The coronavirus lockdown has presented big challenges to all of us, no more so than for Laura Kellaway, a residential property lawyer with local solicitors Thatcher + Hallam.

Laura used to have to travel from her Somerset village near Frome to Midsomer Norton every day. However, following the outbreak of COVID-19, she now has no option but to remain and work at home. Not only does Laura have to cope with a busy conveyancing workload, but she is also a single parent having to home school (and entertain) her 10 year old son at the same time.

However, for Laura the lockdown has brought some pleasant surprises.

'The mechanics of working from home have been far easier than I ever imagined. 'The IT and telecommunications systems that we have brought home with us have been brilliant. It really is like working in the office, communicating with and helping each other out constantly. You do miss the face to face contact, but you very quickly adjust to working in the home environment.'

To set up her home office, Laura commandeered the dining room table. She also now has the benefit of a far better view from her window and as far as possible is trying to stick to her office routine.

'Like most others working from home, I try to get into the usual work routine, albeit I am embracing a more flexible working pattern' adds Laura. 'The residential property market is adapting, but I remain busy with new work still coming in.

The level of cooperation with other professionals, particularly the local estate agents, has been particularly high which has been great to see.'

It is not only at work where Laura has seen everyone pulling together. As Laura remains at home, her family ensures that she has a regular supply of food and other essentials. The street in her village, like many others, also has its own WhatsApp group where all the neighbours look after each other.

'Home schooling my ten year old son has also been a positive experience,' says Laura. 'The school have given him loads of work, most of which he actually does. Playing with the X Box has probably taken over a bit from being outside playing with his friends, but that must be the same for many families.'

Since working from home Laura has even managed to adopt a new office assistant-her cat Marmite.

'Having Marmite for company is a bit different from my work colleagues at the office, but it is nevertheless great to have her around, even on my desk!' says Laura.

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