Meet Lisa Keefe: Bringing three decades of legal expertise to Alchemy Virtual Assistance
When Lisa Keefe launched her Alchemy Virtual Assistance franchise, it wasn't because she was looking for an easy option. In fact, she was stepping away from a highly successful legal career that had taken almost 30 years of dedication, study and progression to build.
Based in Hungerford, on the Berkshire-Wiltshire border, Lisa is bringing the same attention to detail, professionalism and client care that helped her rise from receptionist to Head of Department in a law firm to businesses across Swindon and the surrounding areas.
Building a career from the ground up
Unlike many professionals, Lisa didn't take the university route. Raised by a single mother, she wanted to start earning straight away and secured her first role at just 19 years old as a receptionist at a magistrates' court in Reading.
From there, she steadily worked her way up, taking on greater responsibilities before moving into the legal sector as a legal secretary. It was a role that would shape the course of her career.
"The partner I worked for became a mentor and a very good friend," says Lisa. "She encouraged me to study for my paralegal and legal executive qualifications while working full-time. It took me around nine years of evening and weekend study to qualify, but it was worth every minute."
Over the following decades, Lisa built extensive expertise across residential conveyancing, private client services and legal administration, eventually progressing into senior leadership positions and heading up departments.
Throughout her career she became known for her precision, organisation, empathy and ability to manage complex, document-heavy workloads.
Knowing when it was time for change
Despite her success, the demands of the legal profession eventually began to take their toll. Keeping pace with constant legislative changes, evolving regulations and the responsibilities that come with supporting clients left little room for anything else.
At the same time, Lisa was navigating the effects of perimenopause, which heightened feelings of anxiety and stress alongside other symptoms.
"I've always been someone who gives 100% to everything I do," says Lisa. "But there came a point where I realised I couldn't continue at the same pace forever. The combination of the profession's demands and the impact of perimenopause made me stop and think about what I wanted the next stage of my life and career to look like."
Already managing an existing back condition, the long hours spent at a desk and increased stress levels began to exacerbate her symptoms.
"One of the biggest lessons I've learned is to listen to my body when it's telling me enough is enough. For years I pushed through because that's what I'd always done, but eventually I realised that taking care of myself had to become a priority too."
With increasing numbers of legal professionals leaving the sector due to stress and burnout, Lisa knew she wasn't alone in wanting something different and that she still had a wealth of valuable skills to offer.
Finding the right fit with Alchemy VA
Virtual assistance had been on Lisa's radar for a while, and after a break to reset and recharge she was keen to find a role that would provide greater flexibility, more autonomy and the ability to build a business around her life rather than the other way around.
After researching several opportunities, Alchemy VA stood out.
"I had come across Alchemy through networking previously and it stood out later when I started doing my research," she says. "Other options didn't feel right. I felt like I'd be on my own. Alchemy was different."
For Lisa, it was the combination of independence and support that made the difference.
"It felt like having a business in a box. You have all the support of a larger organisation, but your business is still your own. You're free to build it in the way that works for you."
She also credits Alchemy founder Suzy Sanders for making the transition feel achievable.
"Suzy has put so much time into the launch training. No question was ever a silly question. She genuinely wants you to succeed and it felt like I'd already had my money's worth before I'd even launched."
Supporting businesses that need an extra pair of hands
Launching in July and serving Swindon and the surrounding areas, Lisa will offer a range of virtual assistance services including:
• Document review and formatting
• Proofreading and editing
• Report writing
• Research
• Client onboarding support
• General business administration
Given her background, she has particular expertise supporting professionals who deal with large volumes of documentation and client communications. Her ideal clients include consultants, surveyors, estate agents, sole practitioners and self-publishing authors, although she is excited to work across a wide range of industries.
"I know there are lots of business owners who need help but can't justify taking on an employee," she says. "Sometimes they just need an extra pair of hands. That's where a Virtual Assistant can make a real difference."
Looking ahead
For Lisa, success isn't defined by building the biggest business possible. Instead, it's about creating a career that gives her the freedom to enjoy life, spend time with family and continue doing work she loves.
Alongside running her franchise, you'll often find her spending time with her husband Richard, walking Ernie, her much-loved mini-Labradoodle, exploring the UK in her camper van, reading one of the hundreds of books she gets through each year, or indulging her passion for motorsport.
In fact, if the perfect client came along, she'd love to support an author or someone in the motorsport industry.
Looking ahead to the next few years, Lisa has a simple ambition: "To be successful, to have great clients, to enjoy what I'm doing and to have the work-life balance I've always wanted."
And for anyone considering a major career change themselves?
Her advice is refreshingly straightforward. "If you're having those thoughts, there's usually a reason. It's never going to be the perfect time. Life's too short. Don't sacrifice the things you want to do with the people you love."
How can we help you today?
Take our free, personalised 'readiness' report to understand how an Alchemy Virtual Assistant can add capacity and ease pressure in your business.
Download a Virtual Assistant Franchise information pack and explore joining our next Launch Training intake in September 2026
Share this post: