Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Donna Coad

PETAL,MS

Summary

Legal professional with proven ability to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines. Strong critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills facilitate navigation of complex legal environments. Experienced in managing case preparation, conducting legal research, and drafting documents, contributing to successful case outcomes. Improved document management processes enhanced team efficiency and accessibility.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Legal Assistant

Office of Hearing Operations - SSA
Hattiesburg, MS
02.2023 - Current
  • Exhibits strong proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneNote. Applies knowledge of various software programs, like CPMS, Eview, NCPS, CATSS, ENM, WebTA, and Snip-It. Recognized as a valuable resource by legal assistants, specialists, and for software-related inquiries. Utilizes communication platforms such as Internet Explorer, Skype, and Microsoft Teams for seamless interactions. Trains team members on the effective use of diverse software applications to enhance overall efficiency.
  • Executes the processing of Title II, XVI, and XVIII cases in line with regulatory guidelines. Efficiently organized medical and legal documents into claimants' files without delay. Correctly arranged exhibits chronologically, while updating exhibit lists for accuracy. Facilitated requests for supplementary evidence from medical facilities and Disability Determination Services. Secured required documentation from physicians, hospitals, and SSA districts as necessary. Engaged with claimants or representatives to confirm the readiness of files prior to hearings.
  • Streamlines legal and medical record condensation to support informed decisions. Rapidly assessed file compliance with filing deadlines and jurisdiction standards. Leveraged in-depth knowledge of medical terminology and Social Security regulations.
  • Analyzes evidence and correspondence to ascertain the actions needed for each case. Prioritizes processing of critical, terminal, aged, and high-priority cases is efficient. Scrutinizes medical documents for duplicates prior to the addition of exhibits. Independently coordinated the workload to verify that all required information was obtained. Leverages CPMS and DART reports for tracking case statuses, and ensuring prompt decision mailing.
  • Led scheduling operations for hearings, working effectively with a team of three or more personnel. Employed the Centralized Availability Tracking and Scheduling System (CATSS) for efficient scheduling management. Acted as a knowledgeable resource for colleagues regarding scheduling inquiries and document reviews. Maintained compliance with Social Security Administration rules while addressing workflow issues swiftly. Arranged hearing dates by collaborating with representatives, claimants, and judges, based on urgency criteria. Ensured all parties received necessary notifications, including hearing invites for online sessions. Provided clear communication to claimants about the hearing process to reduce anxiety.

Firm Administrator/Senior Litigation Paralegal

Lowrey & Fortner PA
Hattiesburg, MS
02.2012 - 02.2023
  • As a Senior Paralegal, I led a team, ensuring compliance with National Association of Legal Assistants and American Bar Association standards. Streamlined court calendars, directed case scheduling, and improved communication among judges, court administration, and attorneys.
  • Met daily deadlines by filing paperwork with the court clerk and promptly responding to client inquiries. Crafted motions and legal documents essential to litigation, organized case exhibits, and consulted with clients and witnesses for accurate case details. Utilized Excel to track case information and generate graphs for attorney trial preparation.
  • Completed electronic court filings at state and federal levels.
  • Maintained personnel records and updated internal databases to support document management.
  • Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
  • Built highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
  • Identified opportunities to streamline processes and improve office operations and efficiency.
  • Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for both clients and personnel.
  • Coordinated office events, seminars and meetings for staff and clients.
  • Created organized filing system to manage department documents.
  • Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
  • Managed supervisor itinerary and appointments and streamlined scheduling procedures.
  • Improved office operations by automating client correspondence, record tracking and data communications.
  • Completed bi-weekly payroll for 10+ employees.

Legal Assistant

Bush, Graziano & Rice
Tampa, FL
01.2007 - 05.2010
  • Executed comprehensive duties enhancing attorneys' efficiency in legal work.
  • Directed preparation of crucial materials for trials and meetings, while ensuring seamless, professional communication with clients.
  • Facilitated attorney support through legal document assistance, encompassing case summarization and comprehensive report creation.
  • Executed thorough investigations of facts, performed extensive legal research, and constructed persuasive legal arguments.
  • Diligently prepared various legal documents including contracts, depositions, and pleadings while ensuring accuracy before court filing.
  • Exhibited exceptional organizational skills in managing ongoing and completed cases, remaining current on legal developments and delivering prompt updates as required.

Office Manager/Paralegal Specialist

Levy, Feldman & Bass
Tampa, FL
01.2004 - 01.2027
  • Managed meeting and appointment schedules for firm partners for quarterly and annual meetings
  • Spearheaded office layout organization, streamlined inventory and equipment ordering, and ensured optimal office maintenance through prompt repair arrangements.
  • Partnered with HR to revise and maintain office policies, enhance office operations and procedures, and align with IT department on all office equipment
  • Executed invoicing operations and guaranteed timely payments, adeptly negotiated contracts and pricing with office vendors, service providers, and lease agreements, and administered office G&A budget with thorough reporting.
  • Orchestrated in-house and off-site activities, including parties and conferences for partners and staff.
  • Addressed employee queries regarding office management issues to maintain operational efficiency.
  • Managed onboarding process for new hires to ensure smooth integration into the organization.

Legal Assistant

Jude & Jude
Hattiesburg, MS
01.2002 - 01.2004
  • Managed asbestos, mesothelioma, and silica cases from inception through trial.
  • Facilitated communication to support effective settlement discussions among counsel, defendants, and plaintiffs.
  • Drafted motions, briefs, and legal documents, filing pleadings with court clerk by strict deadlines.
  • Consulted clients, witnesses, and legal professionals to gather and document relevant case details.
  • Streamlined communication between judges, court administration, government agencies, and attorneys.

Legal Assistant

Ingram & Associates
Hattiesburg, MS
01.2000 - 01.2002
  • Managed and coordinated daily office and court schedules for attorneys.
  • Drafted motions, briefs, and legal documents for attorney review.
  • Organized and prepared case exhibits and evidence for trial proceedings.
  • Participated in client interviews to support discovery and deposition preparation.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Criminology/Paralegal Studies

University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS
05-2003

Skills

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Legal research and compliance
  • Document and case management
  • Client communication and billing
  • Team collaboration and training
  • Time management and scheduling
  • Attention to detail and problem solving
  • Workflow optimization and efficiency
  • Litigation support and trial preparation
  • Legal document preparation

Timeline

Legal Assistant

Office of Hearing Operations - SSA
02.2023 - Current

Firm Administrator/Senior Litigation Paralegal

Lowrey & Fortner PA
02.2012 - 02.2023

Legal Assistant

Bush, Graziano & Rice
01.2007 - 05.2010

Office Manager/Paralegal Specialist

Levy, Feldman & Bass
01.2004 - 01.2027

Legal Assistant

Jude & Jude
01.2002 - 01.2004

Legal Assistant

Ingram & Associates
01.2000 - 01.2002

Bachelor of Arts - Criminology/Paralegal Studies

University of Southern Mississippi

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Donna Coad