Julia Heffernan
Kilkenny
Summary
I have over 15 years of experience in legal and financial advisory roles, specialized in debt management and insolvency legislation. Excellent people skills and experience. Expertise in case resolution, negotiation, and financial planning using my legal knowledge and advocacy skills . I enjoy community service, was involved with the Sudanese resettlement program and have developed and delivered financial education initiatives.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Debt Advisor
Kilkenny Money Advice and Budgeting Service
01.2004 - Current
- I resolve diverse debt issues and advise clients on budgeting techniques and debt management strategies to help them gain control of their finances.
- I am a qualified Approved Intermediary under the Insolvency Legislation and have assisted clients in obtaining a legal solution, 'Debt Relief Notice,' for their debt.
- I negotiate on clients' behalf with financial institutions, housing bodies, and utility providers, among others, to ensure essential services.
- I advocate for and prepare social welfare appeals for clients.
- I provide crisis support to vulnerable clients and liaise with other organizations and supports to improve their situation. I was part of a Sudanese resettlement program.
- I continue to upskill in money management, taxation, housing, and social welfare issues.
- I prepare and provide education and information sessions.
Classroom Supervisor
Various Kilkenny Schools
09.2002 - 12.2002
- I had to supervise classes when teachers were absent and maintain discipline.
Solicitor
Martin Smalley and Co Solicitors
01.2001 - 05.2002
- Offered legal guidance to customers, maintained, and built own caseload.
- Drafted contracts, wills, conveyancing, and other legal documents.
- Facilitated dispute resolution between parties through negotiation.
- Conducted research into relevant case law and legislation to support client cases.
Trainee Solicitor
Martin Smalley and Co Solicitors
09.1998 - 09.2000
- I trained in the civil, family, conveyancing and probate departments, assisting clients with appeals for benefits and providing general advice.
- Attended client meetings and conferences with barristers and other solicitors.
- Assisted in the preparation of court documents, including pleadings, applications and affidavits.
Legal Clerk
Bhatia Best Solicitors
06.1997 - 08.1998
- I advised clients in the Criminal Department and attended Police Stations as a duty solicitor.
- I built up a substantial Welfare Benefits and debt legal aid work caseload in the Civil Department.
Education
Advanced Diploma in Money Advice -
University of Ulster
Belfast12-2014
Approved Intermediary Practitioner - Personal Insolvency Legislation
University of Ulster , Belfast
04-2013
TMITI Tax Technican Qualification -
Irish Taxation Institute
Dublin 203-2008
Solicitor Qualifiying Examination -
Law Society UK
09-2000
The Legal Practice Course -
Nottingham Law School
07-1997
B.A (Hons) Law With Politics 2(1) -
Anglia Ruskin University
Cambridge, 07-1996
Skills
- Legal Expertise: Case Management, Legal knowledge, Practiced Negotiator
- Financial Proficiency: Financial Planning, Debt Management
- Communication & Leadership: Clear Public Speaking, Advocacy, Lesson Planning
- Technical Abilities: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Interest and Hobbies
- Scuba Diving - I love swimming and Scuba Diving and am a member of the Kilkenny Sub Aqua Club for 15 years. I have been part of the Search and Recovery Unit for 11 years and am currently club secretary. I have also been treasurer for 7 years during my time in the club.
- Photography - I love photography and am currently doing a course to improve my skill.
- I enjoy the theater and attend both professional amateur productions.
- I enjoy painting and writing short stories.
- Travel - In 2003 I took a career break and traveled in South East Asia including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. I like to explore new places and cultures.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Debt Advisor
Kilkenny Money Advice and Budgeting Service
01.2004 - Current
Classroom Supervisor
Various Kilkenny Schools
09.2002 - 12.2002
Solicitor
Martin Smalley and Co Solicitors
01.2001 - 05.2002
Trainee Solicitor
Martin Smalley and Co Solicitors
09.1998 - 09.2000
Legal Clerk
Bhatia Best Solicitors
06.1997 - 08.1998
Advanced Diploma in Money Advice -
University of Ulster
Approved Intermediary Practitioner - Personal Insolvency Legislation
University of Ulster , Belfast
TMITI Tax Technican Qualification -
Irish Taxation Institute
Solicitor Qualifiying Examination -
Law Society UK
The Legal Practice Course -
Nottingham Law School
B.A (Hons) Law With Politics 2(1) -
Anglia Ruskin University
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