Open To Work
Cherilynn Ford
Grayslake,USA
Summary
Trusted Paralegal offering extensive legal skill set, proficiency in managing large caseloads and capacity to meet deadlines. Collects, organizes, analyzes and disseminates significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy. Exercises independent judgment regarding legal and contractual matters within broadly defined practices and policies.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Family Law Paralegal
Freelance
Grayslake, IL
07.2024 - Current
- Draft pleadings, motions, and declarations for family law cases.
- Analyze financial records, including bank statements and tax returns, for property division in divorce proceedings.
- Conduct client interviews to gather critical case information, enhancing understanding of client needs.
- Review and organized legal documents, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for effective case management.
- Prepare compliance and regulatory forms for various legal cases.
- Organize trial exhibits by compiling materials and supporting documentation, facilitating streamlined presentation in court.
- File pleadings electronically using e-filing systems for efficiency.
Family Law Paralegal
Matthew Kaplan & Associates, LLC
Libertyville, Illinois
05.2020 - 07.2024
- Migrated firm management software from Time Matters to Clio.
- Implemented a comprehensive case file management structure.
- Assisted attorney in depositions, trials, and hearings, ensuring thorough preparation and effective presentation.
- Further expanded the firm’s footprint in mediation.
- Worked closely with clients to draft financial affidavits, discovery, and pleading responses.
- Conducted client intakes and factual investigations, gathering and summarizing information to support case strategy.
- Filed court documents electronically, adhering to local court rules and procedures.
- Collaborated with legal teams to streamline workflows and improve efficiency in case management.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive client information throughout all processes.
- Coordinated service of process with local sheriff's offices or private process servers.
- Scanned documents into electronic file formats for storage purposes.
- Maintained docket for hearings, conferences, and meetings.
- Facilitated communication between opposing parties, the court and mediators.
- Monitored deadlines for filing various forms required by the court system.
- Ensured consistent billing compliance.
- Analyzed financial records such as bank statements and tax returns for property division purposes in divorce proceedings.
- Assisted attorney in preparing divorce settlements, child custody agreements, and other family law matters.
- Entered data into and managed litigation databases and Excel spreadsheets.
- Trained staff on office procedures and case-specific duties.
- Produced well-researched and articulate legal briefs, pleadings and statements.
- Organized exhibits for trial by preparing materials and supporting documentation.
- Reviewed and summarized depositions, transcripts, and other legal documents for attorney review.
- Managed the discovery process by drafting documents and coordinating production, facilitating timely access to evidence.
Legal Assistant
Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP
Lake Forest, Illinois
01.2013 - 05.2020
- Well-versed in managing high-net-worth and complex family and matrimonial law cases.
- Drafted correspondence, pleadings, subpoenas, notices, trial/hearing outlines, and deposition outlines.
- Coordinated case timelines for attorneys.
- Supported attorneys by overseeing calendar management, scheduling appointments, organizing documentation, and filing legal documents.
- Organized case files, maintaining accurate records and documentation.
- Protected client privacy by implementing measures to maintain confidentiality in legal matters.
- Prepared trial exhibits and materials for courtroom presentations.
- Assisted with document production and deposition preparation.
- Converted phone inquiries into consultations, contributing to client acquisition.
- I participated in the Lake County Circuit Court test pilot for Odyssey e-filing.
- Competently trained, newly hired legal assistants firmwide.
- Liaised between attorney and outside counsel to facilitate information exchange and support case strategy.
- Collaborated with team members on case management and workflow improvements.
- Scanned physical documents into electronic format for storage in a secure database system.
- Proofread drafts of legal documents for accuracy in grammar and punctuation.
- Managed office scheduling and kept accurate notes on deadlines, motions, and other dates.
- Drafted legal complaints, summonses and interrogatories.
- Prepared and processed expense reports for reimbursing attorneys.
- Compiled financial records related to specific cases.
- Organized and prepared case exhibits and evidence for trial.
- Received exceptional training from one of the country’s leading firms.
Family Law Paralegal
Matthew Kaplan & Associates, LLC
Libertyville, Illinois
03.2009 - 12.2012
- Established an intake system to streamline the management of inquiries from potential clients.
- Conducted client interviews to gather pertinent case information.
- Performed legal research on family law topics to enhance case preparation.
- Collaborated with court-appointed experts and third-party entities, including forensic accountants and law enforcement.
- Coordinated scheduling of meetings, depositions, and court dates to ensure timely case progression.
- Filed court documents personally, ensuring compliance with local court rules.
- Implemented practices to improve the firm's operational effectiveness.
Legal Assistant
Levun, Goodman & Cohen, LLP
Northbrook, Illinois
01.2005 - 02.2009
- Provided legal support for corporate litigation, estate planning, and tax law activities.
- Drafted legal documents and correspondence for attorneys and clients.
- Managed attorney calendars to schedule meetings and court appearances efficiently.
- Prepared trial exhibits and materials for effective courtroom presentations.
- Assisted in gathering evidence and preparing case strategies for litigation.
- Facilitated smooth operations by coordinating attorney schedules and deadlines.
- Updated clients on case progress and gathered essential information to facilitate case preparation.
- Transitioned to family law to pursue a long-standing passion for helping families navigate legal matters.
Education
Paralegal Studies -
New England Technical Institute
West Palm Beach, FloridaSkills
- Professional growth and development
- State statutes and legal protocols
- Client management and expectations
- Confidentiality and discretion
- Good judgment and analytical skills
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Problem-solving and strategic thinking
- Multi-tasking and organizational skills
- Time management and scheduling
- Business acumen and judgment
- Office management and digital document handling
- Collaboration with attorneys
- Calendar management and project oversight
- Document preparation and e-filing
- Telephone and email communication
Certification
Certified Notary Public
Typing Speed
80+ wpm
References
Excellent references available
Applications
- Microsoft Office products
- Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Multiple Email and calendering platforms
- Clio
- IManage
- Time Matters
- Family Law Software
- Westlaw
- Justia
- LexisNexis
- NOLO
- FindLaw
- Odyssey
- PACER
- Our Family Wizard and Talking Parents
Versed in the following counties
- Lake
- Cook
- McHenry
- DuPage
- Kane
- Will
- Martin, Florida
- Multnomah, Oregon
- Hudson, New Jersey
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteSalary Range
$85000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Family Law Paralegal
Freelance
07.2024 - Current
Family Law Paralegal
Matthew Kaplan & Associates, LLC
05.2020 - 07.2024
Legal Assistant
Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP
01.2013 - 05.2020
Family Law Paralegal
Matthew Kaplan & Associates, LLC
03.2009 - 12.2012
Legal Assistant
Levun, Goodman & Cohen, LLP
01.2005 - 02.2009
Paralegal Studies -
New England Technical Institute