Carolina Castro
Rochester,NY
Summary
Detail-oriented legal secretary skilled in effective communication, case management, and document preparation. Proven ability to facilitate client interactions and maintain accurate records to support legal processes.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Secretary
Public Defender's Office
Monroe, New York
10.2024 - Current
- Streamlined communication by managing email correspondence, transferring calls, and organizing filing systems.
- Developed and maintained document filing systems to enhance accessibility of case files.
- Answered incoming calls from clients and attorneys to provide assistance or route calls to appropriate personnel.
- Drafted letters and prepared legal correspondence for attorneys and legal assistants.
- Enhanced communication flow between clients and legal staff to improve response times and client satisfaction.
- Organized case files and maintained accurate record-keeping systems.
- Utilized office software to streamline document creation and management tasks.
- Assisted in maintaining department attorney personnel files with utmost confidentiality.
- Opened new client files and new matters in CMS.
- Monitored office supply inventory and initiated orders to ensure adequate stock levels.
- Assisted in preparation of engagement letters.
- Sorted and distributed incoming faxes, letters and emails for office distribution.
- Took detailed notes in meetings and disseminated information afterward.
- Handled confidential information with discretion and integrity.
Residential Youth Care Worker
San Diego County Health And Human Services Agency
San Diego, California
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Provided direct care and support to at-risk youth in residential settings.
- Delivered emotional support to youth, fostering resilience and coping skills in residential care.
- Monitored activities and ensured safe living environment, enabling youth to thrive academically and socially.
- Listened to personal stories, asked probing questions and offered knowledgeable advice for different situations.
- Facilitated group activities to strengthen relationships among youth and promote cooperative skills.
- Supervised daily activities and ensured safety of residents.
- Assisted with daily living activities and personal hygiene routines for residents.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans.
- Documented resident progress and incidents, contributing to effective care strategies and compliance with agency policies.
- Engaged families through regular communication and support initiatives.
- Monitored safety and security protocols within the residential facility environment.
- Encouraged development of independent living skills through role modeling and instruction.
- Conducted assessments of residents' physical, emotional, educational and social needs.
- Developed individualized plans for each resident to address their needs and goals.
- Developed effective case management plans that included goal setting and service coordination.
- Provided transportation for medical appointments or recreational activities.
- Maintained communication with outside agencies such as schools, courts, probation departments.
- Organized recreational activities such as sports, music lessons and field trips.
- Participated in weekly staff meetings to discuss progress, challenges, strategies and solutions.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate situations safely.
- Provided direct supervision, guidance and support to at-risk youth in a residential setting.
- Supported residents in decision making processes through active listening techniques.
- Documented child progress, reporting extreme changes in behaviour.
- Oversaw daily routines of youth in placement and delivered services related to basic human needs.
- Reported incidents that negatively affected child safety.
- Observed and participated in mediation and planning conferences with youth and families to foster program success.
- Assisted with homework and provided tutoring to support educational goals.
- Conducted conflict resolution sessions among youths to foster a positive living situation.
Court Services Assistant
Imperial Court
El Centro, California
12.2023 - 04.2024
- Assisted court personnel with administrative tasks and case management support to enhance operational efficiency.
- Facilitated communication between court personnel and public to address inquiries and provide timely information.
- Helped clients navigate court processes, providing guidance on required documentation.
- Managed incoming calls and directed them to appropriate court departments efficiently.
- Verified application data and account information against legal documentation to determine accuracy and integrity.
- Maintained accurate daily records of court proceedings and related activities to support case management.
- Wrote error-free and professional correspondence on behalf of court system.
- Assisted in managing court schedules and case files for efficient operations.
- Maintained accurate records of court proceedings and filed necessary documents promptly.
- Communicated effectively with court users to provide information and assistance.
- Processed legal documents for filing, ensuring compliance with court regulations.
- Collaborated with law enforcement to facilitate smooth courtroom operations during hearings.
- Developed and maintained filing systems for easy retrieval of case information and records.
- Organized client files according to established procedures.
- Reviewed case materials prior to trial or hearing dates in order to ensure accuracy of information presented in court proceedings.
- Compiled statistical data related to cases tried before the court.
- Monitored courtroom proceedings and provided support to ensure order.
- Inputted data into computer systems accurately and efficiently.
- Assisted court personnel with filing, processing and organizing documents.
- Provided assistance to legal professionals in preparing for court proceedings.
- Ensured compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing court operations.
- Answered phones, responded to inquiries, and directed calls to appropriate staff members.
- Maintained court records and databases.
- Processed payments from litigants associated with cases heard by the court.
- Welcomed visitors and provided detailed information about available court services and processes.
- Received and submitted payments for fees and fines, accurately tracking amounts, issuing receipts and updating computer systems.
- Verified document authenticity to process license application.
- Prepared lists of overdue accounts, license suspensions and issuances.
Education
Certificate - Paralegal Studies
Monroe Community College
Rochester, New York, NY06.2026
Associate of Applied Science - Administration of Justice
Southwestern College
Chula Vista, CA05.2020
Skills
- Legal research
- Civil and criminal law expertise
- Legal terminology
- Legal documentation
- Document preparation
- Court filing
- Document filing
- Record keeping
- Case management
- Client support
- Client communication
- Conflict resolution
- Schedule management
- Research and data collection
- Database management
- MS office proficient
- Spreadsheets
- Typing speed
- Phone etiquette
- Effective communication
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Behavioral management
- Public relations
- Public relations
Languages
Spanish
Professional
English
Professional
Timeline
Legal Secretary
Public Defender's Office
10.2024 - Current
Residential Youth Care Worker
San Diego County Health And Human Services Agency
05.2024 - 09.2024
Court Services Assistant
Imperial Court
12.2023 - 04.2024
Certificate - Paralegal Studies
Monroe Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Administration of Justice
Southwestern College