Cindy Burdue
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Seal Beach,CA
Summary
Seeking full or part-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Detail-oriented team player. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Experienced at remote working for over 12 years, in a paperless office (all electronic). Can apply medical knowledge to accurately summarize medical records, prepare files for deposition; and assist with interrogatories, answering or propounding. Ability to handle large variety of tasks to free attorneys' time. Not currently a Bar member in any jurisdiction.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
Work History
Administrative Law Judge
State Of WA, Office Of Administrative Hearings
Olympia And Tacoma, WA
06.2002 - 06.2022
- Conducted administrative fair hearings by phone and in person, with pro se and represented parties, for any of 38 State agencies.
- Prepared written opinions to defend rationale of rulings and inform parties of ruling.
- Determined proper outcome of litigated cases on basis of evidentiary facts and applicable laws, including determination of witness credibility.
- Conducted legal research on large variety of issues using Westlaw, Lexis, internal databases.
- Reviewed legal documents and memos to make determinations on pre-trial issues, motions and final rulings.
- Issued written Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order after each hearing. Produced subpoenas, correspondence, and interim orders as required.
- Familiar with Microsoft Word, type 50 wpm
- Familiar with Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
- Used numerous databases in all electronic office for last 12 years as Administrative judge, mostly created by internal IT Department.
- Expert at remote office employment, last 15 years in job I worked either a hybrid schedule, ( 3-4 days remote), or fully remote. During last five years, I lived in CA and worked remotely with office in WA State.
- Monitored hearings before panels or committees (State Ethics Board; State Highway Patrol disciplinary hearings), for adherence to legal procedures and rules by attorneys and litigants.
- Reviewed voluminous pleadings, motions and evidence to assess admissibility and relevance to case.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proved successful working within strict deadlines in fast-paced environment
- Organized and detail-oriented with strong work ethic.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holidays.
Litigation Associate
Aiken, St. Louis & Siljeg PS
Seattle, WA
02.2000 - 05.2002
- Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise attorneys on legal issues in insurance defense cases. Primarily nursing home wrongful death.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
- Wrote briefs, memoranda, and motions.
- Developed strategies with lead attorney to resolve cases in client's best interest. Do you know
- Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet all legal and firm deadlines.
- Analyzed plaintiff medical records and summarized for use in deposition and trials.
- Drafted motions, petitions and waivers.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case.
Partner, Owner Attorney
Burdue & Burdue PS
Tacoma And Lakewood WA
03.1992 - 06.2001
- Oversaw firm's day-to-day administrative operations, provided guidance to support staff and enforced compliance with state, federal, and local regulations across organization.
- Monitored staff to verify task completion, meeting tight deadlines, and schedules.
- Recruited, trained and mentored paralegals and support staff to strengthen legal team.
- Researched law and wrote legal memos, appellate briefs, and motions.
- Conducted interviews with potential new clients and evaluated potential of case based on facts.
- Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.
- Propounded and answered interrogatories, took and defended depositions.
- Developed strategies for court proceedings and settlement negotiations. Prepared settlement and demand packets.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Attended arbitration and mediation, and presented my client’s factual and legal cases, to settle cases.
- Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.
- Communicated with clients and collected information to research cases and prepare settlement offers.
- Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case.
Assistant Attorney General
State Of WA, Office Of Attorney General
Tacoma, WA
01.1986 - 03.1992
- Litigated under state laws and regulations concerning welfare of abused/neglected children, termination of parental rights, Had a caseload of Workers Compensation defense cases (for State), and civil commitment/mental health laws (hearings or jury trials); as well as conducting parole hearings before Parole Board, to return paroled convicts back to prison.
- Prosecuted appeals from all administrative cases and child dependency matters in Superior Court, including research, briefing, and oral argument at Court of Appeals.
- Reviewed motions, briefs and other various legal documents from opposing parties and counsel.
- Appeared in public or private settings to discuss law and policy with interested parties (guardian ad litem, opposing counsel, agency administrators).
Law Clerk
Supreme Court, State of WA
Olympia, WA
08.1984 - 12.1985
- Attended court sessions to record and listen to critical information.
- Conducted extensive legal research; thoroughly reviewed and researched each of the parties' briefs.
- Prepared bench memoranda and bench briefs for judges on various legal issues.
- Wrote the draft opinions for publication after Justice's review and input.
Home Health RN
Tacoma Medicare Agency, Home Health
Tacoma, WA
08.1980 - 06.1981
- Assessed patients' health conditions and asked appropriate questions to better understand Travel
- Made visits to patients' homes as needed to assess condition and provide nursing care.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Informed physicians of any changes to patients' health or concerns observed during home visits.
- Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
- Educated patients on use and benefits of equipment such as home blood pressure cuffs and glucose meters.
- Contacted family immediately when issues arose with at-home patients in effort to find effective resolutions.
- Trained, guided, supported and supervised home health aide care providers.
- Incorporated therapeutic, rehabilitative and nursing goals into detailed, individualized care plans based on diagnoses.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications and treatments.
- Coordinated with other healthcare team members to support patient needs.
- Assessed patients' health status and developed individualized care plans to suit needs.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Advised and coached patients progressing from hospitals, rehab facilities, and other medical organizations to at-home treatment settings.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
RN Home Health
AZ Health Plan; Tacoma Medicare Agency Home Nurse
Phoenix, AZ, And Tacoma, WA
08.1979 - 07.1980
- Informed physicians of any changes to patients' health or concerns observed during home visits.
- Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Traveled to patients' homes on schedule to assess health conditions and provide superior level of nursing care.
- Assisted families and patients to plan for hospice or other end of life care. Arranged for and supervised in home nursing aides.
- Trained, guided, supported and supervised home health aide care providers.
- Incorporated therapeutic, rehabilitative and nursing goals into detailed, individualized care plans based on diagnoses.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications and treatments.
- Coordinated with other healthcare team members to support patient needs.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
R.N.
Phoenix Veterans’ Administration Hospital
Phoenix, AZ
03.1978 - 12.1979
- RN on locked Psychiatric unit.
- Administered medications, oral and intramuscular, and monitored/charted responses.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to treatment team of physicians, psychologists, and nursing supervisors.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning to provide post-discharge patient care, promoting mental stability.
- Developed and implemented individualized patient care plans for optimal outcomes.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Registered Nurse
AZ State Hospital
Phoenix AZ
02.1978 - 08.1978
- Collaborated with physicians, psychologists and nurses to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions of mentally ill population on a locked psychiatric unit.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans. Charted administration and responses.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
Education
J.D. - Law Degree
University of Puget Sound Law School
Tacoma, WA05.1984
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ12.1977
Associate of Applied Science - Pre-Nursing
Maricopa Community Colleges - Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ12.1975
Skills
- Writing of legal opinions, briefs, motions and memoranda
- Strong Legal Research skills, Lexis, Westlaw, also agency and court databases
- Well developed and proven critical reasoning
- General MS Office familiarity, type 50 WPM
- Cultural Awareness
- Patient with needs of injured or upset clients
- Flexible and Adaptable, team player
- Excellent Interpersonal Communication skills
Timeline
Administrative Law Judge
State Of WA, Office Of Administrative Hearings
06.2002 - 06.2022
Litigation Associate
Aiken, St. Louis & Siljeg PS
02.2000 - 05.2002
Partner, Owner Attorney
Burdue & Burdue PS
03.1992 - 06.2001
Assistant Attorney General
State Of WA, Office Of Attorney General
01.1986 - 03.1992
Law Clerk
Supreme Court, State of WA
08.1984 - 12.1985
Home Health RN
Tacoma Medicare Agency, Home Health
08.1980 - 06.1981
RN Home Health
AZ Health Plan; Tacoma Medicare Agency Home Nurse
08.1979 - 07.1980
R.N.
Phoenix Veterans’ Administration Hospital
03.1978 - 12.1979
Registered Nurse
AZ State Hospital
02.1978 - 08.1978
J.D. - Law Degree
University of Puget Sound Law School
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Arizona State University
Associate of Applied Science - Pre-Nursing
Maricopa Community Colleges - Phoenix College