learn new systems, but this new technology now means that my colleagues and myself (there are just over 30 of us in all) can now effectively run an office remotely from either the office or wherever else we are. I made the decision that I would work remotely from home!

So on to Wednesday and the first full day of my new working life. I had made sure that I had brought back with me a big cardboard box full of everything that I would need including stationery and files. My husband is also one of the several millions who is now working from home but I made sure that I bagged first the best desk space in the house. Initially we were taking it in turns to watch Tractor Ted whilst the other made an important call in another room. It wasn't always easy.

Thursday saw our new routine start to bed in. The work that I do requires concentration and a clear mind, dealing with sometimes complicated issues, from drafting complex Wills and Trusts to sorting out Probate. Trying to do this at the same time as persuading a 2 year old to give his scooter a rest and eat his lunch is not always simple. I am doubly fortunate in not only having the technology to work at home but also a supportive husband!

By Friday we are all getting used to the new regime. My secretary Sue has been an absolute star. She is also working from home and the technology allows her to carry on exactly what she was doing in the office, whether filing, typing or taking calls.

Yes, of course I miss the face to face contact with clients, but very quickly my clients, colleagues and myself are getting used to communicating via Skype, Zoom and emails or even that great 19th century invention, the simple telephone.

What else has changed? My colleagues and myself are still busy, with clients both new and existing wanting to make either a Will or lasting Powers of Attorney. In these uncertain times, this is hardly surprising. It is great that we are still very much all 'open' and able to provide to our clients exactly what they want at this very challenging time.

Hot Tip For The Week? With the help of modern technology, working from home has been easier than I could ever have imagined even a week ago. However, being in my 'home office' all day means that it is even more important that we all get out in the fresh air and enjoy our precious one family walk for the day. Essential for both mind and body. Keep safe and make sure that we all look after each other.

For anyone reading this and thinking of making a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney, then you can contact Laura Ablett on 01761 409312 or at [email protected]. Further details are available the Thatcher and Hallam web site here