Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Charlene Cortez

San Antonio

Summary

Dynamic paralegal with a proven track record at Paul Garcia & Associates, excelling in legal research and client communication. Enhanced case efficiency through meticulous document drafting and calendar management, significantly reducing attorney workload. Committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism while fostering strong client relationships and ensuring compliance with court procedures.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Paralegal

Paul Garcia & Associates
04.2025 - Current
  • 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.
  • Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
  • Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
  • 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.
  • Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
  • Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
  • Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.

Paralegal

Garza & Associates
09.2023 - 04.2025
  • Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
  • Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
  • 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.
  • Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
  • 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.
  • Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
  • Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
  • Increased client satisfaction with thorough research and prompt response to inquiries.
  • 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.
  • Optimized legal proceedings with precise preparation of trial notebooks and evidence.
  • Strengthened case presentations with detailed investigative work and evidence gathering.
  • Facilitated smoother trial preparations, organizing exhibits and coordinating witnesses.
  • Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
  • Bolstered firm's reputation by consistently maintaining high standards of confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
  • Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
  • Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
  • Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
  • 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.
  • Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.

Cosmetic Counter Manager

Christian Dior
08.2017 - 09.2023
  • Fostered a positive work atmosphere through open communication channels among team members.
  • Managed difficult or delicate customer interactions with politeness and professionalism, reaching resolutions promptly and according to store policies.
  • Gathered and analyzed sales and performance data to set and strategize on departmental goals.
  • Greeted and assisted customers within minutes of approaching cosmetic counter.
  • Coordinated successful product launches by collaborating closely with marketing teams on promotional materials and event logistics.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures while managing daily operations at the cosmetic counter.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized consultations and product recommendations.
  • Assessed client needs through active listening and targeted questioning, recommending suitable products accordingly.
  • Ordered supplies and inventory for cosmetics counter averaging $[Amount] per month in sales.
  • Organized in-store events to showcase new products, driving sales growth and increased brand awareness.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, identifying areas for improvement and implementing appropriate coaching strategies.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing concerns promptly and maintaining a professional demeanor under pressure.
  • Led a team of beauty advisors to achieve sales targets and deliver exceptional customer service.
  • Achieved sales goals consistently by employing effective selling techniques and product knowledge expertise.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and competitor offerings to provide informed guidance to customers.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively, ensuring the availability of best-selling products at all times.
  • Planned and prepared for special events, adjusting employee schedules and inventory to achieve smooth, efficient department operations.
  • Circulated cosmetic department to promptly and politely welcome customers and engage in conversation to assess needs.
  • Recruited, trained and supported cosmetic counter team members, emphasizing company policies, product knowledge, and departmental goals across staff.
  • Analyzed sales, wrote sales reports, and set sales goals for cosmetics counter at [Type] store.
  • Boosted satisfaction and repeat business by recommending products in alignment with customer needs.
  • Protected store assets and inventory via loss prevention procedures.
  • Delivered product demonstrations and sample applications, raising exposure of key brands.
  • Applied merchandising and housekeeping procedures, adhering to corporate, and brand standards.
  • Ranked among top sales performers, averaging over $250,000.00 sales annually.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
  • Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
  • Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
  • Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
  • Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.

Skincare Consultant

Sephora
01.2014 - 08.2017
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized skincare consultations and product recommendations.
  • Met sales goals by building customer relations and recruiting new customers, increasing likelihood of repeat business.
  • Examined merchandise and took inventory to identify items to be reordered and replenished.
  • Utilized skin hydrometer to help determine customers' skin conditions.
  • Delivered unprecedented service to clients through personalized consultations, making experience unique for each client.
  • Demonstrated product application on clients using testers and samplings.
  • Set up and designed advertising signs and merchandise displays on shelves, counters, and tables to promote sales and attract customers.
  • Improved overall store atmosphere through engaging product displays and maintaining a clean consultation area.
  • Assisted in managing inventory levels, ensuring adequate stock availability for customers'' desired products.
  • Developed individualized skincare regimens for clients, resulting in improved skin health and appearance.
  • Educated clients on proper skincare techniques, leading to better self-care practices at home.
  • Conducted thorough skin assessments to accurately identify client concerns and recommend appropriate treatments.
  • Established trust with clients by maintaining confidentiality regarding personal information and treatment history.
  • Exceeded monthly sales goals by effectively upselling additional products during consultations.
  • Worked closely alongside estheticians in offering complementary services such as facials or peels when necessary.
  • Facilitated seamless appointment scheduling processes to maximize efficiency within the business operations.
  • Promoted a variety of high-quality skincare products, driving sales growth within the company.
  • Collaborated with fellow consultants to share knowledge and best practices, elevating overall team performance.
  • Recommended retail products for at-home use.
  • Analyzed skin condition and made appropriate product recommendations.
  • Stocked treatment rooms with proper supplies.
  • Welcomed clients arriving for appointments.
  • Resolved customer complaints and facilitated conflict resolutions.
  • Advised clients on proper home-care regimens.
  • Gained knowledge of facial massage techniques and skin care product ingredients.
  • Explained benefits of skin care products to clients.
  • Assessed condition of clients' skin in order to make recommendations to improve skin quality.
  • Cleansed, exfoliated and moisturized customer skin.
  • Educated guests on current promotions, events and services within store or salon.
  • Practiced new makeup application techniques and color combinations to promote various makeup brands.

Esthetician

Isabelle's European Day Spa
11.2009 - 01.2014
  • Educated clients on proper skincare routine maintenance and guided them in selecting appropriate home care products.
  • Maintained strict sanitation protocols to ensure a clean and safe environment for both staff and clients.
  • Performed various facial treatments for optimal skin health, including microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and LED therapy.
  • Established long-lasting relationships with clients by providing personalized care and consistently delivering outstanding results.
  • Sterilized equipment for patient treatments.
  • Performed waxing, body wrap application, and gentle exfoliation to improve overall skin condition.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in various waxing services, resulting in smooth skin with minimal discomfort for clients.
  • Developed personalized treatment plans for clients experiencing acne or other skin issues, leading to improved complexion over time.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and techniques.
  • Conducted thorough skin analysis, identifying potential issues and recommending appropriate interventions.
  • Improved client satisfaction by providing customized skincare treatments and product recommendations based on individual needs.
  • Assisted management in inventory control, regularly monitoring stock levels and placing orders as needed.
  • Educated patients on treatment options.
  • Reduced appointment cancellations by implementing effective reminder systems and maintaining open communication with clients.
  • Increased client retention rate through attentive follow-up procedures after each appointment to gauge satisfaction and encourage rebooking.
  • Enhanced skin health with customized facial treatments, focusing on deep cleansing and hydration techniques.
  • Reduced treatment time without compromising quality, optimizing booking schedule for increased daily appointments.
  • Reduced appearance of aging by performing specialized anti-aging treatments, incorporating advanced serums and massage techniques.
  • Promoted to lead esthetician for demonstrating outstanding skill and dedication to client care.
  • Increased customer loyalty, providing exceptional aftercare advice and follow-up support.
  • Conducted thorough skin assessments to tailor treatments for optimal outcomes, ensuring client needs were met.
  • Enhanced relaxation and stress relief with integration of aromatherapy techniques during sessions.
  • Facilitated training sessions for new estheticians, improving team skills and service quality.
  • Created repeat business by developing long-term relationships with regular customers.
  • Discussed procedures and treatment options with clients.
  • Performed consultations for patients before scheduling treatments.
  • Handled busy schedules and stayed on top of key deadlines.
  • Performed special anti-oxidant, acne, and microdermabrasion facial services.
  • Recommended and performed microdermabrasion, peels and laser treatments.
  • Recommended retail products for at-home use.
  • Stocked treatment rooms with proper supplies.
  • Welcomed clients arriving for appointments.
  • Gained knowledge of facial massage techniques and skin care product ingredients.
  • Cleansed, exfoliated and moisturized customer skin.

Education

High School Diploma -

Holmes High School
San Antonio, TX
05-1979

Skills

  • Legal research
  • Proficient in MS office
  • Case management
  • Client communication
  • Office administration
  • Document drafting
  • Calendar management
  • Proofreading
  • Court filing
  • Exhibit preparation
  • Discovery management
  • Criminal law
  • Civil law

Timeline

Paralegal

Paul Garcia & Associates
04.2025 - Current

Paralegal

Garza & Associates
09.2023 - 04.2025

Cosmetic Counter Manager

Christian Dior
08.2017 - 09.2023

Skincare Consultant

Sephora
01.2014 - 08.2017

Esthetician

Isabelle's European Day Spa
11.2009 - 01.2014

High School Diploma -

Holmes High School
Charlene Cortez