Elizabeth Dressler
Salem,VA
Summary
With over 15 years of legal experience in both criminal law and civil litigation, I spent 8 years as a criminal Deputy Court Clerk, managing courtroom proceedings, maintaining court records, and supporting case management. I then worked for over 7 years as a Legal Assistant in civil litigation, specializing in document preparation and client communication across areas such as insurance defense, eminent domain, personal injury, and collections. I have a strong track record of drafting legal documents, managing case files, maintaining client confidentiality, and ensuring compliance with deadlines. My attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to handle high-volume caseloads make me a valuable asset to any legal team.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Records Specialist Sr.
American Electric Power
02.2021 - Current
- Maintain and update right-of-way records, including easements and project maps, for transmission line projects across four states within AEP footprint (VA, WV, KY, and TN)
- Track leases payable, monitor expiring leases, and negotiate lease renewals
- Onboard contract vendors and new hires, ensuring smooth integration into the team
- Oversee mandatory training for right-of-way staff and contractors, ensuring regulatory compliance
- Monitor customer tickets and direct to the appropriate department when outside right-of-way scope
- Cultivate strong relationships with right-of-way contractors and assist with due diligence easement research
- Provide ongoing staff training on historical easement research, document handling, and signature routing procedures
- Manage pending condemnation cases in VA, KY, and WV, ensuring timely updates and court documentation are provided to AEP, including right of entry and easement grants
Legal Assistant
Woods Rogers PLC
07.2013 - 02.2021
- Provide litigation support to three principal attorneys in areas including insurance defense, eminent domain, right-of-way disputes, FELA lawsuits, personal injury, and collections
- Draft legal documents, such as eminent domain petitions, temporary easements, answers, discovery pleadings, motions, orders, and settlement agreements
- File pleadings in state and federal courts, as well as the VA Workers’ Compensation Commission
- Manage high-volume workloads while ensuring attention to detail in drafting pleadings and summarizing depositions
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive client information in compliance with legal ethics and regulations
- Assist in trial preparation, including the creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials
- Conducted background checks and research on potential jurors and commissioners
- Obtain and organize medical and employment records from various facilities
- Schedule meetings, depositions, and manage attorneys’ calendars
- Conduct firm-wide conflict checks for potential clients and cases
Freelance Transcriptionist
Self-employed
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Transcribe criminal hearings and trial proceedings for cases under appeal to the Court of Appeals of Virginia
- Verified accuracy of transcribed material prior to finalization.
Deputy Court Clerk III
Salem Circuit Court
04.2008 - 07.2013
- Clerk and record criminal proceedings, including grand jury (docket day) and Drug Court, and civil proceedings (e.g., parental rights termination, habeas corpus hearings)
- Managed all criminal cases (clerked approx. 20 cases week)
- Assist with courtroom procedures by swearing in witnesses and documenting exhibits admitted into evidence
- Facilitate courtroom accessibility by arranging translation services and accommodations for individuals with disabilities
- Prepare jail processing paperwork, draft court orders, and enter daily disposition data
- Respond to public, attorney, and party inquiries via phone and in person
- Process payments for fines and fees, maintain accurate cash drawers, issue receipts, and update account balances
- Calculate court costs, fines, restitution in accordance with the VA code, and manage payment plans
- Cross-trained in Clerk’s Office functions, including marriage licenses, concealed weapon permit applications, search warrants, civil case filings, and recording deeds, land records, and plats
Deputy Court Clerk III
Roanoke County Circuit Court
03.2005 - 03.2008
- Clerk and record criminal proceedings, including grand jury (docket day) and Drug Court, and civil proceedings (e.g., parental rights termination, habeas corpus hearings)
- Assigned to clerk with Judge Swanson (clerked approx. 10 hearings per day)
- Assist with courtroom procedures by swearing in witnesses and documenting exhibits admitted into evidence
- Facilitate courtroom accessibility by arranging translation services and accommodations for individuals with disabilities
- Prepare jail processing paperwork, draft court orders, and enter daily disposition data
- Respond to public, attorney, and party inquiries via phone and in person
- Process payments for fines and fees, maintain accurate cash drawers, issue receipts, and update account balances
- Calculate court costs, fines, restitution in accordance with the VA code, and manage payment plans
- Cross-trained in Clerk’s Office functions, including marriage licenses, concealed weapon permit applications, search warrants, civil case filings, and recording deeds, land records, and plats
- Assist Criminal Division Supervisor in managing appeals deadlines
Education
B.S. - Business Administration
National Business College
Salem, VA02.2009
A.S. - Paralegal Studies
National Business College
Salem, VA02.2005
Skills
- Microsoft Office Proficiency
- Nitro PDF
- GIS and GeoAMPS
- Worldox
- Elite Enterprise
- Effective Time Management
- Strategic Task Prioritization
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and flexibility
- VA Notary Public
- Records management systems
Activities
- Showtimers Community Theatre (Board of Directors, Secretary and newsletter editor 2013-2015)
- Acting in other local community theatres (Star City Playhouse, Little Town Players, Attic Productions)
Affiliations
- Women's International Network of Utility Professionals
Timeline
Records Specialist Sr.
American Electric Power
02.2021 - Current
Legal Assistant
Woods Rogers PLC
07.2013 - 02.2021
Freelance Transcriptionist
Self-employed
01.2012 - 01.2014
Deputy Court Clerk III
Salem Circuit Court
04.2008 - 07.2013
Deputy Court Clerk III
Roanoke County Circuit Court
03.2005 - 03.2008
B.S. - Business Administration
National Business College
A.S. - Paralegal Studies
National Business College
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