Irma Cook
Eastvale,CA
Summary
Experienced legal support specialist proficient in legal terminology and processes. Skilled in drafting legal documents, managing case files, and providing efficient administrative support. Known for collaborating with management to enhance legal operations and providing excellent customer service through effective multitasking and organization.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Paralegal
Law Office of Dennis M. Schuster
Whittier
05.2024 - 05.2026
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers and documentation for discovery requests.
- Conducted client intakes.
- Managed case files and maintained organized records for efficient access and review.
- Delivered comprehensive clerical support, ensuring smooth office operations.
- Communicated with courts, clients, and opposing counsel to facilitate case progress and keep parties informed on case updates.
- Interviewed clients and obtained vital case information to support associates.
- Organized exhibits for trial by preparing materials and supporting documentation.
- Drafted correspondence to clients and other attorneys.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy before filing with the courts or submitting to opposing counsel.
- Coordinated subpoena services to facilitate legal proceedings.
Paralegal - Self Help Division
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ORANGE
06.2021 - 03.2023
- Provided procedural information to self-represented litigants and handed out requested blank forms and/or form packets.
- Coordinated one-on-one document reviews with self-represented litigants.
- Collaborated with supervising attorneys and paralegals to conduct workshops.
- Prepared presentations for monthly or quarterly meetings aiding with educational material.
- Maintained strict and accurate log of hours spent assisting self-represented litigants through Child Support Facilitator to ensure proper allocation of grant funding.
Courtroom Clerk I/II - Criminal
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ORANGE
02.2018 - 06.2021
- Provided support to judicial officers in Open Courtroom, Pe-Trial, Post-Conviction, Misdemeanor and Traffic Calendars.
- Worked as liaison between judicial officers, public defenders, district attorneys, private attorneys, self-represented litigants and courtroom security ensuring appropriate measures were taken in smooth and accurate running of courtroom.
- Daily testing of courtroom equipment to ensure recording of court hearings.
- Prepared official court minutes.
- Administered oaths to jurors, witnesses, and non-certified interpreters in courtroom settings.
- Proper handling and storing of exhibits.
- Reviewed legal documents for compliance.
- Collaborated with management to streamline processes and reduce backlog.
Paralegal -Self Help Division
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ORANGE
02.2015 - 02.2018
- Assisted self-represented litigants in navigating the court system.
- Collaborated with lead attorneys and other paralegals in conducting workshops to educate self-represented litigants seeking guidance.
- Assisted in preparing the Trial Readiness Calendar to ensure pending cases were ready to proceed.
- Addressed child support questions with in house Child Support Services Representative.
- Assisted self-represented litigants by answering procedural questions and handing out blank forms or packets.
- Collaborated with attorneys and paralegals in preparing educational presentations for quarterly meetings to aid with training.
- Adequately logged hours to ensure accurate allocation of AB1058 grant funding.
- Provided coverage at various Orange County locations.
Legal Processing Specialist
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ORANGE
03.2001 - 02.2015
- Examined legal documents submitted in person and via e-filing for accuracy of information to ensure conformity to court procedures and adherence to individual department specifications.
- Facilitated communication with private attorneys, agencies, and self-represented litigants regarding court calendar and procedures.
- Executed specific requests from courtroom staff, judges, and the public while maintaining a calm demeanor in a highly emotional environment.
- Flagged errors or discrepancies in documents and redirected them back to appropriate staff for correction.
- Set court hearings.
- Assisted courtroom staff with expedited issues involving document deficiencies.
- Trained peers and provided management with feedback.
- Tested newly developed programs to ensure functionality before launch.
- Conducted research on old cases for copy work requests.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice with a Minor in Forensics
Brandman University
Laguna Beach, CA05-2017
Associate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
Cerritos College
Cerritos, CA06-2012
High School Diploma -
Bell High School
Bell, CA05-1990
Skills
- Criminal Law
- Legal research techniques
- Legal document preparation, review and filing
- Trial preparation
- Court procedures
- Subpoena coordination
- Attorney Support
- Client relations
- Judicial cooperation
- Effective multitasking
- Work independently
- Leadership decision-making
- Administrative support
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Communication
Accomplishments
- Court Case Management System (CCMS V3)
- Electronic Legal File (ELF) for Civil, Family Law and Criminal
- Martin Dean Essential Forms
- For the Record Cisco Webex Meetings
- Child Support Guideline Calculator
- Clio
- Various E-filing platforms
Languages
Spanish
Additional Information
- AWARDS
- Magna Cum Laude 2017 Superior Court of California, County of Orange - 22 Years Service Award
- Member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for community colleges 2012
- Superior Court of California, County of Orange - May 2010 Employee Of The Month
Timeline
Independent Paralegal
Law Office of Dennis M. Schuster
05.2024 - 05.2026
Paralegal - Self Help Division
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ORANGE
06.2021 - 03.2023
Courtroom Clerk I/II - Criminal
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ORANGE
02.2018 - 06.2021
Paralegal -Self Help Division
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ORANGE
02.2015 - 02.2018
Legal Processing Specialist
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ORANGE
03.2001 - 02.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice with a Minor in Forensics
Brandman University
Associate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
Cerritos College
High School Diploma -
Bell High School