19th July 2024 ❘

Our recent promotions – Caroline Manningham

Caroline Manningham - Partner and Head of our Court of Protection team

Our recent promotions – Caroline Manningham…

Introducing Caroline Manningham, Head of our Court of Protection team. Caroline has been part of Burnetts for over 13 years now and was recently promoted to Partner.

You’re Head of our Court of Protection Team – what does that actually involve?

I manage the day-to-day financial affairs for people who have been assessed as lacking the mental capacity to do so themselves and are vulnerable children or adults. I deal not only with our clients, but also their case managers and service providers – ensuring they have the support they require to live their best lives.

Can you give us a quick breakdown of your day?

Managing the finances for someone can present different challenges. Our clients have varying needs. Each client is an individual and so we need to take a personal, and individual approach. As well as dealing with clients directly, we also liaise with their family members. There can be lots of people involved in the management of one person’s finances and obviously, what we do can have a significant impact on the quality life of our clients and their families, so good communication, empathy and understanding are all vital in my day-to-day tasks.

What do you like best about your job?  

I find it very rewarding to see the difference that settlement awards can make to the lives of my clients, but I also love giving that added support to their mums, dads and families, who often have the everyday care needs of their disabled child to look after.

What do you find challenging?  

The nature of our clients’ vulnerability can affect their behaviour and we have to remember this.  Sometimes it can be hard to manage their expectations but it’s vital we do this carefully and honestly.

How did you find your way to this career?  

At 17 I left school wanting to be an air hostess… Too young and with a year to fill, I took on a YTS in business admin in a law office.  I have been in law ever since and worked my way through the elevations. I am a CILEX rather than a solicitor – when I was 21 I embarked on Legal Executive qualification which took me four years to achieve, working full time and studying.  Following completion of the exams I qualified as a Legal Executive, becoming part of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.  More recently I expanded my knowledge further and qualified as TEP under the Society of Trusts & Estates Practitioners, specialising in a Diploma Advising Vulnerable adults. I have worked in many different areas and in different sized firms. I’m proud to have grown our Court of Protection service at Burnetts. In addition to my work at Burnetts, I have a freelance career in fitness which has added to my confidence – from being ever so shy, to the person I am now.  I love meeting people in both my legal world and the fitness world.

Your hope for the future career-wise?  

That it continues on the current path and that I can develop and share my knowledge with my team.