Open To Work
Christopher McLendon
Group Supervisor, Paralegal Decision Writer
La Porte,TX
Summary
Accomplished Paralegal Decision Writer with the Social Security Administration, skilled in legal research and client communication. Enhanced case management efficiency by 20% through strategic process improvements. Proven leader in training and mentoring, fostering a collaborative work environment. Proficient in document drafting and office administration, driving successful outcomes in complex legal scenarios.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal Decision Writer
Social Security Administration- Office of Hearings & Appeals
10.2000 - 09.2021
- Assisted attorneys in preparing case files for administrative hearings and appeals.
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and improve argument accuracy.
- Drafted legal documents, including briefs, motions, and notices for submission to courts.
- Reviewed and summarized medical records to facilitate case assessments and decisions.
- Organized and maintained case files, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and administrative staff for efficient workflow.
- Trained junior paralegals on procedural guidelines and document management systems.
- Streamlined filing processes to enhance accessibility of information for legal teams.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
- Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in laws or regulations relevant to practice areas through continuous professional development opportunities such as seminars or webinars.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
- Researched and analyzed legal issues and cases to provide accurate advice to clients.
- Prepared various exhibits for attorneys for public meetings, zoning commission meetings, and legal resolutions.
- Analyzed case files to identify relevant information and enhance decision-making processes.
- Conducted training sessions for staff on effective legal writing techniques and regulatory updates.
- Edited and proofread drafts of articles and other documents.
- Composed original written material for various types of publications and submitted for approval by supervisor, editor or publisher.
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
- Reviewed and revised complex legal documents, ensuring accuracy and alignment with federal regulations.
Group Supervisor
Social Security Administration Headquarters
10.2010 - 04.2012
- Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with federal regulations and agency policies.
- Led training initiatives for new staff, enhancing team performance and service delivery.
- Developed strategic plans to improve workflow efficiency across multiple departments.
- Coordinated interdepartmental communication to streamline case management processes.
- Analyzed data trends to inform policy recommendations and operational improvements.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing within the team.
- Implemented process enhancements that reduced response times for client inquiries and applications.
- Collaborated with leadership to assess program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on stakeholder feedback.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks effectively to ensure timely completion of all deliverables.
- Optimized resource allocation for improved project outcomes and streamlined operations.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering a supportive work environment and promoting professional growth.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive project success and meet deadlines consistently.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided feedback.
- Assisted in interviewing and hiring of new candidates.
- Planned and implemented daily activities and responsibilities of [Number] team members.
- Assisted with development of business strategies to maximize revenue.
- Overcame complex challenges by leveraging analytical skills and innovative problem-solving techniques.
- Delivered exceptional results on key projects by applying strong leadership skills and effective project management techniques.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations as well as internal policies to maintain a safe work environment free from risks or hazards.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient workflow processes and organizational systems.
- Devised strategic plans that aligned with company goals, driving sustainable growth and long-term success.
- Established performance metrics for tracking progress towards goals, enabling data-driven decision-making within the group.
- Organized training sessions for staff members to meet departmental goals.
- Continuously assessed group performance, providing constructive feedback and implementing targeted improvement measures to optimize results.
- Spearheaded process improvements that led to increased operational efficiency and reduced error rates.
- Maintained clean and well-organized production areas to avoid violations or unnecessary work delays due to hazards or inefficient layouts.
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Monitored team performance to identify productivity improvement opportunities.
- Delegated tasks strategically and monitored progress for timely completion.
- Supported staff with developing professional skills and abilities, uplifting team performance.
- Conducted routine inspections to check quality and compliance with established specifications.
- Resolved conflict quickly to limit operational disruption and maintain positive, productive working environments.
- Attended staff development meetings and workshops and applied information from those events into daily activities.
- Offered supportive counseling and crisis intervention to individuals in crisis.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy (Pre-Law)
Texas A&M University
College Station, TXSkills
- Legal research
- Proficient in MS office
- Case management
- Client communication
- Office administration
- Document drafting
- Research and data collection
- Legal writing
- File organization
- Proofreading
- Attorney support
- Trial preparation assistance
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
- Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
- Achieved [Result] by introducing [Software] for [Type] tasks.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Selected to lead a team to analyze documents for high profile congressional investigation, resulting in a commendation for dealing tactfully with confidential information.
- Maintained more than [Number] files, while tracking and managing filing service for up to [Number] files per day.
- Managed more than [Number] client cases per week.
Numerous Performance Awards
Recognized yearly for outstanding job performance and productivity.
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Software
MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook (with encryption), Zoom, WhatsApp, Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional-v16
Timeline
Group Supervisor
Social Security Administration Headquarters
10.2010 - 04.2012
Paralegal Decision Writer
Social Security Administration- Office of Hearings & Appeals
10.2000 - 09.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy (Pre-Law)
Texas A&M University