Alisa Combs
Davenport,IA
Summary
Detail-oriented Legal Assistant and Immigration Paralegal with extensive experience supporting attorneys in civil litigation, intellectual property, and immigration law. Expertise in legal research, document management, and client communication enhances the ability to deliver high-quality support in fast-paced environments. Proven track record of streamlining processes and improving filing efficiency by 30%, contributing to overall team productivity. Active member of the Illinois Paralegal Association, demonstrating commitment to professional development and adherence to industry standards.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Assistant
Califf & Harper, PC
05.2021 - Current
- Drafted and filed family-based and employment-based immigration petitions (I-130, I-485, I-765, I-140, PERM) with a 98% approval rate, ensuring USCIS compliance and timely submission.
- Managed caseloads of 50+ active clients using digital tools to streamline intake, deadlines, and document tracking.
- Translated complex legal concepts into accessible guidance for diverse clients, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and empathy.
- Collaborated with attorneys to prepare RFE responses and legal briefs, contributing to successful outcomes in high-stakes cases.
- Filled out and filed various immigration forms accurately and efficiently.
- Maintained communication with attorneys and clients to keep them informed of case progress.
- Utilized immigration case file systems (e.g., LawLogix) to manage case files.
- Conducted research and translation to understand filing requirements for various countries.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Legal Assistant
Katz Nowinski PC / Express Employment Agency
01.2019 - 05.2021
- Provided legal assistance to attorneys, including opening and closing civil matter files.
- Drafted pleadings, discovery, motions, memoranda of law, and briefs under attorney supervision.
- Communicated with opposing attorneys, staff, doctors, and court reporters to prepare for depositions and trials.
- Organized and maintained open and closed files.
Legal Process Administrator II
Deere & Company
06.2012 - 04.2018
- Filed intellectual property applications, extensions, and renewals.
- Attended 75% of Construction & Forestry Intellectual Property Committee Meetings.
- Prepared meeting agendas and reviewed patent application documents for compliance.
- Reduced filing errors by 75% and improved application efficiency by 30%.
- Developed processes and recommendations that saved time and improved client relationships.
Administrative Assistant
Deere & Company
04.2010 - 06.2012
- Provided administrative assistance to legal groups within the Global Law Services Group.
- Assisted in eliminating backlog of legal files, saving the department over 200 hours of overtime.
- Scheduled meetings, conference calls, travel arrangements, and prepared expense reports.
Legal Assistant
Betty, Neuman & McMahon
07.2005 - 04.2010
- Opened and closed workers’ compensation and civil matter files.
- Drafted pleadings, discovery, motions, memoranda of law, and briefs.
- Updated and maintained subrogation files, increasing firm income by 5%.
- Organized and maintained closed files, providing 45% more space in the war room.
Education
BAS - Business
St. Ambrose University
12.2014
AS - Paralegal Studies
Marycrest University
05.1998
Skills
- Legal Research (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
- Immigration Case Management (LawLogix)
- Document Drafting & Filing
- Intellectual Property Docketing
- Client Communication
- Data Entry (50 wpm)
- Organization & File Management
Additional Information
- Type 50 wpm; 10-key data entry by touch
- Experienced with Microsoft Office Suite
Timeline
Legal Assistant
Califf & Harper, PC
05.2021 - Current
Legal Assistant
Katz Nowinski PC / Express Employment Agency
01.2019 - 05.2021
Legal Process Administrator II
Deere & Company
06.2012 - 04.2018
Administrative Assistant
Deere & Company
04.2010 - 06.2012
Legal Assistant
Betty, Neuman & McMahon
07.2005 - 04.2010
AS - Paralegal Studies
Marycrest University
BAS - Business
St. Ambrose University