Carmelia Domingo
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Highly skilled legal professional with over 25 years of experience providing comprehensive support across multiple practice areas, including bankruptcy, real estate, civil and tax litigation, estate planning and probate, immigration, family law, and gift and estate tax preparation. Proven expertise in preparing complex legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance, and facilitating effective client communication in high-stakes legal environments. Strong attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills, contribute to driving successful outcomes. Adept at training and mentoring junior associates and legal secretaries across diverse legal disciplines, fostering professional growth, and enhancing team performance. Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows and assist attorneys in all phases of legal matters.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Litigation Legal Secretary / Legal Assistant
Boutin Jones Inc.
Sacramento
09.2010 - Current
- Prepared and reviewed legal documents, including pleadings, contracts, and discovery requests.
- Managed attorney calendars by scheduling appointments, depositions, and court appearances.
- Maintained organized case files for easy access and efficient document filing.
- Assisted in trial preparation by gathering evidence and organizing exhibits.
- Conducted legal research on precedents to support case strategies and arguments.
- Trained and mentored junior associates in the preparation of Form 706 (United States Estate Tax Return) and Form 709 (United States Gift Tax Return), including reviewing IRS instructions, valuation requirements, and applicable deductions and elections.
- Provided detailed guidance on asset classification, proper reporting of lifetime gifts, use of the unified credit, marital and charitable deductions, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax considerations.
- Created and maintained internal checklists and reference materials to ensure consistency and accuracy in tax return preparation across the team.
- Reviewed junior associates’ draft returns for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with IRS regulations, firm protocols, and best practices.
- Prepared and reviewed comprehensive estate planning documents under attorney supervision, including revocable living trusts, wills, durable powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and various ancillary documents.
- Supported high-net-worth clients in the creation and funding of advanced estate planning strategies, including Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) and Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs), ensuring proper documentation, asset transfer, and IRS compliance.
- Drafted and organized documentation for irrevocable trusts, including Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs), GRATs, and SLATs, and coordinated funding through assignments of interests, gift letters, and trust schedules.
- Assisted with trust administration processes from post-death to final distribution: prepared asset inventories, coordinated valuations, tracked distributions, and maintained fiduciary accounting records in accordance with California Probate Code requirements.
- Communicated with clients, trustees, beneficiaries, CPAs, financial advisors, and valuation experts to gather required data, coordinate tax filings, and ensure the smooth administration of trusts and estates.
- Coordinated the preparation of federal Estate Tax Returns (Form 706) and Gift Tax Returns (Form 709), including gathering asset data, organizing supporting documentation, and reviewing filings with tax professionals.
- Filed and recorded deeds, assignments, and change of ownership documents to facilitate proper trust funding, transfers, and property tax compliance with California assessors.
- Drafted and managed required legal notices under Probate Code §§ 16061.7 and 16061.8 and assisted with probate filings when necessary, including Petitions for Probate and Inventory & Appraisals.
- Maintained accurate and organized digital and physical files across multiple active matters, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with firm procedures.
- Utilized case management software to track deadlines and manage case progress.
- Communicated with clients, witnesses, and court personnel to facilitate information exchange.
- Processed electronic court filings and ensured compliance with submission deadlines.
- Prepared and filed complex federal estate tax returns (Form 706), ensuring accurate valuation of assets, proper use of deductions (e.g., marital, charitable), and compliance with IRS requirements.
- Drafted and filed Gift Tax Returns (Form 709) for high-net-worth individuals, documenting lifetime transfers, Crummey trusts, GRATs, and other advanced estate planning techniques.
- Collected and analyzed financial records, appraisals, and supporting documentation for inclusion in tax filings, including valuations of real estate, closely held businesses, and investment portfolios.
- Coordinated with CPAs, fiduciaries, financial advisors, and appraisers to gather required information and ensure consistency across tax, trust, and probate filings.
- Assisted attorneys in trust and estate administration, including asset marshaling, preparing inventories and accountings, and managing trust distributions.
- Maintained detailed tracking systems for important tax deadlines, IRS correspondence, and statutes of limitations for audits and assessments.
- Drafted correspondence to clients and taxing authorities regarding return filings, tax elections (e.g., QTIP), and audit responses.
- Assisted in probate filings and documentation in the California Superior Court, including petitions for probate, notice filings, and creditor claim administration.
- Reviewed and organized trust documents, wills, and other estate planning instruments to ensure consistency with reported tax positions.
- Maintained accurate and organized files in both physical and digital formats, in accordance with firm policy and regulatory requirements.
- Provided comprehensive legal support to attorneys handling creditor-side bankruptcy litigation, adversary proceedings, and post-judgment enforcement in both state and federal courts throughout California.
- Drafted, filed, and served a variety of legal documents, including motions for relief from stay, objections to confirmation, proofs of claim, adversary complaints, stipulations, trial briefs, and settlement agreements via CM/ECF and state e-filing systems.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation for bankruptcy adversary proceedings and related state court matters, including organizing exhibits, preparing trial binders, coordinating witness appearances, and managing logistics.
- Scheduled and supported mediations and arbitrations, including document preparation, calendaring deadlines, and ensuring compliance with pre-hearing procedural requirements.
- Provided appellate support, including the preparation and filing of notices of appeal, designation of the record, appellate briefs, and coordination with the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (BAP) and the Ninth Circuit.
- Managed post-judgment enforcement activities, including preparing abstracts of judgment, writs of execution, garnishments, judgment renewals, and debtor examinations, in accordance with California enforcement laws.
- Tracked and maintained complex litigation and bankruptcy calendars, including hearings, discovery deadlines, bar dates, and appellate filing schedules, ensuring that attorneys met all procedural requirements.
- Monitored PACER and state court dockets for updates on adversary proceedings, contested matters, and post-judgment motions, providing timely updates to attorneys and clients.
- Communicated with court personnel, trustees, opposing counsel, and clients to coordinate hearings, resolve procedural issues, and exchange critical case information.
- Maintained organized, secure, and up-to-date case files (both electronic and physical) across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas.
Legal Secretary
McDonough Holland & Allen PC
Sacramento, CA
02.2007 - 09.2010
- Assisted four shareholder attorneys, two associates, and one paralegal across multiple practice areas.
- Organized monthly meetings for shareholders, practice groups, and staff to enhance departmental coordination.
- Monitored attorney calendars for bankruptcy hearings and court deadlines, ensuring timely responses.
- Prepared and processed pleadings and court documents for filing with United States Bankruptcy Courts.
- Drafted and revised legal correspondence, applying firm's styles and formatting consistently.
- Adapted quickly to assignment changes while maintaining open communication among attorneys and staff.
- Recorded various documents with Secretary of State of California to ensure compliance.
- Supported attorneys in civil litigation, estate planning, and public law processes to meet deadlines.
- Maintained accurate records of transactions and client communications.
- Assisted in drafting contracts and legal documents for property sales.
- Handled inquiries from clients via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
- Prepared documents such as leases, contracts, and closing statements.
- Verified accuracy of documents before submitting them to relevant parties.
- Draft, edit, and format real estate documents, including purchase and sale contracts, leases, and closing documents.
- Drafted, proofread, and finalized a wide range of real estate legal documents, including purchase and sale agreements, lease agreements, title and escrow documents, deeds, and closing binders.
- Coordinated due diligence processes, including the review of title reports, surveys, zoning documents, and environmental reports.
- Prepared and filed legal documents with California county recorders' offices and various courts, ensuring compliance with local and state regulations.
- Managed attorney calendars, scheduled meetings, closings, and court dates, and tracked critical real estate deadlines.
- Communicated with clients, title companies, escrow officers, lenders, and opposing counsel to facilitate smooth real estate transactions.
- Organized and maintained physical and electronic legal files, ensuring all documentation was accurate, complete, and properly archived.
- Assisted attorneys in preparing documentation for commercial and residential closings, including HUD statements and closing checklists.
- Utilized legal software (e.g., ProLaw, NetDocuments, or Clio) to track case progress and manage workflow efficiently.
- Monitored and ensured the timely completion of filings and recordings with the California Secretary of State and other relevant agencies.
- I supported attorneys in real estate litigation by preparing pleadings, discovery responses, and trial binders as needed.
- Supported attorneys in representing secured and unsecured creditors in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy proceedings throughout California.
- Prepared and filed creditor-related documents via CM/ECF, including Proofs of Claim, Motions for Relief from Stay, Objections to Plan Confirmation, and Notices of Appearance.
- Reviewed and analyzed bankruptcy petitions, schedules, and financial statements to identify and summarize potential impacts on creditor rights.
- Drafted legal correspondence and pleadings in compliance with the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and local court rules (including Central, Northern, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California).
- Coordinated deadlines and hearings, including § 341(a) Meetings of Creditors, claim bar dates, plan confirmation hearings, and motion calendar dates.
- Managed client communications, keeping lenders, servicers, and other creditor representatives updated on case status, court rulings, and deadlines.
- Monitored dockets using PACER to track case developments, adversary proceedings, and filings affecting creditor interests.
- Maintained organized and up-to-date electronic and physical files for multiple bankruptcy matters across various jurisdictions.
- Assisted in preparing documentation for reaffirmation agreements, stay relief orders, cash collateral stipulations, and reaffirmation hearings.
- Liaised with trustees, opposing counsel, and court personnel to coordinate filings, obtain hearing dates, and resolve procedural issues.
- Provided high-level administrative and legal support to attorneys handling civil litigation matters in California state and federal courts.
- Drafted, formatted, and finalized legal documents, including complaints, answers, motions, discovery requests/responses, subpoenas, and settlement agreements.
- Filed legal documents electronically via California e-filing systems and CM/ECF for the U.S. District Courts, ensuring compliance with court rules and deadlines.
- Maintained litigation calendars, tracked court appearances, discovery deadlines, statute of limitations, and other critical dates using calendaring software.
- Coordinated with court personnel, opposing counsel, experts, clients, and vendors to facilitate case progress and ensure procedural accuracy.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits, creating trial binders, and coordinating witness logistics.
- Prepared and served discovery documents in accordance with the California Code of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Monitored and summarized incoming case documents, court notices, and correspondence to ensure timely attorney responses and client updates.
- Managed case files (electronic and physical), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and proper organization throughout all stages of litigation.
- Scheduled depositions, hearings, mediations, and client meetings; arranged court reporters, and interpreters as needed.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive case information while managing high-volume caseloads in fast-paced environments.
Legal Secretary/Paralegal
Sideman & Bancroft LLP
San Francisco, CA
08.2002 - 02.2007
- Assisted three shareholder attorneys and one paralegal in the practice areas of tax litigation, real estate, estate planning, and probate.
- Transcribed and prepared various legal correspondence, petitions, briefs, legislative measures, legal opinions, various court pleadings, and related documentation.
- Assisted in trial preparation, court filings, document production, and records management.
- Researched title and record documents at the County Recorder’s Office.
- Researched files at the Registry of Probate.
- Prepared Employer Identification Number applications, and obtained Employer Identification Numbers on behalf of clients.
- Coordinated multifaceted office functions, encompassing court calendar management, retaining court reports, scheduling appointments, and performing various functions related to maintaining attorney schedules.
- Scheduled and coordinated meetings and conferences, including travel and lodging arrangements, facilities, and organized vendor and conference participant payments.
- Participated in the recruitment of staff members.
- Lead, guided, and trained staff and/or student interns to perform related tasks.
- Handled all word processing and typing.
- Entered data for reports, production items, shipping, and inventory.
- Maintained a computerized inventory of all original estate planning documents filed in a fireproof safe.
- Helped plan and organize company functions.
- Answered the telephone and represented the company in a professional and businesslike manner.
Education
Certificate - Paralegal Studies
American River College
Sacramento, CA08-2025
Associate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
American River College
Sacramento, CA08-2025
MBA - Human Resource Management
Kaplan University
Chicago, IL 06-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
California State University, Hayward
Hayward06-2000
High School Diploma -
Pinole Valley High School
Pinole, CA06-1996
Skills
- Legal research and documentation
- Client communication
- Bankruptcy expertise
- Calendar management
- Estate planning and probate
- Notary public services
- Case management
Affiliations
- Actively volunteered for the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society, participating in numerous statewide fundraising campaigns, awareness events, and community outreach initiatives.
- Delivered public speeches and special appearances across California to advocate for disease prevention, early detection, and support for patients and families.
- Played a key role in planning, promoting, and executing major fundraising events, including galas, charity walks, and donor engagement programs.
- Successfully helped raise significant funds through individual donor outreach, corporate sponsorship cultivation, and community event participation.
- Collaborated with nonprofit leadership teams, medical professionals, and volunteers to advance the mission and expand public awareness of cardiovascular health and cancer research.
- Recognized for outstanding public engagement and commitment to advocacy through consistent, high-impact volunteer service.
- Actively participated as a member of the firm’s softball team, fostering strong teamwork and cross-departmental relationships.
- Regularly attended and supported firm-sponsored events, professional development sessions, and employee appreciation activities, contributing to a positive and engaged workplace culture.
- Volunteered in a variety of community service initiatives through firm-organized outreach programs, supporting local nonprofits and charitable causes.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Litigation Legal Secretary / Legal Assistant
Boutin Jones Inc.
09.2010 - Current
Legal Secretary
McDonough Holland & Allen PC
02.2007 - 09.2010
Legal Secretary/Paralegal
Sideman & Bancroft LLP
08.2002 - 02.2007
Certificate - Paralegal Studies
American River College
Associate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
American River College
MBA - Human Resource Management
Kaplan University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
California State University, Hayward
High School Diploma -
Pinole Valley High School