Deanna Burris-Rucker
Lula,GA
Summary
Accomplished Paralegal with a proven track record at Bell & Washington, enhancing case efficiency by 30% through expert legal research and case management. Skilled in MS Office and client communication, adept at fostering client trust and streamlining office operations. Demonstrates a keen ability to manage complex cases and support legal teams effectively.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal /Paralegal/Office Manager
Bell & Washington
03.2016 - Current
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
- Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
- Handled payroll
- Met weekly with different departments to set goals i.e. family law, and personal injury
- Met with firm partners regarding finances
- Handled monthly firm meeting
- Managed the front office receptionist
Paralegal
Fox & Chandler Law Office
09.2013 - 10.2015
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
- Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
- Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
- Aided settlement negotiations with effective summary reports outlining key points from discovery materials for use during mediation sessions or pretrial settlement talks.
- Optimized legal proceedings with precise preparation of trial notebooks and evidence.
- Fostered collaborative environment, facilitating communication between legal teams and clients.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
Paralegal/Administrative Office Manager
Troy R. Millikan
09.1995 - 05.2007
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
- Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
- Aided settlement negotiations with effective summary reports outlining key points from discovery materials for use during mediation sessions or pretrial settlement talks.
- Optimized legal proceedings with precise preparation of trial notebooks and evidence.
- Fostered collaborative environment, facilitating communication between legal teams and clients.
- Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
- Developed polished motions and briefs to support litigation processes and court proceedings.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Delaware State University
Dover, DE05.1987
High School Diploma -
Gainesville High School
Gainesville, GA06.1981
Skills
- Legal Research
- Proficient in MS Office
- Case Management
- Client Communication
- Office Administration
- Notary Public
- Calendar Management
Being with my family, reading, and traveling
I consider myself a family person and since the death of my parents it is very important for me to step up as the matriarch.
I enjoy reading fiction and one of my favorites authors is John Grisham.
Timeline
Paralegal /Paralegal/Office Manager
Bell & Washington
03.2016 - Current
Paralegal
Fox & Chandler Law Office
09.2013 - 10.2015
Paralegal/Administrative Office Manager
Troy R. Millikan
09.1995 - 05.2007
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Delaware State University
High School Diploma -
Gainesville High School