Rachel Pinkston
Atlanta,Georgia
Summary
Accomplished Senior Paralegal with extensive experience in corporate transactions, real estate closings, and business governance, supported by a strong background in litigation in both state and federal courts. Skilled in drafting, reviewing, and managing complex contracts, merger and acquisition agreements, and corporate filings, as well as preparing closing documents and conducting due diligence. Adept at managing corporate record books, annual filings, and regulatory compliance with precision. Recognized for professionalism, accuracy under pressure, and the ability to streamline processes for attorneys and corporate clients alike.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1970
1970
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Paralegal
Various Consulting Firms
01.2020 - Current
- Drafted and reviewed merger, acquisition, and sale agreements, including transfer of assets, intellectual property, and trade secrets.
- Assisted with multi-state acquisitions (Atlanta, GA, and Charleston, SC) while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Prepared and revised contracts, employee agreements, and closing documents related to corporate transitions.
- Conducted due diligence, including title reviews, real estate compliance, and verification of closing documents.
- Coordinated forensic accounting reviews to ensure accurate financials and regulatory compliance.
- Managed and approved redlined agreements covering goods, equipment, and intellectual property.
- Facilitated communication and documentation flow between client counsel and opposing parties to finalize transactions.
Senior Paralegal
Hecht Walker, P.C.
Atlanta, GA
10.2019 - 11.2020
- Drafted pleadings, briefs, motions, discovery, and correspondence across multiple practice areas, including medical malpractice defense, family law, immigration, foreign adoptions, probate, bankruptcy, foreclosures, corporate law, real estate transactions, construction litigation, and workers' compensation.
- Managed high-volume caseloads simultaneously: 50-60 medical malpractice defense files, 30+ general liability and workers' compensation claims, 25-50 family law and probate cases, and 30-40 foreclosure and bankruptcy.
- Supported corporate clients by maintaining 40-50 corporate record books, preparing annual filings, drafting stock certificates, and handling UCC filings and judgments with the Secretary of State.
- Prepared commercial real estate and transactional documents, including settlement agreements, title reports, and full sets of closing materials from inception to closing.
- Conducted legal research and analysis; reviewed medical records, insurance policies, and declarations; and prepared chronologies, deposition summaries, and settlement agreements.
- Filed and served documents electronically via CM/ECF (Federal Court - Southern & Middle Districts of Florida, Bankruptcy Court) and the Florida E-Portal (Circuit & County Courts).
Paralegal (Contract)
Mateer & Harbert, P.A
03.2008 - 09.2016
- Filed indictments daily with the Clerk of Court and ensured accurate docketing for multiple attorneys in the Homicide and Career Criminal Divisions.
- Maintained and updated daily court calendars, marking case progress and deadlines to support attorney scheduling and trial readiness.
- Collaborated with the Victim Advocate Unit to provide support to victims, families, and witnesses, including attending trials and hearings to explain judicial procedures and offer guidance throughout proceedings.
- Drafted and prepared jury instructions, pleadings, discovery, and legal correspondence for attorney review.
- Assembled trial notebooks and prepared exhibits, demonstrative aids, and presentations to support case strategy in complex homicide and career criminal trials.
- Coordinated communication with victims and witnesses, ensuring attendance at hearings, depositions, and trials.
- Corporate Law, Litigation, & Complex Litigation & Medical Malpractice Insurance Defense
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
State Attorneys Office
10.2003 - 02.2008
- Filed indictments daily with the Clerk of Court and ensured accurate docketing for multiple attorneys in the Homicide and Career Criminal Divisions.
- Maintained and updated daily court calendars, marking case progress and deadlines to support attorney scheduling and trial readiness.
- Collaborated with the Victim Advocate Unit to provide support to victims, families, and witnesses, including attending trials and hearings to explain judicial procedures and offer guidance throughout proceedings.
- Drafted and prepared jury instructions, pleadings, discovery, and legal correspondence for attorney review.
- Assembled trial notebooks and prepared exhibits, demonstrative aids, and presentations to support case strategy in complex homicide and career criminal trials.
- Coordinated communication with victims and witnesses, ensuring attendance at hearings, depositions, and trials.
- Homicide & Career Criminal Unit
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice & Paralegal Studies
University of Miami/Palm Beach State
Skills
- Corporate Law & Governance
- Discovery Management
- Trial Preparation
- Confidentiality & Ethical Handling of Sensitive Information
- Time Management & Multitasking Across High-Volume Caseloads
- Strong Written & Verbal Communication
- Client Relations & Victim/Witness Support
- Critical Thinking & Analytical Problem-Solving
- Legal Research & Case Law Analysis
- Drafting & Reviewing Pleadings, Motions, Briefs, and Settlement Agreements
Timeline
Senior Paralegal
Various Consulting Firms
01.2020 - Current
Senior Paralegal
Hecht Walker, P.C.
10.2019 - 11.2020
Paralegal (Contract)
Mateer & Harbert, P.A
03.2008 - 09.2016
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
State Attorneys Office
10.2003 - 02.2008
Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice & Paralegal Studies
University of Miami/Palm Beach State