GRACE CASTAÑEDA
Antelope,CA
Summary
Focused and dedicated Legal Assistant with exceptional work ethic and proven strengths in case management support. Strong multitasker skilled at managing high-volume caseloads while consistently meeting deadlines. Persistent and resourceful problem-solver with excellent research and communication skills.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Assistant
02.2021 - Current
Legal Assistant, Contractor
The Austin Group, LLC, United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California
06.2019 - 01.2021
- Assist attorneys with research, depositions, trial preparation, discovery and document drafts for court submittal
- Maintain docket and calendars for 4 (four) attorneys, noting deadlines for responsive pleadings, motions and other important deadlines
- Coordinate travel arrangements, including booking airfare, hotel and ground transportation
- Support attorneys in reviewing and processing search warrants, complaints, motions, orders, answers, pleadings, subpoenas, and libels
- Provide assistance to attorneys in trial preparation by organizing exhibits and other key evidence
- Answer multiple client calls to respond to inquiries, using open-ended questioning skills to attain applicable information
- Review, proofread and cite checking legal briefs, memoranda and other legal documents for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation
- Developed positive working relationship with courts, clients, law enforcement members and attorneys
- Filed all court documents and legal pleadings with court clerk on behalf of attorneys
- Work alongside attorneys, administrative assistants and fellow legal assistants on complex cases and legal processes.
Compliance Clerk
Investment Retrievers, Inc
Folsom, CA
01.2020 - 04.2020
- E-OSCARs: review the reason for disputes, conduct investigation and respond to ACDV through e-OSCAR as necessary
- Process Fraud Claims within 30 days and reach a successful investigation to ensure credit reporting
- Confirmed data and licensing information through investigations and notified violators of required changes to bring operations into compliance
- Maintained composure in stressful situations, including confrontations, interviews and records searches
- Performed scheduled and unannounced investigations of the workplace to check policies, procedures and quality to reduce overdue compliance activities
- Provided support and assistance to all departments in developing goals and objectives for department quality improvements
- Train, motivate, and supervise the work of new employees.
Legal Assistant/Secretary
Neuheisel Law Firm
Sacramento, CA
11.2013 - 11.2016
- Maintained calendar and tickler system for managing partner, associate attorney and senior paralegal
- Diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys
- Entered new cases into company database
- Preparation of Default Judgments
- Processed discovery, motions and pretrial agreements
- Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations ( English and Spanish)
- Managed process service, including subpoenas, and writ of execution
- Developed, initiated, maintained, and revised policies and procedures for the general operation of the Compliance Program and its related activities to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct
- Maintained and monitor compliance-related materials and recorded calls
- Developed training and guidance to departmental staff in area of legal and compliance.
Apprenticeship Registrar, Western Electrical Contractors Association
Mather, CA
03.2012 - 01.2014
- Verified paperwork accuracy and checked for completion prior to processing
- Processed registrations with attention to compliance with operational policies and academic standards
- Greeted every guest with personable approach and provided knowledgeable service
- Assisted various departments with change by communicating new improvement plans and expectations
- Recruited, screened, interviewed, and retained qualified apprentices that met the college business needs
- Served as a member of College Appellate Committee of the Office of Student Conduct
- Conducted performance reviews and provided constructive feedbacks to help apprentices optimize professional achievements
- Ensured that rules and regulations of the college were understood and followed by apprentices, instructors, and staff to develop a sense of responsibility.
Legal Clerk
Veteran Affair Certifying Official, Law Offices Of Nelson & Kennard
Sacramento, CA
07.2004 - 03.2012
- Created and prepared legal drafts by organizing and assembling information for legal documents and forms, including declarations, discovery requests and complaints
- Assisted attorneys with case organization and administrative tasks
- Answered 2 (two) direct attorney phone lines to act as liaison between clients and attorneys
- Used Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook to maintain and update files and databases, including personnel records and financial reports
- Attended court sessions to record and listen to critical information.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
Associate of Arts - Computer Business Administration
Heald Business College
High School Diploma -
Wood Creek High School
Skills
- 40 WPM typing speed
- Litigation Support
- Exceptional Telephone Etiquette
- Client service and support
- Document preparation
- Team building
- Writing and editing
- Conflict Resolution
- Legal/Court Processes
- Organizational Efficiency
- Legal compliance
- Travel coordination
- MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, Adobe Reader
- 10-key by touch
Languages
Timeline
Legal Assistant
02.2021 - Current
Compliance Clerk
Investment Retrievers, Inc
01.2020 - 04.2020
Legal Assistant, Contractor
The Austin Group, LLC, United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California
06.2019 - 01.2021
Legal Assistant/Secretary
Neuheisel Law Firm
11.2013 - 11.2016
Apprenticeship Registrar, Western Electrical Contractors Association
03.2012 - 01.2014
Legal Clerk
Veteran Affair Certifying Official, Law Offices Of Nelson & Kennard
07.2004 - 03.2012
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
Associate of Arts - Computer Business Administration
Heald Business College
High School Diploma -
Wood Creek High School