DEBORAH GORDASH
Davie,FL
Summary
- Maintains professionalism in emotionally charged situations. Bringing over 25 years of experience in legal field.
- Enthusiastic and project-oriented Paralegal. Demonstrated attention to detail and adherence to confidentiality and ethical requirements.
- Positive and upbeat team player with strong verbal and written communication skills. Desiring a long-term position with the opportunity for career growth.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Law Paralegal
Mayersohn Law Group, P.A.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
06.2019 - Current
- Independently responsible for client outreach and facilitating collection of detailed information for financial affidavits.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, discovery responses and paperwork with court clerk to meet strict deadlines.
- Collected client data to determine appropriate requests and subpoenas needed for complete transparency and compliance with Florida Family Law Rules and Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Prepared clients for appointments, depositions, and testimony to support associates.
- Organized exhibits for trial by preparing materials and supporting documentation.
- Trained staff on office procedures and case-specific duties.
Mediation Scheduler
Senior Judge Peggy Gehl
04.2017 - 08.2019
- Managed scheduling and coordination of mediations.
- Conducted online docket searches and reviewed court orders to calculate mediation timeframes.
Commercial and Transactional Law Litigation Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Joseph B. Heimovics
Davie, FL
07.2010 - 06.2019
- Drafted pleadings, discovery, and correspondence for both state and federal courts.
- Coordinated court appearances, depositions, and mediations. Efficiently communicated on a daily basis with attorneys and judicial assistants.
- Prepare monthly billing using PC Law Software.
- Prepare and calculate recording fees to record documents with Official Records in various counties.
Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Harold Weissman
Plantation, FL
01.2011 - 05.2019
- Independently reached out to clients and assisted them with gathering detailed information in preparation of their financial affidavits using DPA program.
- Prepared discovery responses, including certificate of compliance with mandatory disclosure, answers to interrogatories, and response to request for production. Generated necessary discovery requests on a case-by-case basis to obtain pertinent information.
- Determined necessary information to obtain transparency in clients' cases, including requests and subpoenas, in compliance with Florida Family Law Rule and Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Participated in client interviews, observed questioning process and documented information.
Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Cindy S. Vova, P.A.
Davie, FL
12.2008 - 12.2009
- Managed a wide range of cases including divorce litigation, personal injury, probate foreclosure/guardian ad litem, and commercial/business litigation.
- Preparation of pleadings, letters, and discovery documents.
- Utilized the DPA (Divorce Planner Analyzer Program) to prepare financial affidavits for mandatory disclosure
- Managed phone inquiries, conducted client screening, and collected intake data; maintained ongoing interaction with clients to ensure smooth progress in compliance with discovery deadlines.
Owner of Craft Beer Business
Holy Mackerel Beers
Davie, Florida
01.2006 - 11.2009
- Established and marketed a successful Belgian beer brand from ideation to retail, overseeing the entire branding and bottling process
- Responsible for establishing DBPR Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco licensing.
- Coordinated and directed the setup of the corporation, maintained corporate records, supervised the setup of the website, and created branding and artwork for labels and packaging.
- Implemented campaigns and promotions to help with developing goods and services, including participation in local tastings and events.
Administrative Assistant
Lynn Britt, C.P.A.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
06.2006 - 03.2007
- Administrative Assistant to Forensic CPA (also member of The Florida Bar).
- Trained staff on pre-trial procedures, trial orders, discovery and production requests to ensure timely preparation of expert witness evaluations and testimony for depositions and trial.
- Clients consisted of family law lawyers.
- Effectively communicated with clients and Judicial Assistants in Broward and Palm Beach Counties to discuss discovery, compliance, and arrange pre-deposition conferences as well as pre-trial conferences.
Part-Time Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Cindy S. Vova
Davie, FL
11.2005 - 05.2006
- Divorce litigation
- Preparation of pleadings, letters and discovery documents
- Preparation of financial affidavits for Mandatory Disclosure (Rule 12.285) using Divorce Planner Program
- Responsible for contacting clients and following up with clients as it relates to obtaining Mandatory Disclosure materials.
Paralegal/Legal Assistant/Administrative Assistant
William H. Stolberg, P.A.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
01.1988 - 07.2002
- Preparation of retainer letters, petitions, pleadings, motions, notices of hearing and deposition, as well as providing clients discovery packets in order to prepare discovery responses and financial documents involving high-profile divorce cases.
- Review all incoming mail and prepare communication to clients for either information purposes or advising clients of necessary action to be taken.
- Responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training staff.
- Responsibilities included administrative duties which included light bookkeeping, payroll and payroll taxes, etc.
Legal Assistant/Administrative Assistant
Ronald D. Poltorack, Esquire
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
01.1986 - 01.1988
- Preparation of contractual agreements, trusts, wills, pleadings, and client correspondence.
- Scheduled out-of-state depositions and maintaining a daily calendar.
- Liaised between attorney and outside counsel, exchanging information.
- Filed clients' legal documents in relevant courts for processing.
Skills
- Litigation Support
- Team-oriented
- Legal Compliance
- Case coordination
- Electronic filing familiarity
- File Management
References
- Lee Amato, Retired Captain, Miami Beach Fire Dept., 954-817-3700
- Abbe Cohn, Esquire, 954-524-1337
- Denise Gentile, Esquire, 215-510-2050
- Mia Rae Stephens, Marketing Director, 239-744-0583
Timeline
Family Law Paralegal
Mayersohn Law Group, P.A.
06.2019 - Current
Mediation Scheduler
Senior Judge Peggy Gehl
04.2017 - 08.2019
Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Harold Weissman
01.2011 - 05.2019
Commercial and Transactional Law Litigation Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Joseph B. Heimovics
07.2010 - 06.2019
Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Cindy S. Vova, P.A.
12.2008 - 12.2009
Administrative Assistant
Lynn Britt, C.P.A.
06.2006 - 03.2007
Owner of Craft Beer Business
Holy Mackerel Beers
01.2006 - 11.2009
Part-Time Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Cindy S. Vova
11.2005 - 05.2006
Paralegal/Legal Assistant/Administrative Assistant
William H. Stolberg, P.A.
01.1988 - 07.2002
Legal Assistant/Administrative Assistant
Ronald D. Poltorack, Esquire
01.1986 - 01.1988