Denna M. LaMons-Pace
Legal Assistant
Ruskin,Florida
Summary
Legal professional with strong skills in writing, organizing and project managing cases related to civil and criminal law. Expertly conducts research, collects witness statements and organizes files. Experienced working with diverse populations to optimize representation. Highly skilled at multitasking and prioritizing tasks to complete projects on time and determine appropriate courses of action. Experienced in drafting legal documents, scheduling appointments, managing client files and interacting with clients. Diligent worker with strong communication and task prioritization skills with high efficiency and minimal oversight.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Administrative Assistant
Performance Systems Development
Ithaca, NY
02.2022 - Current
- Under the supervision of Performance System Development’s (PSD) Program Manager, works in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment on the delivery of energy efficiency (EE) programs in Pennsylvania, supporting residential new construction programs for Pennsylvania utilities
- Works closely with a group of highly skilled professionals to manage program communications, provides customer outreach and support, reviews and approves project submissions, analyzes data
- Supports the day-to-day operations of PA energy efficiency programs (e.g., responding to customer inquiries), development of written and oral program documents and reports, technical reviews and data management, review project submittals to verify program compliance, manage project records in program database
- Compliance
- Updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze and report on performance and sales data.
- Edited documents to improve accuracy of language, flow and readability.
- Generated reports and typed letters in Word and prepared PowerPoint presentations.
- Set up conference rooms, technology and materials to facilitate meetings.
- Created presentations to inform, motivate and persuade internal and external audiences.
- Monitored office calendars to plan meetings, activities and travel to maximize productivity.
- Managed relational database to store information for reference, reporting and analysis.
- Scheduled office meetings and client appointments for staff teams.
- Scheduled conference rooms, prepared agendas and maintained calendars to prepare for meetings and events.
Owner/Operator
DocIT Online Notary Service
Ruskin, FL
12.2020 - Current
- As the owner/operator of an online and electronic notarization business, certified in the state of Florida, I perform in-person, remote and online notarial acts (notarizations)
- I am certified by the NNA (National Notary Association) as a certified signing agent
- Facilitates lending closure process by explaining provisions to mortgagee(s) and collecting relevant documentation
- Maintains calendar of signing agent (contacts borrower(s) to schedule dates and times) and coordinates logistics for meetings
- Travels to borrower’s home/office to notarize loan documentation
- Verifies government issued documents to ensure true-party identification via a KBA authentication software
- Partners with mortgage lenders, escrow, and title companies to complete the notarization of real estate loan documentation related to buy/sell purchases, refinances, reverse mortgages, and HELOC transactions
- Interprets and explains complex loan documents to borrower(s)
- Ensures expeditious return of executed loan packages to lenders
- Ensures100% of lender requirements are met by conducting quality checks on documentation
- Maintains electronic files and safeguarding of private financial information
- Maintains E&O (Errors and Omissions) insurance policy and Bond of Notary Public
- Completes annual re-certification and continuing education requirements of National Notary Association and criminal background check
- Gap in employment was due to a catastrophic medical condition.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts and costs.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Maintained up-to-date administrative records to monitor operational conditions.
- Conducted target market research to discover customer needs and analyze competitor trends.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-driven company culture to lead industry innovations.
- Reconciled daily sales, returns and financial reports in QuickBooks.
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
Document Reviewer
Compliance - System One
New York, NY
12.2021 - 01.2022
- Reviews imaged documents, identifies, and performs data input of relevant document data points for purposes of document identification
- Assists with performing quality control checks on input data to ensure accuracy
- Attention to detail in the review and data entry of information from documents
- Reviews high volumes of complex litigation documents with highest productivity
- Works on any contract abstraction or management software
- Provides litigation technology support to attorneys and paralegals
- Receives incoming production data for uploading into databases, performs quality control of databases, runs, and verifies database searches/queries, coordinates document review efforts, and trains end-users on Relativity
- Possesses knowledge of e-discovery management systems such as Relativity and a general familiarity with litigation software and databases.
- Used electronic systems for data entry, tracking and analysis.
- Analyzed available information and data to inform audit review process.
- Prepared documents for projects in accordance with project manager, team or client specifications.
- Verified continuity among corporate and divisional work teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities and continuing needs.
- Compared incoming data against quality, integrity and accuracy expectations, identified faults and affected timely remedies.
- Communicated with clients to review contracts, answer questions and determine special circumstances.
- Reviewed document management protocols and user activities against internal records policies and document management standards.
- Converted documents from one application to another.
- Analyzed contract documents to identify ambiguity and conflicts between documents and specifications.
- Manipulated and converted documents to meet needs of individual personnel or projects.
- Utilized Relativity to scan and clean up project documents.
- Established, improved and reinforced document management systems to handle current and expected requirements.
- Assisted with document troubleshooting and recovery of corrupt documents and files.
- Worked with internal staff to process documents and sent for closing.
- Maintained legally compliant, highly secure and user-friendly content to facilitate smooth use by internal and external stakeholders.
- Managed file archival and information retrievals.
- Transmitted documents, organized revisions and tracked changes.
Executive Assistant
Bethesda Ministries Community Development Center
Tampa, FL
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Provided high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests, preparing correspondence, assisting visitors, and scheduling meetings
- Perform general administrative and support functions for the office preparing paperwork, copying/ scanning materials, faxing and shipping, and general office organization
- Researched grants and other funding sources for use in youth programs and charter school
- Prepared grant applications for review and submission to Executive Director
- Maintained inventory of office supplies and school supplies and placed orders for replenishment
- Worked collaboratively with a wide range of colleagues in numerous departments or capacities to accomplish high-level initiatives - namely, the creation and opening of a new charter school for grades Pre-K to 8
- Represented Executive Director at outside meetings and planning events
- Provided excellent customer service to a high volume of members and guests regularly
- Successfully completed the research and procurement of back-to-school supplies, bookbags, clothing donations, and gifts for non-profit's annual Fall Festival and Christmas Celebration
- Efficiently handled a multiple line telephone system, transferring calls to the appropriate extension
- Served as Notary Public for agency
- Exhibited interpersonal skills necessary to communicate by email, telephone, and in person to provide information with ordinary courtesy and tact
- Plan and schedule appointments and events
- Maintained and updated client CRM data and records, both routinely and by project assignment
- Maintained office filing system
- Took minutes during monthly meetings, transcribing minutes and distributing minutes in a timely manner
- Demonstrated an attitude of ownership and excellence when executing projects
- Assisted with marketing initiatives, included but not limited to flyers, event preparation, event reservations, etc
- Handled mail, paperwork and maintained files
- Proofread, redlined, revised documents
- Gap in employment was due to a catastrophic medical condition.
- Used advanced software to prepare documents, reports and presentations.
- Updated spreadsheets and created presentations to support executives and boost team productivity.
- Screened calls and emails and responded accordingly to support executive correspondence.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Transcribed meeting minutes to support sales, business development and senior management teams.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Organized envelopes, postage and mail correspondence for staff and leadership.
- Supported business and hospitality needs of corporate partners and staff during meetings and company events.
- Managed and reviewed filing and office systems.
- Upheld strict timetables by maintaining accurate, balanced calendars.
- Streamlined operations and prioritized tasks, allowing senior staff to increase productivity.
- Worked with clients to effectively plan and coordinate logistics for special projects and events.
- Handled logistics, catering, agendas and travel arrangements for meeting and event planning for board of directors, president and executive vice president.
- Handled incoming and outgoing mail, email and faxes.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Organized logistics and materials for each meeting, arranged spaces and took detailed notes for later dissemination to key stakeholders.
- Coordinated events and worked on ad hoc projects.
- Managed mail and both incoming and outgoing correspondence, mail, email and faxes.
- Filed paperwork and organized computer-based information.
- Created and managed office systems to efficiently deal with documentation.
- Promoted team productivity by keeping supplies organized and well-stocked.
- Greeted arriving visitors, determined nature and purpose of visit and directed individuals to appropriate destinations.
- Worked with senior management to initiate new projects and assist in various processes.
Legal Assistant
Atty. Matthew Eldridge & Atty. Richard Pace
Columbus, Ohio
06.2005 - 12.2008
- Provided dedicated assistance to a criminal and civil defense attorney by investigating facts, details, preparing legal documents, or researching sources such as statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, constitutions, and public records; Conducted research that supported legal proceedings, helped formulate defenses, or helped initiate legal actions; Prepared new client files, written correspondence, and fee agreements
- Drafted, prepared, and performed reviews of legal documents (i.e., briefs, pleadings, discovery materials, appeals and contracts; Prepared affidavits, legal correspondence, and organized all files physically and electronically; E-filed documents via federal, state and county judicial courts
- Conducted witness interviews and investigated case facts; Served as a liaison between counsel, clients, expert witnesses, third parties and outside contacts; Met with clients and other professionals to gather pertinent details pertaining to upcoming cases; Conducted witness interviews and investigated case facts; Summarized records, court files and depositions; Tracked and monitored cases and documents for ongoing litigation matters; Compiled responses to discovery requests and attended document productions; Collected and processed electronic stored information (ESI) via e-Discovery software; Assisted in trial preparation by preparing, gathering and organizing exhibits, trial data, documents and other materials in response to subpoenas, discovery requests, interrogatories, motions for summary judgments; Maintained attorney billing
- Communicated with clients regarding billing issues and status of matters
- Established payment plans with clients when necessary
- Reconciled bank accounts monthly
- Deposited incoming funds into accounts
- Maintained attorney calendar
- Scheduled and coordinated meetings
- Prepared meeting agendas took and transcribed minutes, distributed minutes to applicable parties
- Maximized the attorney’s time by reading, researching, and routing correspondence; drafting correspondence responses, collecting, and analyzing information; initiating phone calls on behalf of attorneys
- Email management
- Greeted, registered, and provided service to clients, visitors, and guests to the office
- Ensured confidentiality was always maintained
- Opened and created new client files and matters utilizing the firm’s management software and maintained electronic files
- Maintained closed case files by entering case data into database and sending files to storage
- Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision
- Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent proofreading skills
- Maintained inventory of office supplies and ordered supplies as needed.
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality and extreme discretion.
- Prepared for trials, conducting legal research and drafting pleadings.
- Worked alongside attorneys, administrative assistants and fellow legal assistants on complex cases and legal processes.
- Developed positive working relationship with courts, clients, law enforcement members and attorneys.
- Completed electronic filings, initiated billing statements and managed firm administrative matters.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions and other important dates.
- Completed document revisions, court document filings, travel arrangements and client billing.
- Organized key evidence exhibits to prepare for trials.
- Filed court documents and legal pleadings with court clerk on behalf of attorneys.
- Scheduled appointments, court appearances and depositions for busy law firm.
- Researched federal, state and local laws and regulations and delivered analysis and assessments to attorneys.
- Assisted up to two lawyers at time.
- Reviewed case files and reported case progress to clients.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs and memos.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.
- Produced contracts and real estate closing statements.
- Investigated causes and resolutions to civil, criminal, and domestic cases, reviewing damages, losses and settlement formalities.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email and mail.
- Handled electronic court filings and coordinated court activities.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles and codes.
- Managed subpoena services for law office.
- Developed polished motions and briefs to support litigation processes and court proceedings.
- Researched criminal laws and regulations and delivered analysis and assessments to attorneys.
- Wrote and filed pleadings with Common Plea] court on schedule to maximize case success.
Corrections Records Management Supervisor
Ohio Dept. of Rehabilitation & Corrections
Columbus, OH
01.2003 - 06.2005
- Served as supervisor of two adult penal institutions records departments
- Directly supervised office staff in maintaining and updating inmate files, posting inmate sentences, additional sentences, jail time credit, parole eligibility, updating security instruments, and filing all incoming documents
- Calculated and posted new release dates due to earned credit, entered information into the Departmental Offender Tracking System (DOTS), maintained institutional population count, and corresponded with other agencies related to inquiries
- Reviewed and approved release date calculations of subordinates
- Approved release notification for distribution to facility departments
- Audited, reviewed, and evaluated offender files
- Served as liaison between courts and offenders regarding pending charges, outstanding warrants, and immigration detainers
- Communicated with courts, government agencies and other law enforcement personnel daily
- Trained staff on correctional records procedures, prepared performance evaluations, and submitted monthly, quarterly, and yearly reporting data as required
- Exhibited ability to work under minimum supervision in a high stress and high-volume environment; Identified and resolved problems in a timely manner
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines in an environment with frequent interruptions
- Reviewed applications for vacancy fulfillment
- Interviewed applicants and selected candidate
- Coordinated new hire on-boarding
- Prepared employee annual evaluations
- Reviewed evaluations with employees and created work plans when necessitated
- Served as institution after hours duty officer
- Attended department head meetings and agency meetings
- Completed FBI and BCI background checks via LEADS (Law Enforcement Automated Data System), a repository of data of the Ohio Highway Patrol, available statewide, that interfaces to the NCIC and NLETS systems
- Approved supplies and equipment requests.
- Engaged in daily communications with internal partners and identified document-related issues that required interdepartmental cooperation.
- Adhered to established procedures for handling sensitive and classified documents to retain chain of custody integrity.
- Contacted document requestors and obtained additional information required to process document requests.`
- Scanned paper documents into computer and assigned identification numbers to simplify tracking process.
- Received and categorized incoming court and offender information requests to begin document processing sequence.
- Maintained correctional department document tracking database to follow documents' migration through processing sequence.
- Generated targeted correspondence to accompany transmission of outgoing document packages.
- Communicated with clients to review contracts, answer questions and determine special circumstances.
- Managed training courses, setup and maintenance for document control systems.
- Converted documents from one application to another.
- Modified and maintained tools to support operations and business process creation using Adobe Acrobat, SharePoint, Excel and Access capabilities.
- Maintained legally compliant, highly secure and user-friendly content to facilitate smooth use by internal and external stakeholders.
- Utilized Microsoft 365 to scan and clean up project documents.
- Reviewed document management protocols and user activities against internal records policies and document management standards.
- Compared incoming data against quality, integrity and accuracy expectations, identified faults and affected timely remedies.
- Performed document reproduction, printing documents from electronic sources such as email attachments, PDF files and cloud storage.
- Prepared documents for projects in accordance with project manager, team or client specifications.
- Carried out in-depth needs assessments to determine document management requirements at department and individual user levels.
- Created and maintained user accounts and properly routed documents for approval and training.
- Contributed to design and implementation of overall corporate documentation standards, numbering conventions and templates.
- Gathered, reviewed and input offender population reports each day using departmental CRM software.
- Assessed impact of emerging technology and system upgrades on workflow.
- Developed and edited template contracts with changes in company's service lines or new developments.
- Collaborated across departments and levels of management to gain consensus on procedural documentation.
- Analyzed contract documents to identify ambiguity and conflicts between documents and specifications.
- Verified continuity among corporate and divisional work teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities and continuing needs.
- Manipulated and converted documents to meet needs of individual personnel or projects.
- Provided assistance with inbound and outbound document processes, document sorting, logging and work order creation.
- Managed regulatory requirements and audit support needs by completing and submitting accurate paperwork.
- Assisted in continuous improvement activities while developing and maintaining resulting documents.
- Managed file archival and information retrievals.
- Strengthened system efficiency by identifying lagging operational processes and implementing optimal solutions.
- Identified areas of weakness and recommended or implemented process improvements.
Parole Board Parole Officer
Ohio Div. of Parole & Community Services
Columbus, OH
01.2000 - 12.2002
- Provided social services related to the rehabilitation of felony adult offenders in custody or on probation or parole
- Made recommendations involving the formulation of rehabilitation plans and treatment plans that could potentially lead to conditional release, education, and employment stipulations
- Interviewed probationers and parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining the terms specified in their probation contracts or rehabilitation plans
- Reviewed outside document submissions from law enforcement agencies, courts, prosecutors and family members and prepared hearing forms for review by Parole Board Members
- Organized and prioritized numerous tasks and completed them under time constraints while maintaining a high level of attention to detail
- Completed case management in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
- Traveled to various penal facilities within the state of Ohio to assist with case write ups for parole board hearings
- Prepared pre-sentence evaluations for use by the courts when determining offender sentences
- Served as a project leader for new process utilized for new electronic case write up templates
- Trained employees in use of new electronic hearing procedure
- Replied to offender kites (written requests for information) as they related to parole hearings
- Calculated offender security risks through research and review of past criminal behavior, incarcerations, and institutional behavior to determine eligibility for early release consideration
- Screened offender files to determine if offender would be placed under supervision, and term of supervision, upon release
- Worked in collaboration with institutional records offices to set up monthly parole board hearings
- Covered high profile parole board hearings when assigned by Parole Board Chairperson
- Completed travel expense reports for submission.
- Conducted pre-sentence investigations by doing in-depth research and compiling police reports.
- Collaborated with institutional staff, area law enforcement, mental health boards, county attorneys and treatment providers.
- Developed case reports detailing inmate history and likelihood of committing another crime.
- Coordinated and worked closely with law enforcement, social service agencies and mental health providers.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications.
- Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents.
- Handled numerous calls per day to address customer inquiries and concerns.
Corrections Records Management Officer
ODRC, Pickaway Correctional Institution Orient, Ohio
Orient, OH
01.1999 - 12.2000
- Engaged in daily communications with internal partners and identified document-related issues that required interdepartmental cooperation.
- Adhered to established procedures for handling sensitive and classified documents to retain chain of custody integrity.
- Documented work hours dedicated to research and processing of [Type] document requests.
- Received and categorized incoming [Type] and [Type] information requests to begin document processing sequence.
- Generated targeted correspondence to accompany transmission of outgoing document packages.
- Maintained [Type] department document tracking database to follow documents' migration through processing sequence.
- Contacted document requestors and obtained additional information required to process document requests.`
- Managed file archival and information retrievals.
- Transmitted documents, organized revisions and tracked changes.
- Established, improved and reinforced document management systems to handle current and expected requirements.
- Prepared documents for projects in accordance with project manager, team or client specifications.
- Worked with internal staff to process documents and sent for closing.
- Managed regulatory requirements and audit support needs by completing and submitting accurate paperwork.
- Converted documents from one application to another.
- Communicated with clients to review contracts, answer questions and determine special circumstances.
- Compared incoming data against quality, integrity and accuracy expectations, identified faults and affected timely remedies.
- Reviewed document management protocols and user activities against internal records policies and document management standards.
- Maintained organized and efficient document flows by using excellent planning and multitasking skills.
- Modified and maintained tools to support operations and business process creation using Adobe Acrobat, SharePoint, Excel and Access capabilities.
- Provided assistance with inbound and outbound document processes, document sorting, logging and work order creation.
- Worked with internal team members to remedy issues with preemptive solutions.
Education
Master - American Legal Studies
Liberty University
01.2018 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Liberty University
01.2018 - 01.2019
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Columbus State Community College
01.1998 - 01.2000
Skills
IT Systems: Windows, MAC
Litigation support
Civil law
Advanced word processing
Fluent in legal terminology
Billing Statements
Document filing
Administrative support
Client service and support
Legal Research
Exceptional telephone etiquette
Task Prioritization
Case management
Scheduling/Planning
Official Notary of the Public
Document preparation
Writing and editing
Organizational Efficiency
Correspondence
Legal/Court Processes
Quality control
Legal compliance
Criminal law
65-70 WPM typing speed
Affiliations
National Notary Association, Expires 09/30/2023
Philalethean Society, Heidelberg University, Lifelong Member
Certification
Notary Public, Florida, Expires Oct. 25, 2024
Timeline
Remote Online Notary Public, Florida
09-2022
Certified Signing Agent, National Notary Association
08-2022
Administrative Assistant
Performance Systems Development
02.2022 - Current
Document Reviewer
Compliance - System One
12.2021 - 01.2022
Owner/Operator
DocIT Online Notary Service
12.2020 - Current
Notary Public, Florida, Expires Oct. 25, 2024
10-2020
Master - American Legal Studies
Liberty University
01.2018 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Liberty University
01.2018 - 01.2019
Executive Assistant
Bethesda Ministries Community Development Center
01.2014 - 12.2015
Legal Assistant
Atty. Matthew Eldridge & Atty. Richard Pace
06.2005 - 12.2008
Corrections Records Management Supervisor
Ohio Dept. of Rehabilitation & Corrections
01.2003 - 06.2005
Parole Board Parole Officer
Ohio Div. of Parole & Community Services
01.2000 - 12.2002
Corrections Records Management Officer
ODRC, Pickaway Correctional Institution Orient, Ohio
01.1999 - 12.2000
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Columbus State Community College
01.1998 - 01.2000