A Week in the Life of Anastacia Theophanous, Paralegal

I think one of the reasons I enjoy my job is that I like bringing a bit of order to chaos. Whether it is a Tribunal application with a deadline or a client waiting for an update, I like knowing that by the end of the day I have helped move something forward.

I work as a Paralegal in Ringley Law, mainly dealing with leasehold-dynamics'>ground rent arrears collections and, for some sites, servicechargesorted.co.uk/blogs/digital-service-charge-management-vs-paper-based-systems'>service charge arrears. I also oversee Tribunal applications, manage the Section 20 consultation process, draft legal correspondence and deal with subletting enquiries where the lease allows.

Before work most days my partner and I start the morning by grabbing a coffee and then heading to the train station together. We have over an hour commute door to door so it is a calm part of the day. Once I arrive at the office it often gets quite busy.

Monday

Monday is my reset day, before anything else, I clear out the emails that do not need my attention, especially the ones where I have only been copied in. I like a tidy inbox so will read most emails that have come in over the weekend so I am up to date with updates. I then go through my diary, check every deadline and map out the week ahead.

Tribunal applications, court updates, client approvals, letters and outstanding instructions all make their way onto my list. Around 10 o’clock, I usually stop for breakfast, normally a yoghurt bowl or toast (this is a must!). By then, something may already have changed the plan, but having a structure helps me stay on top of things.

Monday is also when the Chairman’s meeting takes place, so once the updates filter through, we can begin working on any new actions. I usually bring lunch from home, made over the weekend but do enjoy on occasion my afternoon coffee from Blank Street.

Tuesday

Tuesday is my work-from-home day, which is useful for tasks that need more concentration. I work through my subletting inbox, respond to detailed client queries and pick up updates from the Estate Meeting.

One of the most common subletting questions is why there is a fee for renting out a property. I explain that the amount comes directly from the lease and covers the work involved in recording the notification properly. I also help leaseholders who are unsure how to upload tenancy documents through the Gateway portal. These may sound like straightforward questions, but a clear answer can prevent a lot of confusion.

Tuesday evening is my Pilates day, which helps me switch off and catch up with friends.

Wednesday

Wednesday is often when the week becomes more about problem solving. Tribunal work is a good example. Before drafting an application, I have a quick conversation with the property manager and ask specific questions about the matter. It is a bit like a short interview. I then obtain the lease, formally write up the information they have given me and submit the application.

Once the fee has been paid, the Tribunal issues directions. These can include writing to leaseholders, drafting witness statements and preparing bundles. Everything has to be diarised carefully because the process can take several months.

Recently, we had just taken over a site where major works had already been delayed. Several Tribunal applications and approvals needed to be completed again, so the rest of my list had to

wait while I focused on getting them prepared and submitted. It was not the day I had planned, but getting everything over the line so the works could move forward was fulfilling.

Our team enjoys going out for lunch, sometimes it is nice to have a break especially when it is sunny! There are eight of us, so everyone has a good idea of what the Other is working on. We normally end up at Alexandra the Great, Tonkotsu or Gokyuzu.

I work closely with mostly the whole team as our matters cross over. Particularly Ana, another Legal Officer, and Debora, our Business Support Manager, but I am also regularly in the Estates team speaking to property managers about live matters.

I am known for being proactive, helping the team and, being a chatterbox in a good way! I also have a habit of using TikTok trends to describe certain situations or reactions. Sometimes there really is a TikTok reference for everything.

Thursday

Thursday is usually about following matters through. That might mean chasing an approval, checking whether a deadline is still on track or working with a property manager to respond to an observation raised during a Section 20 consultation.

It is also when I often deal with leasehold-dynamics'>ground rent arrears cases. Before anything progresses, I check whether demands and reminders have been served, whether the owner has contacted us about payment and whether there are any historic disputes. Once the client confirms they want to proceed, the matter may move through a Letter of Claim, contact with the lender and, where necessary, court action. There are several stages, so keeping the client updated is important.

We recently took over a site with high arrears, and I explained the process clearly and diarised specific dates to update the client. They appreciated the regular communication. That is one of my favourite parts of the job, making clients feel confident that they made the right decision by instructing us.

After work my partner and I often visit one of our families for dinner. My evenings also involve wedding planning at the moment. We are getting married in September 2027, so there is usually another decision to make or spreadsheet to update.

Friday

By Friday, I want to close as many loops as possible. I review my inbox, check the following week’s diary and make sure anything unfinished has a clear next step. I do not mind being busy, although being chased the day after someone has emailed me can test even my organised side.

Friday evening usually means a takeaway and an episode of The Office or Benidorm. After a week of deadlines, legal documents and problem solving, comedy is exactly what I need.

For me, a good week is when clients feel informed, issues have moved forward and I have stayed one step ahead of my deadlines. I may not finish with an empty inbox, but if everything is in a good place and Monday starts with a clear plan, I go home happy.