Cyndi Ellison
Clovis,CA
Summary
Focused and dedicated Legal Assistant with exceptional work ethic and proven strengths in case management support. Strong multitasker skilled at managing high-volume caseloads while consistently meeting deadlines. Persistent and resourceful problem-solver with excellent research and communication skills.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Family Law Legal Assistant
Law Office of Zeppy Attashian, PC
Fresno, California
01.2020 - Current
- Assist attorney with drafting and completing legal documents such as initial pleadings, RFOs, ExParte RFOs, Responsive Declarations, Requests for DV TRO, Income & Expense Declarations, Stipulations for Parenting Plan, Stipulations for Support, General Stipulations, Declaration of Disclosure, Discovery (Propounding, Responses & Objections, Meet & Confer, RFO-Compel, Responsive Declaration), Records Subpoenas; and, required method of service and efiling.
- Research accuracy of Plans involved, Plan name, and required method of service; Draft joinder pleadings and procure service to plan administrator; Initiate contact with QDRO/DRO actuary/attorney, Draft QDRO/DRO preparation requests, Monitor completion of QDRO/DRO; and, Monitor eventual implementation of division.
- Assist attorney with all aspects of Family Court Services Mediation Tier levels to initiate request, complete submission of Intake, requests for separate sessions, and receipt of resulting Mediation Summary and Reports.
- Assist attorney with 4-way settlement meetings; Draft Propertizers, gather supporting documents; and, Draft DissoMaster Reports.
- Assist attorney with all aspects of prepration for Law & Motion Hearings, and Contested Hearings/Trials from 1/2 day to 10-day Trials.
- Assist attorney with drafting and completing Orders After Hearing (including letters for 10 day, 5 day, and direct submit Declaration). Monitor receipt of Minute Orders and Status Minute Orders.
- Assist attorney with drafting and completing Judgment pleadings (Default with Agreement, Default without Agreement, Stipulated Judgment, Recited on Record), and, monitor division of asset division.
- Client contact including meetings, telephone calls and emails relating to upcoming Hearings, case status, preparation of pleadings and disclosures, and to address their inquiries, and providing electronic copies of all pleadings and communications in the case.
- Provide administrative support to attorney by managing calendar to ensure communication (client appointments - telephone and in-office), 4-way meetings, attorney conference calls, meeting deadlines (Trials, RFOs, Discovery), and coordinating continuance of hearings.
- Superior organization of client files (electronic and physical) and indices (pleading, discovery & trial) for attorney use and reference.
- Point of Contact relating to all aspects of Potential New Client Development (initial contact, gathering detailed information and pertinent documents for productive consultation appointment, and consultation fee process.)
- Assist Accounting Department with Client contact relating to Retainer Agreements, Retainer Fees; Retainer Replenishment Payments; Requests for Payment Plans, Draft related Agreements, and note payment follow-ups; assist with questions relating to Billing Statements; and process payments.
Senior Legal Assistant
Mary M. Moshrefi formerly Walters & Moshrefi
Fresno, California
08.2013 - 01.2020
- Similar legal and administrative responsibilities.
Senior Legal Assistant
Judith L. Lund, Certified Family Law Specialist
Fresno, California
02.2006 - 01.2013
- Similar legal and administrative responsibilities.
Senior Legal Assistant
Donald J. Magarian - Retired, Deceased
Fresno, California
11.1992 - 02.2006
- Similar legal and administrative responsibilities, except provided all administrative and accounting function support to include office administration, operation of office, and personal affairs of Mr. Magarian.
Legal Assistant/Office Administrator
Richtel & Smith
Fresno, California
01.1991 - 10.1992
- Law firm specializing in the areas of sexual harassment, wrongful termination based on discrimination, personal injury and legal malpractice. Case management responsibilities involve initial contact with all new potential clients to ascertain facts and circumstances of case nature; case strategy and analysis with attorneys; delegation of work assignments; coordination and supervision of all trial preparation; incoming mail; calendar all events and deadlines (statutes, fast track, discovery, motions and trials).
Administrative responsibilities involve hiring, training and supervision of all support staff; prioritize and coordinate staff work assignments; create office policies/procedures, form files, and file structure; computer system maintenance.
Legal Assistant/Office Administrator
Frandzel & Share
Beverly Hills, California
11.1985 - 01.1991
- Legal Assistant & Branch Office Administrator. Assigned to Branch Managing/Senior Partner, Dale Reid, who practiced in areas of commercial litigation, receiverships, and major loan restructures. Main Office in Beverly Hills, with Branch Offices in Orange, San Francisco, and Fresno Counties. Case management responsibilities involve drafting various pleadings, discovery and correspondence; monitor client files; calendar all events and deadlines.
Administrative responsibilities involve hiring, training and supervision of branch support staff; coordinate business development events for Mr. Reid; coordinate seminars conducted by firm in branch target areas; computer system maintenance and telecommunications. Create branch procedure manuals. Coordinate all Branch relations with home office in Beverly Hills.
Legal Secretary
Wild, Carter & Tipton
Fresno, California
06.1980 - 11.1985
- Law firm offering legal services in multiple areas of law. Legal Assistant assigned to Managing Senior Partner, Robert G. Carter, who practiced in areas of a civil/business litigation. Also assisted with the administrative duties in his management of the firm. During last 2 years, worked with partner, Clarke Roundtree, specializing in areas of personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and Firestone defense litigation.
Education
High School Diploma -
Hoover High School
Fresno, California06-1979
Some College (No Degree) - Paralegal Studies - Completed 2-1/2 Years
Fresno City College
Fresno, CaliforniaTimeline
Senior Family Law Legal Assistant
Law Office of Zeppy Attashian, PC
01.2020 - Current
Senior Legal Assistant
Mary M. Moshrefi formerly Walters & Moshrefi
08.2013 - 01.2020
Senior Legal Assistant
Judith L. Lund, Certified Family Law Specialist
02.2006 - 01.2013
Senior Legal Assistant
Donald J. Magarian - Retired, Deceased
11.1992 - 02.2006
Legal Assistant/Office Administrator
Richtel & Smith
01.1991 - 10.1992
Legal Assistant/Office Administrator
Frandzel & Share
11.1985 - 01.1991
Legal Secretary
Wild, Carter & Tipton
06.1980 - 11.1985
High School Diploma -
Hoover High School
Some College (No Degree) - Paralegal Studies - Completed 2-1/2 Years
Fresno City College
Similar Profiles
Jordan HebertJordan Hebert
Litigation Paralegal at Law Office of Jerry V. Hernandez, PC, of Counsel - The Davis Law FirmLitigation Paralegal at Law Office of Jerry V. Hernandez, PC, of Counsel - The Davis Law Firm
Lisa SchragerLisa Schrager
Bank Attorney at Law Office of Scott J. Saturn PCBank Attorney at Law Office of Scott J. Saturn PC
Jairy VelazquezJairy Velazquez
Legal Assistant at The Law Office of Kairi Kamilah Lynch Esq PCLegal Assistant at The Law Office of Kairi Kamilah Lynch Esq PC
Ian AlemanIan Aleman
Acting General Manager / Facilities Manager at High Performance AcademyActing General Manager / Facilities Manager at High Performance Academy
Jennifer GuerreroJennifer Guerrero
Patient Access Specialist at Clovis Community HospitalPatient Access Specialist at Clovis Community Hospital