Grace Lester
Ukiah,California
Summary
Highly motivated professional seeking an opportunity to expand new learning opportunities. An effective team player with excellent communication skills, and the ability to grasp new concepts quickly. Thorough and detail oriented, with a demonstrated commitment to excellence.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal and Notary Public
The Campopiano Law Offices, PC
03.2022 - Current
- Provide direct legal support to Managing Partner.
- Drafting of estate planning documents, including: trusts, amendments, restatements, wills, codicils, powers of attorney for health care and financial affairs.
- Asset identification and valuation for trust funding.
- Review of beneficiary designations
- Assist with conservatorship, probate, trust administration, and long-term care planning matters.
- Preparation of property deeds and transfer documents for recording with various counties throughout the State of California.
- Drafting, proofreading and finalization of legal documents and correspondence.
- Utilize knowledge of the procedures for transferring and distributing trust and probate estates.
- Manage billable hour tracking and prepare client invoices.
- Notarize and witness legal documents.
- Confer with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Liaise with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Manage scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Research statutes, legal articles, and codes.
- Prepare legal correspondence, judicial council forms, petitions and other pleadings.
- Communicate pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Collaborate with attorney to develop strategies for each case.
Paralegal and Notary Public
Johnston Thomas, Attorneys at Law
06.2019 - 03.2022
- Provided direct legal support to firm shareholders and associate attorneys with various transactional and litigation tasks.
- Prepared estate planning documents, including: trusts, amendments, restatements, wills, codicils, powers of attorney for health care and property management.
- Performed title searches and drafted property deeds for recording with various counties.
- Managed collection lawsuits, drafted complaints, summons, various pleadings, deposition summaries, judicial council forms, and document spreadsheets.
- Executed all judgment enforcement remedies, including but not limited to: bank levies, abstracts of judgment and wage garnishments.
- Proofread and finalized legal documents and correspondence.
- Corresponded with banks, businesses, insurance companies, and accountants to collect asset information.
- Interacted with clients, beneficiaries, financial professionals, and court officials, as required.
- Managed billable hour tracking, client intake, conflict checks, phone calls, and attorney schedules.
- Notarized legal documents for attorneys, clients and staff.
Legal Secretary
Glassberg, Pollak & Associates
06.2018 - 06.2019
- Prepared various legal correspondence, memorandums, and reports on behalf of Managing Partner and Associate Attorney.
- Managed high volume case load.
- Drafted legal pleadings and other documents according to Civil Court standards and other legal formats for document production.
- Maintained court calendars and continued hearings as necessary.
- Executed all post-judgment execution remedies.
- Communicated directly with clients, sheriffs, clerks, and bank personnel regarding case and levy status.
- Diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling.
- Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
- Filed documents with various courts on behalf of attorney.
- Prioritized and handled multiple assignments and maintained firm commitment to deadlines.
Legal Clerk
Optio Solutions
12.2016 - 06.2018
- Produced various notices, civil summons, complaints, defaults, discovery, and other legal pleadings.
- Successfully managed vast quantities of case files from inception to obtaining judgment.
- Conducted legal research, executed all process service requests, and calendared court deadlines.
- Maintained internal case status on all open Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, filed proof of claims, and reviewed Chapter 13 plans.
- Performed document quality control, electronic filing, redactions, and labeling.
- Collaborated with outside counsel to maintain requests and status updates.
- Screened all incoming telephone calls for the department.
Administrative Assistant
Micro-Vu Corporation
09.2015 - 12.2016
- Created and modified all international and domestic accessory sales orders, forms, and various correspondence using LibreOffice and Alere Accounting software.
- Worked within the accounts payable department; assisted with processing of invoices, purchase orders, mail, and the preparation of outgoing checks.
- Answered and directed phone inquiries, photocopied, faxed, and managed company records.
Food Service Clerk
Safeway
01.2013 - 09.2015
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Sanitized dining ware and kitchen equipment according to health code standards.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Maintained knowledge of food safety and preparation standards.
- Operated cash register and deli equipment.
- Provided excellent customer service to all customers.
- Promoted to Senior Food Service Clerk in the deli department.
- Cross-trained in multiple departments; responsible for training and supervising new staff.
- Sole creator of catering trays, openings, and food production.
Legal Compliance Intern
Foley Family Wines
06.2015 - 07.2015
- Filed and analyzed legal documentation and licenses.
- Uploaded wine labels to a federal website for label approval.
- Gained experience with TTB / COLA (label approval).
- Constructed Excel spreadsheets, worked closely with eCompli, and Ship Compliant software.
- Explored the revision of state regulations and licensing regarding wine distribution.
Education
Paralegal Studies Certificate -
University of California Davis Extension
09-2016
Legal Secretary Certificate -
Santa Rosa Junior College
05-2015
Legal Office Support Certificate -
Santa Rosa Junior College
05-2015
High School Diploma -
Windsor High School
05-2013
Skills
- Case Management
- Critical Thinking
- Legal writing
- Excellent communication
- Organized
Timeline
Paralegal and Notary Public
The Campopiano Law Offices, PC
03.2022 - Current
Paralegal and Notary Public
Johnston Thomas, Attorneys at Law
06.2019 - 03.2022
Legal Secretary
Glassberg, Pollak & Associates
06.2018 - 06.2019
Legal Clerk
Optio Solutions
12.2016 - 06.2018
Administrative Assistant
Micro-Vu Corporation
09.2015 - 12.2016
Legal Compliance Intern
Foley Family Wines
06.2015 - 07.2015
Food Service Clerk
Safeway
01.2013 - 09.2015
Paralegal Studies Certificate -
University of California Davis Extension
Legal Secretary Certificate -
Santa Rosa Junior College
Legal Office Support Certificate -
Santa Rosa Junior College
High School Diploma -
Windsor High School