Sharon Burnet - Legal Executive

About Sharon Burnet

Career to date

"I started my career as a legal secretary. I've worked for several law firms, of varying size. I've had experience in litigation, family law and estates. I have been employed by Gibson Sheat since 2000, initially as a Legal Secretary. I have been working as a Legal Executive for the past 2½ years and I am studying towards my Legal Executive diploma.

Sharon has been with Gibson Sheat since August 2000.  After providing secretarial support to the Estates team for some years, and performing some Legal Executive duties the firm encouraged Sharon to undertake her Legal Executive qualifications.

Sharon works with the rest of the Estates team on all aspects of Estate and Elder Law, covering estate administration, wills and enduring powers of attorney.

My Recent Work

Estate administration, drafting Court documents, drafting wills and enduring powers of attorney.

Professional Associations and Community Organisations

I am a support member of the NZ Institute of Legal Executives.

My approach to working with my clients

I'm sympathetic to my clients and I'm a good listener.

The most challenging/rewarding experience I've had at work

The most challenging experience I have had at work is moving from being a secretary to a legal executive and learning more about the law.

Completing my first estate and distributing the funds to the beneficiaries was a very rewarding experience

The best piece of advice I've ever been given

"Whatever you commit to, always give your best."

What stimulates me

I'm in the Estates Team, so a lot of our clients are going through a sad time in their lives. I would like to think that we can help them move on. Personally, I try to achieve job satisfaction and a balance between working life and family.

What I enjoy outside of work

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I like walking, going to the movies and travelling.

If I wasn't a legal executive I'd be...

A nurse, because I like helping people.