Janet Thorsted-VanDeKop
Clearfield,UT
Summary
Accomplished Litigation Specialist with a proven track record at USDA, enhancing team productivity by implementing case management software and streamlining litigation processes. Excelled in legal research and client communication, achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases. Demonstrated expertise in drafting pleadings and fostering effective collaborations, significantly reducing case backlogs.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Litigation Specialist
USDA
01.1991 - 11.2024
- Facilitated efficient document production by creating comprehensive electronic databases of relevant materials for easy access by legal team members.
- Coordinated expert witnesses for depositions and trial testimony, ensuring their availability when needed.
- Implemented new case management software to streamline workflow, improving overall team productivity.
- Reduced case backlog by efficiently prioritizing and managing high-volume caseloads.
- Conducted thorough investigations of claims, gathering critical evidence to support case resolution.
- Ensured compliance with court deadlines by maintaining an organized calendar system for all active cases.
- Streamlined litigation processes for improved efficiency and cost effectiveness.
- Developed strong working relationships with opposing counsel for effective communication and negotiation throughout the litigation process.
- Collaborated with legal teams to develop winning strategies for clients in various industries.
- Achieved favorable outcomes in complex cases through meticulous research and analysis.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information, adhering to ethical guidelines established by the legal profession.
- Organized evidence, exhibits, motions, and subpoenas to support cases and prepare for trial.
- Maintained litigation database and document organization for Type cases.
- Used document review tools to discover and inspect records.
- Managed exhibits, evidence and data related to Type legal proceedings.
- Kept up-to-date on case progress by frequently reviewing records and reporting findings to clients.
- Provided administrative support and research for civil litigation and civil proceedings.
- Compiled documentation, ensuring accuracy and detail for legal briefs, responses to opposing counsel, motions to court and trial exhibits.
- Answered telephone and coordinated meetings and conferences.
- Provided key administrative assistance to senior management.
- Assisted litigation attorneys with research, depositions, trial preparation, discovery and document drafts for court submittal.
- Worked closely with litigation attorneys to research, complete trial preparations, and create document drafts for court use.
- Maintained litigation docket and calendars for Number attorneys, noting deadlines for responsive pleadings, motions and other important deadlines.
- Handled filing systems for both short and traditional real estate transactions.
- Handled complex scheduling for appointments, court appearances and depositions for busy litigation firm.
- Identified potential risks or weaknesses in cases early on allowing proactive strategizing towards optimal resolution.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation, drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery documents.
Education
The University of Montana
Missoula, MTParalegal Certification -
University of Phoenix
Ogden, UTSkills
- Drafting pleadings
- Client communication
- Legal analysis
- Legal research
Certification
Paralegal Certication 1996-2024
Additional Information
I recently retired after thirty-three years of litigation support. For the entire time I stayed with USDA agencies.
In retirement I'm looking for something completely different. Sales, customer service, caregiving or anything that brings joy to myself and others.
Timeline
Litigation Specialist
USDA
01.1991 - 11.2024
The University of Montana
Paralegal Certification -
University of Phoenix
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