Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Cynthia Kearney

Cynthia Kearney

Sarasota,FL

Summary

Accomplished legal assistant with extensive experience supporting corporate, tax, and estate planning attorneys, including litigators in medical malpractice, employment, entertainment, and labor law. Utilizes acquired knowledge, interpersonal skills, and steadfast dedication in a friendly yet professional environment that values ideas and contributions.


Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Legal Assistant - Part Time

Robert S. Naftal, P.C.
2010.12 - 2023.11
  • Prepared Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Deeds of Personalty, Beneficiary Designations and Deeds of Trust.
  • Analyzed deeds of trust to verify grantor, grantee, trustee and loan amounts for executive leadership.
  • Gathered key information during initial client intake interviews that contributed significantly to the formulation of effective legal arguments.
  • Enhanced office productivity by implementing efficient document management systems for easy retrieval and storage.
  • Drafted accurate and persuasive legal correspondence, contributing to successful negotiations and settlements.
  • Streamlined administrative processes for better efficiency in handling caseloads, reducing paperwork backlog, and ensuring timely completion of tasks.
  • Created spreadsheets and used TimeSlips to track client progress and document billable hours for invoicing.
  • 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.
  • Monitored relevant laws to stay abreast of code and regulations changes.
  • Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
  • Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
  • Prepared and finalized correspondence.
  • Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
  • Interviewed clients to obtain information.
  • Researched issues to provide accurate advice to clients.

Legal Assistant - Part Time

Robert H. Hovis, III, P.C.
  • Litigation support in medical malpractice.
  • Created and maintained client files to include indexing medical records, bills and expense files.
  • Responded to daily correspondence.
  • Medical transcription.
  • Summarized deposition transcripts.
  • Prepared and submitted motions, notices, briefs, memoranda, subpoenas, orders, discovery, etc.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
  • Arranged attorney and expert witness travel and accommodations.
  • Scheduled court reporters for discovery depositions, hearings and expert witnesses for trials
  • Adhered to court deadlines, filings and other important dates.
  • Improved communication between attorneys and clients by providing status updates and relaying critical information promptly.
  • Completed filings, initiated billing statements, and managed firm administrative matters.
  • Increased client satisfaction by efficiently managing case files and promptly addressing inquiries.
  • Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
  • Managed accounts and client records, observing confidentiality and extreme discretion.
  • Delivered exceptional service to clients by assisting them with routine needs like preparing copies of pertinent records or directing them to appropriate resources when needed.
  • Efficiently and accurately maintained accounts payable/receivable using Quickbooks to ensure smooth financial operations.
  • Maintained attorney checking and trust accounts.
  • Maintained client and attorney expense reports.
  • Maintained equipment contracts and general office management office.
  • Interacted with clients, colleagues and judge's chambers

Education

Certification - Legal Studies

Washington Business School
Falls Church, VA

Skills

  • Notary - Commonwealth of Virginia
  • MS Office
  • Accounting
  • Maintain calendars
  • Legal document preparation
  • Interview clients
  • Document drafting, editing proofreading and filing
  • Office Management
  • Exceptional telephone etiquette, efficient and organized
  • Legal terminology
  • Organized, articulate and personable
  • Transcription
  • Arrange travel and accommodations
  • Attention to detail - critical thinking
  • Deadline monitoring
  • Filing system organization
  • Meeting preparation
  • Daily correspondence
  • Flexible schedule
  • Legal jargon knowledge

Timeline

Legal Assistant - Part Time

Robert S. Naftal, P.C.
2010.12 - 2023.11

Certification - Legal Studies

Washington Business School

Legal Assistant - Part Time

Robert H. Hovis, III, P.C.
Cynthia Kearney