Optimistic and highly motivated professional with 12+ years experience of working in fast paced legal environments. Excellent in multi-tasking and achieving employer assigned goals and deadlines. Extremely dedicated and committed individual with a strong drive to succeed in a challenging fast paced work environment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Personal Injury Case Manager/Litigation Legal Assistant
Law Firm of Daniela Labinoti, P.C.
12.2019 - Current
Handled Texas, New Mexico, & Federal personal injury cases (including pre-litigation & litigation) (from intake to settlement)
Opened new client files and closed files upon completion of case and distribution of funds
Trained new staff members, including support staff, case managers, and attorneys, on various personal injury topics including pleading drafting, discovery, & other topics
Maintained client communication throughout the duration of the case
Established, maintained, and finalized all personal injury case expenses throughout the duration of the case
Performed clerical duties to include photo copying, scanning, faxing, mail distribution and filing into cases
Maintained paper documents, electronic records, filing systems, and computer files
Drafted and prepared legal documents including correspondence, pleadings, motions, discovery requests/responses, Notices of Intent (medical/billing records), Depositions by Written Questions, demand packets, & mediation statements
Assisted the attorneys with trial preparation, depositions, and mediations
Requested medical and billing records from medical providers in accordance with Texas & New Mexico State laws and rules
Read client's medical records to verify their diagnosis, injuries and noted and flagged injuries and visits that were not related to the client's claims & assisted in their treatment of care
Knowledge of Third Party Payors and subrogation lien interests from hospitals, emergency rooms, and health insurance companies to include private health insurance and Medicare and Medicaid
Reviewed total charges, balances, write offs, adjustments, and credits from client's medical providers and put data into client's medical summaries
Attended civil trials with attorneys
Managed a high volume of cases simultaneously, ensuring each received proper attention and care
Personal Injury Case Manager/Legal Assistant
The Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz
04.2018 - 06.2019
Handled all Texas personal injury pre-litigation cases (200+)
Opened new client files and closed files upon completion of case and distribution of funds
Established, maintained, and finalized all personal injury case expenses throughout the duration of the case
Assisted in personal injury consultations.
Drafted, sent, received, and sorted correspondence
Performed clerical duties to include photo copying, scanning, faxing, mail distribution and filing into cases
Maintained paper documents, electronic records, filing systems, and computer files
Redacted sensitive information from billing records, medical records, insurance information, and other records to be produced to Third Party Liability insurance companies and defense counsel
Drafted, prepared and sent demand packages to liability adjusters and UIM/UM adjusters
Acted as a Notary Public and notarized affidavits which included billing and medical records affidavits, authorizations, verification forms, Power of Attorney documents, and Release of All Claims documents
Requested medical and billing records from medical providers in accordance with Texas State laws and rules
Read client's medical records to verify their diagnosis, injuries and noted and flagged injuries and visits that were not related to the client's claims
Knowledge of Third Party Payors and subrogation lien interests from hospitals, emergency rooms, and health insurance companies to include private health insurance and Medicare and Medicaid
Reviewed total charges, balances, write offs, adjustments, and credits from client's medical providers and put data into client's medical summary form
Negotiated payment reductions on client's remaining accounts and liens to include Workers Compensation providers, private health insurances, Medicare and Medicaid, medical providers, and accounts in collections
Handled settlement checks and verified that final payments were made to outstanding medical providers and guarantees
Assisted attorney in collecting information such as medical, billing, and other records.
Legal Assistant
Flores, Tawney & Acosta, P.C.
04.2016 - 11.2016
Handled all Texas and New Mexico personal injury and employment pre-litigation and litigation cases
Answered phones and scheduled new client interviews
Greeted clients and visitors in person or by phone using a multi-line phone system and answered inquires
Opened new client files and closed files upon completion of case and distribution of funds
Drafted, sent, received, and sorted correspondence
Performed clerical duties to include photo copying, scanning, faxing, mail distribution and filing into cases
Maintained paper documents, electronic records, filing systems, and computer files
Redacted sensitive information from billing records, medical records, insurance information, and other records to be produced to Third Party Liability insurance companies and defense counsel
Drafted and sent demand packages to liability adjusters and UIM/UM adjusters
Acted as a Notary Public and notarized affidavits which included billing and medical records affidavits, authorizations, verification forms, Power of Attorney documents, and Release of All Claims documents
Requested medical and billing records from medical providers in accordance with Texas and New Mexico State laws and rules
Read client's medical records to verify their diagnosis, injuries and noted and flagged injuries and visits that were not related to the client's claims
Reviewed total charges, balances, write offs, adjustments, and credits from client's medical providers and put data into client's medical summary form
Handled settlement checks and verified that final payments were made to outstanding medical providers and guarantees
Assisted attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
Legal Assistant
Scherr & Legate, P.L.L.C.
04.2013 - 04.2016
Answered phones and scheduled new client interviews
Greeted clients and visitors in person or by phone using a multi-line phone system and answered inquires
Opened new client files and closed files upon completion of case and distribution of funds
Drafted, sent, received, and sorted correspondence & other legal documents
Performed clerical duties to include photo copying, scanning, faxing, mail distribution and filing into cases
Maintained paper documents, electronic records, filing systems, and computer files
Read client's medical records to verify their diagnosis, injuries and noted and flagged injuries and visits that were not related to the client's claims
Handled settlement checks and verified that final payments were made to outstanding medical providers and guarantees
Assisted attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
Prepared and processed legal documents and papers, including pleadings, motions, subpoenas, affidavits, complaints and pretrial motions.
Scheduled and made appointments for attorney including hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials.
Received and placed telephone calls to clients, doctors, medical providers, hospitals, health/auto insurance companies, attorneys and adjusters.
Drafted and filed civil lawsuits in Texas and New Mexico.
Gathered and analyzed research data, such as state statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes, and documents.
Maintained attorney's case management lists.
Investigated facts and law of cases to determine causes of action and to prepare lawsuits.
Attended civil trials with attorneys.
Drafted settlement/disbursement packages for clients.
Completed case and legal research via Westlaw and LexisNexis databases.
Managed communication with Texas and New Mexico courts.
Reviewed dockets and case and court filings on a daily basis.
Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
The University of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX
05-2027
Paralegal Certificate - Paralegal Studies
The University of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX
05-2026
Skills
Notary Public in Texas; Commission Expires August 2028
12 years of relevant experience as a Litigation Legal Assistant/Legal Secretary
80 WPM typing speed & Knowledgeable in ten key- 9960 KPH
Bilingual in English/Spanish
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite to include Word, WordPerfect, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, & Access Database Software and knowledgeable in Linux software systems and LibreOffice Suite
Proficient in writing, editing, formatting, & grammar checks
Proficient knowledge of standard office equipment to include printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, multi-line telephones, and calculators
Exceptional telephone etiquette, receptionist and clerical skills
Proficient knowledge of data entry
Proficient knowledge of search engines ie, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Internet Explorer
Proficient in CaseSpeer, Mycase, Cloudlex, Sage ACT! Pro and Abacus Law Software Management Applications
Familiarity in civil litigation including personal injury law and employment law in Texas & New Mexico
Knowledgeable of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure
Knowledgeable in legal database search engines including Westlaw and LexisNexis
Proficient in filing court documents through the e-filing systems including EfileTexasgov, New Mexico Odyssey, United States District Courts CM/ECF Electronic Filing System (Federal & Bankruptcy)
Legal research & investigative skills
Medical record review
Client communication
Organizational skills
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Personal Injury Case Manager/Litigation Legal Assistant
Paralegal/Executive Administrator to Managing Partner at Law Offices of Joseph E. Ashmore, Jr. P.C./Ashmore Law FirmParalegal/Executive Administrator to Managing Partner at Law Offices of Joseph E. Ashmore, Jr. P.C./Ashmore Law Firm