Jennifer Ward
Estate, Wills and Trusts Paralegal
Buffalo,NY
Summary
I am a loyal, dependable, conscientious and independent worker with strong writing skills. I work efficiently to ensure my time, the time of the attorneys and other staff I work with, and most importantly, our Clients time, is valued. My goal is to ensure that each Client I deal with is left with a positive impression of me and our Firm and are confident in our ability to effectively handle their legal matters.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Estate, Wills and Trust Paralegal
Cohen & Lombardo, P.C.
08.2002 - 06.2024
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as simple Wills, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies; Petitions for Probate/Administration and supporting documents.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars, Client appointments and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced efficiency by organizing and maintaining/documenting Client communications, legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Communicated with clients, opposing/other counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Streamlined communication between clients and counsel by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
Legal Assistant
Lipsitz Green Fahringer Roll Salisbury And Cambria
05.2000 - 08.2002
- Managed multiple attorneys workload and schedules.
- Typed attorney work product including letters and documents from attorney dictation.
- Developed and maintained Client relationships.
- Organized documents in clients physical and computer files.
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, and other important dates.
Executive Complaint Customer Service Rep
HSBC Bank
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Handled escalated customer inquiries courteously and professionally, by phone and in writing.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving customer disputes or conflicts.
- Actively listened to customers whose concerns were escalated to Executive Office, handled concerns quickly and escalated issues as necessary to Senior/Executive level management working together to resolve them.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
- Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
Customer Service Representative
Marine Midland/HSBC Bank
07.1991 - 01.2000
Education
Psychology
SUNY Buffalo State
Buffalo, NYSociology
Erie County Community College
Buffalo, NYDiploma -
Lafayette High School
Buffalo, NY06.1990
Skills
- Proficient in MS Office
- Case Management
- Client Communication
- Notary Public
- Document drafting
- Office Administration
Volunteer/Community Service
I have volunteered for the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter since 2011 with a focus on dog enrichment, including fostering dogs and cats in my home while working to find them forever homes. I've assisted in coordinating and participating in Shelter events to showcase our adoptable animals and raise funds for the not-for-profit group that supports the medical and other needs of the animals in the City's care.
Timeline
Estate, Wills and Trust Paralegal
Cohen & Lombardo, P.C.
08.2002 - 06.2024
Legal Assistant
Lipsitz Green Fahringer Roll Salisbury And Cambria
05.2000 - 08.2002
Executive Complaint Customer Service Rep
HSBC Bank
01.2000 - 01.2002
Customer Service Representative
Marine Midland/HSBC Bank
07.1991 - 01.2000
Psychology
SUNY Buffalo State
Sociology
Erie County Community College
Diploma -
Lafayette High School
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