ALLISON HEARN
Saint Petersburg
Summary
Strategic communicator and licensed attorney with over a decade of experience in legal advocacy, conflict resolution, and case management. Proven ability to conduct sensitive investigations, mediate high-stakes disputes, and guide individuals through complex systems with clarity and empathy. Seeking to transition into Human Resources, leveraging transferable expertise in compliance, employee relations, interviewing, and documentation to enhance organizational health and support talent development.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Trial Attorney
Weisser, Elazar, & Kantor, PLLC.
03.2022 - 05.2025
- Led litigation strategy for complex trials, ensuring effective presentation of evidence.
- Developed persuasive legal arguments to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
- Mentored junior attorneys on trial procedures and courtroom tactics, enhancing team capabilities.
- Analyzed case law and legal precedents to inform trial strategies and decisions.
- Collaborated with expert witnesses to strengthen case narratives and testimonies.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel, balancing client interests and risks effectively.
- Established rapport with clients through empathetic communication, understanding their goals and concerns during the course of litigation.
- Advised clients on optimal courses of action based on careful evaluation of their specific circumstances and potential risks involved in pursuing litigation.
- Represented clients at mediation sessions where appropriate to expedite resolution timelines without sacrificing fair settlements.
- Presented compelling oral arguments in court hearings and trials, advocating zealously for clients'' interests while maintaining professional demeanor.
- Evaluated potential cases by analyzing facts, determining liability exposure risk levels, and assessing case merits before proceeding to trial or settlement negotiations.
- Monitored changes in legislation that could potentially affect ongoing cases or future litigation strategies within the firm''s practice areas.
Associate
Ligori & Ligori, PA
12.2019 - 03.2022
- Windshield Litigation Department - Manage over 500 windshield small claims cases from intake to litigation - Negotiation of batch settlements
- Personal Injury- Auto Accidents -Manage personal injury cases from intake to litigation -PIP Statements -EUO's -Negotiation of claims with adjusters
Assistant State Attorney
13 Judicial Circuit
06.2013 - 03.2018
- Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
- Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
- Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
- Prepare legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals in state and federal courts of appeal.
- Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
- Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions, by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
- First and Second chaired both jury and non-jury trials in criminal court
- Conducted jury voir dires for jury trials in criminal court
- Conducted interviews to assess the competency and biases of prospective jurors
- Offered counsel to domestic violence victims on legal issues, including victims' rights and protection orders
Assistant State Attorney
5th Judicial Circuit
01.2012 - 02.2013
- Managed case loads and dockets with hundreds of Defendants
- Interviewed clients and witnesses to verify essential case information
- First and Second chaired jury trials in criminal court
- Conducted jury voir dires for criminal trials
- Facilitated timely court proceedings by processing documents such as subpoenas, discovery, appeals and motions
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Joe Episcopo, Attorney at Law
09.2010 - 09.2012
- Facilitated timely court proceedings by processing documents such as subpoenas, summons, appeals and motions
- Established and verified essential case information by interviewing clients and witnesses
- Counseled clients on legal issues, including misdemeanor and felony crimes
- Authored accurate and thorough waivers, motions and petitions on behalf of clients
- Prepared clients for trial testimony
- Conferred with judges and opposing counsel to discuss and settle case disputes
- E-filed all court documents in both State and Federal Court
Senior News Producer
Court TV
06.2001 - 08.2007
- Wrote and revised scripts for show hosts including Jack Ford, Nancy Grace, Rikki Klieman and Catherine Crier
- Led concept development, graphics, storytelling and delivery of segment ideas
- Covered breaking news stories and courtroom verdicts for trials including Michael Jackson, Scott Peterson, Phil Spector, Scott Peterson, and Michael Skakel
- Combined video, audio and graphics
- Gathered and verified factual information regarding stories through interviews, observation and research
- Wrote multiple news stories hourly for various media platforms
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.) - Law
Stetson University College of Law
Gulfport, FL06.2010
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Mass Communication and Journalism
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA06.2001
Skills
- Superb writer
- Citing legal documents
- Compiling data
- Effective decision-making
- Excellent communicator and relationship builder
- Clear verbal advocacy
- Legal analysis and writing
- Experience with Electronic filing in State and Federal Court
Certification
Florida Bar #100219
Timeline
Trial Attorney
Weisser, Elazar, & Kantor, PLLC.
03.2022 - 05.2025
Associate
Ligori & Ligori, PA
12.2019 - 03.2022
Assistant State Attorney
13 Judicial Circuit
06.2013 - 03.2018
Assistant State Attorney
5th Judicial Circuit
01.2012 - 02.2013
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Joe Episcopo, Attorney at Law
09.2010 - 09.2012
Senior News Producer
Court TV
06.2001 - 08.2007
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Mass Communication and Journalism
Loyola University New Orleans
Juris Doctor (J.D.) - Law
Stetson University College of Law
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