Dawn L. Benson
St. Louis
Summary
With over 23 years of experience in high-level support roles, an energetic and dedicated Executive Legal Assistant. Committed to delivering high-quality results, honed skills and expertise in providing exceptional administrative support to executives and legal professionals. Demonstrates a strong attention to detail, excellent organizational abilities, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Passion for efficiency and a proactive approach make a valuable asset in any fast-paced and demanding work environment.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Administrative Assistant
Tucker Ellis LLP
07.2024 - Current
- Supported multiple attorneys simultaneously by efficiently prioritizing tasks according to urgency or deadline requirements.
- Managed general clerical needs such as opening and closing files, scanning sheets and faxing documents.
- Facilitated clear communication between clients and attorneys by acting as a liaison to ensure all parties were informed of updates or changes.
- Prepared drafts of forms, letters and agreements for legal staff use.
- Streamlined legal processes by drafting and proofreading documents, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
- Reduced attorney workload through proficient document management, handling correspondence, and performing clerical tasks.
- Scheduled and coordinated meetings between legal teams and clients.
- Developed efficient filing systems for legal documents resulting in reduced retrieval times and increased productivity.
- Helped with intake of new clients and materials by setting up files and documenting important information.
- Assisted in trial preparation, compiling critical documents and evidence for successful legal proceedings.
- Provided exceptional customer service when interacting with clients fostering strong relationships and positive outcomes.
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality, and extreme discretion.
- Increased productivity by anticipating attorney needs and providing proactive support in various administrative tasks.
- Generated pleadings and other legal documents for review by attorneys and paralegals.
- Prepared court forms accurately under the supervision of attorneys, ensuring compliance with local rules and regulations.
- Managed billing procedures to maintain accurate records of client accounts and expedite payment processing.
- Improved law office efficiency by managing calendars, coordinating travel arrangements, and maintaining organized files.
- Expedited case preparation by organizing and maintaining comprehensive electronic filing systems for easy retrieval.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Prepared and processed invoices for attorney billing.
- Diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling.
- Managed check requests, expense reimbursement requests, invoices and accounts payable and receivable information.
- Assisted with preparation of trial materials and documents.
- Scheduled and made appointments for [Number] attorneys.
Legal Assistant
Stinson LLP
01.2017 - Current
- Mail and arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials
- Compose and revise legal documents, including letters, and court documents
- Assist in maintaining department attorney personnel files with the utmost confidentiality
- Act as liaison between clients and attorneys
- Photocopy/scan in all correspondence, documents, and other printed materials
- Plan travel arrangements for 4 partners and 3 associates
- Organize and prioritize caseloads for 4 partners and 3 associates
- Keep calendars and enter time for 4 partners and associates
- Coordinate and schedule meetings and telephone conferences
- General administrative duties
- Prepare pleadings for filing with the courts
- Electronic filing with Federal, State and Appellate Courts
- Electronic filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Open and maintain new client files
- Experienced in trial preparation
Legal Assistant (temporary)
Lewis Rice LLC
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Mailed and arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials
- Composed and revised legal documents, including letters, and court documents
- Planned travel arrangements for 2 partners
- General administrative duties
Legal Patent Assistant
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
01.2008 - 01.2016
- Acted as liaison between clients and attorneys
- Organized and prioritized the caseloads for 4 partners and 2 associates
- Kept docket calendars for 4 partners and 2 associates
- Prepared Patent Applications and other various patent documents for filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Electronically filed documents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Proofed documents and submitted them to attorneys for review
- Opened and maintained new client files
- Coordinated and scheduled meetings and telephone conferences
- Planned travel arrangements for 4 attorneys and 2 associates
- Created weekly and monthly reports for Practice Group Leader and Clients
Education
Master of Legal Studies -
Washington University
01.2024
BS - Criminology
University of Missouri
08.2019
Skills
- Advanced Microsoft Office Proficiency
- Committed Team Contributor
- Precise Detail Management
- Effective Communication Skills
- Effective Time Management
- Proficient in 3E and ChromeRiver
- Electronic Court Filing
- Effective Problem Solver
- Proactive Learner
- Proficient in USPTO Electronic Filings
- Proficient in Litigation
- Proficient in Real Estate
- Knowledgeable in Estate Planning Processes
- Proficient in Intellectual Property Management
Highlighted Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Dedicated team player
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Time Management
- Proficient in 3E and ChromeRiver
- Electronic filing in State, Federal, and Appellate Courts
- Strong problem solver
- Self-directed
- Electronic filing in the United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Experienced in Litigation, Real Estate, Estate Planning, and Intellectual Property
Timeline
Legal Administrative Assistant
Tucker Ellis LLP
07.2024 - Current
Legal Assistant
Stinson LLP
01.2017 - Current
Legal Assistant (temporary)
Lewis Rice LLC
01.2016 - 01.2017
Legal Patent Assistant
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
01.2008 - 01.2016
BS - Criminology
University of Missouri
Master of Legal Studies -
Washington University
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