Dynamic paralegal with extensive experience at the Alaska Office of Victims' Rights, excelling in legal research and comprehensive case oversight. Proven ability to enhance client satisfaction through effective correspondence and meticulous document preparation. Recognized for streamlining case management processes, significantly reducing errors and improving operational efficiency. Certified Notary Public dedicated to professional excellence.
Strong skills in writing, organizing and project managing cases related to Family law. Expertly conducts research, collects witness statements and organizes files. Experienced working with diverse populations to optimize representation.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
Alaska Office of Victims' Rights
06.2006 - 04.2016
Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
Reduced errors in document production through meticulous proofreading of legal drafts before submission.
Increased client satisfaction by providing prompt updates on case status and addressing concerns professionally.
Streamlined communication with clients by drafting correspondence and tracking case progress.
Enhanced case efficiency by managing and organizing legal documents, evidence, and client files.
Conducted thorough legal research to support attorneys in developing strong case strategies.
Maintained law and administrative library, as well as department files and records.
Maintained accuracy in all document filings by reviewing court rules and requirements before submission.
Collaborated with attorneys to successfully prepare clients for depositions, mediation sessions, and court appearances.
Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
Streamlined workflow by implementing new document management system, reducing time spent on file retrieval.
Assisted in achieving favorable legal outcomes by preparing persuasive legal arguments and briefs.
Increased client satisfaction with thorough research and prompt response to inquiries.
Enhanced case preparation efficiency by organizing and maintaining comprehensive digital filing system.
Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
Paralegal
Law Office of Sarah J. Tugman
05.2003 - 05.2006
Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
Facilitated smoother trial preparations, organizing exhibits and coordinating witnesses.
Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
Streamlined case management process, reducing overhead costs and improving case turnaround times.
Streamlined office communication and improved case management with meticulous record-keeping and scheduling.
Increased client satisfaction with thorough research and prompt response to inquiries.
Optimized legal proceedings with precise preparation of trial notebooks and evidence.
Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
Created weekly, monthly, and quarterly expense reports.
Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.
Conducted background investigations on defendant.
Prepared various exhibits for attorneys for public meetings, zoning commission meetings, and legal resolutions.
Paralegal
Law Office of Murphy L. Clark
07.2001 - 04.2003
Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases.
Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
Optimized legal proceedings with precise preparation of trial notebooks and evidence.
Streamlined office communication and improved case management with meticulous record-keeping and scheduling.
Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
Facilitated smoother trial preparations, organizing exhibits and coordinating witnesses.
Increased client satisfaction with thorough research and prompt response to inquiries.
Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
Created weekly, monthly, and quarterly expense reports.
Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.
Conducted background investigations on defendant.
Prepared various exhibits for attorneys for public meetings, zoning commission meetings, and legal resolutions.
Legal Secretary
Law Office of Sarah J. Tugmam
11.1998 - 05.2000
Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
Organized files for court proceedings.
Answered and directed calls using multi-line switchboard.
Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
Provided exceptional customer service when greeting clients and answering phone calls, fostering a welcoming environment.
Managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
Screened telephone calls and forwarded to appropriate departments.
Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
Reduced errors in legal documents by implementing thorough proofreading processes.
Created, indexed, and maintained client binders.
Scheduled all appointments, appearances and briefings.
Coordinated meetings, conferences, and travel arrangements for attorneys, ensuring seamless scheduling across the firm.
Supported attorneys during trials by efficiently coordinating exhibits, witness interviews, and other essential tasks.
Enhanced attorney productivity with proficient management of case files and schedules.
Diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling.
Collaborated with attorneys to prepare comprehensive trial materials, assisting in successful case outcomes.
Improved client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate legal document preparation.
Developed strong relationships with court personnel to ensure smooth filing processes and adherence to regulations.
Streamlined office procedures for increased efficiency in handling legal matters.
Contributed to positive client experiences by offering attentive support during consultations with attorneys.
Fostered more organized office environment by implementing color-coded filing system for physical and digital documents.
Maintained strict confidentiality of all client and firm information, reinforcing firm's commitment to client privacy.
Improved client satisfaction by providing detailed case updates and maintaining open lines of communication.
Streamlined billing process, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing for firm's services.
Enhanced office efficiency by streamlining filing systems, making critical documents easily accessible for urgent legal matters.
Enhanced accuracy of legal documents by conducting meticulous proofreading, reducing need for revisions.
Coordinated scheduling of client meetings and court dates, improving firm's ability to meet clients' needs promptly.
Assisted with preparation of trial binders, ensuring lawyers had all necessary materials for court appearances.
Created and printed legal documents for attorneys to review.
Prepared and processed invoices for attorney billing.
Communicated professionally with clients, colleagues and legal partnership verbally and in writing.
Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
Assisted with preparation of trial materials and documents.
Prioritized and handled multiple assignments and maintained firm commitment to deadlines.
Researched and booked reasonably-priced and comfortable airfare, hotels and ground transportation for senior leadership.
Industrial Cleaner
Self Employed
11.1995 - 04.1998
Demonstrated adaptability in learning new techniques for handling specialized cleaning equipment or chemicals when required.
Maintained proper inventory levels of cleaning supplies, preventing unnecessary downtime due to shortages.
Implemented effective time management strategies to complete assigned tasks efficiently and accurately.
Enhanced workplace safety by conducting thorough industrial cleaning and maintaining a hazard-free environment.
Collaborated effectively with team members to complete large-scale cleaning projects within tight deadlines.
Showcased attention to detail when inspecting facilities for cleanliness, identifying areas needing improvement or additional attention.
Reduced equipment downtime through regular cleaning and maintenance, ensuring optimal performance.
Provided exceptional customer service to clients, addressing their specific needs in a timely manner.
Assisted in training new hires on company policies, procedures, and best practices for industrial cleaning tasks.
Developed strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and high-quality service delivery.
Maximized the lifespan of company assets by performing preventative maintenance on industrial equipment.
Performed daily facility checklists for cleaning floors, wiping down glass entryways and collecting trash.
Identified repair needs and major maintenance concerns, and escalated issues to management.
Cleaned walls and ceilings with special reach tools following regular schedule.
Used vacuum and shampooers to clean carpeted areas in offices, lobbies and corridors.
Maintained floor cleaning and waxing equipment.
Maintained cleanliness of restrooms by washing down and properly sanitizing walls, floors and toilets.
Operated buffers and burnishers to clean and polish floors.
Kept public pathways clear of safety hazards and spills with regular checks and attention.
Used power scrubbing and waxing machines to scrub and polish floors.
Maintained optimal supply levels to meet daily and special cleaning needs.
Vacuumed and shampooed carpets, upholstery and other fabrics.
Used hand trucks or manually lifted supplies, equipment and heavy furniture.
Housing Stability Case Manager (Project Imagine, RRH-DV Bonus) at Seminole County Victims’ Rights Coalition, Inc.Housing Stability Case Manager (Project Imagine, RRH-DV Bonus) at Seminole County Victims’ Rights Coalition, Inc.
Assistant Advocate at Disability Rights California – Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy, NLACRCAssistant Advocate at Disability Rights California – Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy, NLACRC