JENNIFER PENETRA
Brandon J. Broderick, LLC
East Hartford,CT
3
Languages
27
years of professional experience
Professional with comprehensive experience in legal support, adept at managing complex caseloads, both criminal and civil, and document preparation. Skilled in legal drafting, case management, and client communication. Reliable, adaptable to changing needs, and consistently prioritizes effective outcomes.
Work History
Senior Litigation Paralegal
3 Years 1 Month- Organized case files from client intake to trial preparation.
- Case Load of 150+ litigation cases.
- Prepared summons and complaints, arranged service, filed forms and motions with court and opposing counsel, and coordinated discovery requests, depositions, and mediation materials.
- Managed case files, ensuring comprehensive documentation and adherence to court deadlines.
- Coordinated discovery processes, including document collection and organization for litigation support.
- Prepared legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and subpoenas with precision and attention to detail.
- Mentored junior paralegals on legal procedures and best practices in litigation management.
Senior Freelance Paralegal
2 Years 8 Months- Provided virtual paralegal support to attorneys in the Northeast and Florida.
- Part-time Case Manager - Miami 11th Judicial District. Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse.
- Reviewed wrongful conviction cases to assess legal arguments and evidence. - Teri Himebaugh, Esq.
- Managed closing process for case reviews, ensuring thorough documentation. - Morgan & Morgan
Paralegal
2 Years 3 Months- Maintain over 200 personal injury files (auto accidents, slip & falls, product liability, civil) from client intake to litigation.
- Motivated the team as senior paralegal, fostering collaboration and maintaining high office morale.
- Facilitated growth of the new firm from home office with 3 employees to 3 offices with over 25 employees by managing all office administrative duties, including banking, phone systems, office equipment, and serving as main contact for HR, vendors, and IT issues.
Office Manager
1 Year 5 Months- Developed organizational procedures for office personnel. Created a filing system that saved the organization $12,000 a year.
- Assisted HR with our monthly new employee hire orientation, helped with paperwork , answering questions and set new employees up with their badges, email address and access, setting up computers and cellphones and making new employees feel comfortable. Improved employee retention rates through active communication and problem-solving efforts.
- Managed procurement of office supplies and equipment to ensure operational efficiency. Reduced office supply spending by 60% in less than 1 year.
- Coordinated monthly and annual board meetings which included securing locations, transportation & catering. Prepared all meeting materials, agenda, power points, slide shows and handouts, took meeting minutes.
- Developed the first annual gala, securing corporate donations for costs, venue, catering, entertainment, and licenses. Created promotional materials to solicit further donations for silent auction.
- Created and updated comprehensive contact lists for donors, vendors, and volunteers to facilitate communication.
- Assisted HR with monthly new employee orientation, handled paperwork, answered questions, and set up badges, email addresses, and access. Improved employee retention rates through active communication and problem-solving efforts.
PI & Criminal Defense Paralegal
3 Years 4 Months- Managed over 75 criminal files in state and federal courts, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
- Reviewed pre-litigation files for accuracy, summarized medical records and bills, and prepared demand packages for negotiation.
- Drafted legal documents and briefs for defense cases, ensuring compliance with court requirements.
- Collaborated with attorneys to prepare for trials, organizing evidence and exhibits effectively.
- Assisted in client communication, maintaining confidentiality while addressing inquiries and updates.
- Trained junior paralegals on best practices in case management and legal document preparation.
- Helped attorneys prepare for hearings, depositions, mediations and trials.
Criminal Defense Paralegal
8 Years 10 Months- Managed 200+ high profile criminal files in state and federal courts, ensuring thorough preparation and compliance for one of Connecticut's top criminal defense attorneys.
- Met with clients, witnesses, and victims; reviewed and investigated evidence; prepared retainer agreements; collected payments; and created a streamlined monthly invoicing system. Filed appearances and initial motions, including bond reductions and requests for police reports and evidence.
- Managed case files and maintained organized documentation for active matters.
- Collaborated with attorneys to prepare for trials, including witness preparation and evidence organization.
- Assisted attorneys in preparing for hearings, trials, and arbitrations by organizing case materials and creating comprehensive exhibits.
Office Manager Hair
3 Years 11 MonthsEducation
High School Diploma
Skills
Legal Motion Drafting
Litigation Support
Legal Research
Trial Preparation
Case Management
Client Advocacy
Medical Records Summary & Bill Review
Insurance claims expertise
Negotiation
Financial Management
Intakes
Microsoft office 360
Adobe
Google Docs
Dropbox
Accounting software
Needles
Filevine
Mycase
Clio
Westlaw
Calendar Management
Team Leadership
Trilingual (English
Portuguese
Spanish)
Presentation Skills
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Litigation Paralegal
Brandon J. Broderick, LLC
08.2023 - CurrentRead More
Senior Freelance Paralegal
Independent Contractor
11.2020 - 07.2023Read More
Paralegal
Goff Law Group
04.2018 - 07.2020Read More
Office Manager
Journey Found, LLC
08.2015 - 01.2017Read More
PI & Criminal Defense Paralegal
Law Office of Justin C. Freeman
03.2012 - 07.2015Read More
Criminal Defense Paralegal
Gerace & Associates
02.2004 - 12.2012Read More
Office Manager Hair
Club for Men
03.2000 - 02.2004Read More
Hartford High School
High School Diploma
Read More