Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Chestela Farmer

Southaven,MS

Summary

Results-driven Probate, Estate, and Litigation Paralegal with 3 years of legal experience supporting attorneys in case management, probate and trust administration, estate planning, and complex civil litigation. Skilled in drafting legal documents, e-filing, managing probate deadlines, and maintaining meticulous case records. Recognized for protecting attorney timelines, ensuring procedural compliance, and fostering strong attorney-client communication.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

Legal Assistant / Paralegal

Shuttleworth PLLC
10.2024 - Current
  • Provide full-spectrum legal support in probate, estate planning, and litigation matters.
  • Draft and prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, petitions, motions, and pleadings.
  • E-file legal documents in multiple court systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Manage probate deadlines, track filings, and maintain court calendars.
  • Communicate with court clerks, clients, and opposing counsel professionally and efficiently.
  • Maintain and organize both physical and digital case files in ATO.
  • Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
  • Supported attorneys in achieving favorable outcomes through thorough research and analysis of complex legal issues.
  • Conducted comprehensive legal research using various resources such as online databases, law libraries, or government agencies to support case strategies effectively.

Legal Assistant

Law Office of Smith & Associates
01.2023 - 09.2025
  • Assisted in probate, estate, and litigation case preparation.
  • Conducted legal research and drafted attorney-reviewed correspondence.
  • Managed probate case files, deadlines, and hearing schedules.
  • Coordinated with executors, beneficiaries, and court officials to ensure smooth estate settlements.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Psychology

Northwest Community College
Southaven, Ms
05.2016

Associate Degree - Medical Administrative Assistance

Bryant & Stratton College
Buffalo, NY

Bachelor of Science - Paralegal Studies

Bryant & Stratton College
Buffalo, NY
12.2024

Skills

  • Probate administration expertise
  • Legal Drafting & Document Review
  • ATO Case Management
  • Court E-Filing & Filing Procedures
  • Civil Litigation Support
  • Deadline & Calendar Management
  • Legal Research (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
  • Client Communication & Correspondence
  • Microsoft Office Suite & Adobe Acrobat
  • Time & Billing Management

Accomplishments

  • Managed complete probate administration processes from petition to final settlement, ensuring compliance with court procedures.
  • Successfully organized and maintained over 500 active case files within ATO and physical filing systems without missed deadlines.
  • Drafted and filed motions, pleadings, wills, trust documents, and court orders with 100% attorney approval on first review.
  • Trained and mentored new legal staff on ATO case management, e-filing systems, and probate procedures.
  • Collaborated with attorneys to prepare comprehensive estate plans and asset distribution schedules for high-value estates.

Timeline

Legal Assistant / Paralegal

Shuttleworth PLLC
10.2024 - Current

Legal Assistant

Law Office of Smith & Associates
01.2023 - 09.2025

Associate of Applied Science - Psychology

Northwest Community College

Associate Degree - Medical Administrative Assistance

Bryant & Stratton College

Bachelor of Science - Paralegal Studies

Bryant & Stratton College