Excellent Software Skills
Ciara Contreras
Paralegal
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
I am a caring and skilled Paralegal, passionate about positively impacting programs and helping participants by providing expert support. Familiar with Plaintiff Employment and Personal Injury Law and always looking for ways to improve operations and personalize assistance. Well-organized and resourceful with detail-oriented and conscientious approach. I am also an Executive Assistant with over 18 years of successful experience in the Legal Field and with an array of knowledge in the legal areas such as Plaintiff Employment law and Personal Injury. Recognized consistently for performance excellence and contributions to success in the legal industry. Strengths in customer service and assisting any legal team backed by training in over 18 years of personal experience.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Intake Specialist / Paralegal and Executive Asst.
HKM Employment Attorneys LLP
Las Vegas , NV
2017.08 - 2020.12
- Communicated directly with individuals and families to provide information about eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods and applicants' legal rights during intake assessment.
- Determined eligibility for counseling and referral for over 50 clients daily.
- Educated potential participants on available services and processes to engage in program.
- Developed polished legal documents, including motions and briefs, to support litigation processes and court proceedings.
- Accurately handled data entry for hundreds of clients into company-based software.
- Managed day-to-day legal activities such as subpoena services for las vegas office with 3 attorneys.
- Wrote and filed pleadings with State and Federal court on schedule to maximize case success.
- Communicated with outside vendors on behalf of attorneys and legal departments.
- Researched innovative methods of adding value to key client relationships by providing timely material to facilitate frequent interactions with clients.
- Maintained ongoing communication with opposing parties from discovery to trial phase to facilitate expeditious litigation.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions and pleadings.
- Created and implemented all policies, work flow processes and work assignments.
- Directed and coordinated law office activities, including service of subpoenas and scheduling of depositions.
Executive Assistant
Adam S. Kutner P.C.
Las Vegas , NV
2014.12 - 2017.02
- Handled logistics, catering, agendas and travel arrangements for meeting and event planning for board of directors, president and executive vice president.
- Coordinated travel arrangements, including booking airfare, hotel and ground transportation.
- Contributed to smooth business operations by planning and organizing meetings and conferences, including conference calls.
- Updated executives on changing business needs by thoroughly documenting internal and client meetings.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Promoted team productivity by keeping supplies organized and well-stocked.
- Managed administrative functions, including complex calendar management with focus on proper allocation of executive availability.
- Worked collaboratively with auditors throughout reviews, offering assistance and clerical support.
- Worked with senior management to initiate new projects and assist in various processes.
Legal Assistant and Receptionist
Hofland And Thomsheck
Las Vegas , NV
2014.01 - 2014.12
- Directed incoming calls to internal personnel and departments, routing to best-qualified department.
- Sorted, received and distributed mail correspondence between departments and personnel.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints by acting swiftly with maximum damage control
- Monitored premises, screened visitors, updated logs and issued passes to maintain security.
- Prepared packages for shipment, pickup and courier services for prompt delivery to customers.
- Managed office inventory by restocking supplies and placing purchase orders to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Collected, sorted, distributed and sent mail and packages.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Answered high-volume, multi-line telephone, directing callers to appropriate company personnel.
- Corresponded with clients through email, telephone or postal mail.
Legal Assistant
Dempsey Roberts And Smith
Henderson , NV
2010.06 - 2014.07
- Worked alongside attorneys, administrative assistants and fellow legal assistants on complex cases and legal processes.
- Interviewed and prepared intake sheets for clients in Spanish and English.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions and other important dates.
- Tracked incoming and outgoing files and materials and maintained accurate records for potential discrepancies.
- Optimized information gathering and presentations with implementation of practical filing system.
- Processed correspondence, including post office pick-ups, sorting and distribution to appropriate parties.
- Upheld confidentiality of all information to avoid potential data breaches and client lawsuits.
- Maintained physical and computer-based filing systems.
- Examined, categorized and sorted incoming documents.
Education
High School Diploma -
Basic Highschool
Henderson, NV 2000.08 - 2004.06
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
CCSN - Community College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas 2004.08 - 2005.06
Skills
Consultation and advisory
undefinedAccomplishments
I was able to grow the Las Vegas database from an income of zero to over $150,000 in new client fees within two years as well as assist an out of state office with over $77,000.00 in three months with new client fees and cases.
I pride myself on the level of customer service I provide as well as my constant communication so that no one goes un noticed. I enjoy being the "gate keeper" for my Attorneys to aide and shield them with whatever they may need.
I have supervised a staff of over 20 and was able to leap from department to department to be better utilized in whatever role the Attorney needed me for.
I have over eighteen years of being in the legal industry and have enjoyed every minute of it.
Software
Needles
Microsoft Office
Clio Grow
Lexicata
GLIP and SLACK
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Interests
Traveling with my children; Snowboarding and Volunteering for the Animal Shelters when I can
Quote
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
Certification
Notary Public
Timeline
Notary Public
2020-12
Intake Specialist / Paralegal and Executive Asst.
HKM Employment Attorneys LLP
2017.08 - 2020.12
Executive Assistant
Adam S. Kutner P.C.
2014.12 - 2017.02
Legal Assistant and Receptionist
Hofland And Thomsheck
2014.01 - 2014.12
Legal Assistant
Dempsey Roberts And Smith
2010.06 - 2014.07
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
CCSN - Community College of Southern Nevada
2004.08 - 2005.06
High School Diploma -
Basic Highschool
2000.08 - 2004.06