Jessica D. Gibbs
Summary
Goal-oriented Paralegal experienced in providing administrative support to legal departments with focus on document management. Demonstrated ability in interpreting legal documents and policies.
Professional with strong background in legal support, equipped to handle variety of tasks in fast-paced environment. Expertise in legal research, document management, and case preparation, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Known for effective team collaboration and adaptability, always focused on achieving results and meeting deadlines. Strong organizational skills and proactive approach to problem-solving make for reliable asset.
Legal professional with proven track record in providing comprehensive support to attorneys. Capable of managing complex legal documentation and ensuring case files are meticulously organized. Team-oriented and results-driven, always adapting to meet shifting priorities. Skilled in legal research and document preparation, valued for reliability and flexibility.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
Wotitzky Law Firm
07.2023 - Current
- Responsible for preparing court pleadings (under attorney supervision)
- Responsible for E-filing pleadings and E-Recording documents
- Assist counsel in preparing discovery responses, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Schedule court hearings, depositions, and mediations
- Calendar appointments, hearings, depositions and mediations
- Verbal and written communication with clients, judicial assistants, opposing counsel, insurance companies, and the clerk of court
- Prepare Attorney for court hearings
- Perform research as needed, including but not limited to Lexis
- Responsible for preparing correspondence to clients
- Assist attorney in client meetings
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
Judicial Assistant to Circuit Court Judge
Administrative Office of the Courts
12.2018 - 07.2023
- Management of the Judge's Calendar
- Prepared, reviewed and monitored reports and cases to insure compliance
- Receptionist duties, including acting as the Judge's liaison
- Other duties as assigned
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering teamwork among court staff members.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while handling high-profile or complex cases.
- Contributed to the overall success of the court by remaining adaptable and flexible in response to changing needs or priorities.
Legal Assistant
Wotitzky Law Firm
08.2018 - 11.2018
- Responsible for assisting front desk by answering phones and assisting clients
- Responsible for preparing estate planning documents (under attorney supervision)
- Verbal and written communication with clients
- Calendered appointments
- Assist attorney in client meetings, including signing of documents
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
Litigation Paralegal
Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A.
03.2017 - 07.2018
- Responsible for preparing court pleadings (under attorney supervision)
- Responsible for E-filing pleadings
- Answering phones and assisting clients
- Prepared and answered discovery
- Experience in bate stamping
- Scheduled court hearings, depositions, and mediations
- Calendered appointments, hearings, depositions and mediations
- Verbal and written communication with clients, judicial assistants, opposing counsel, insurance companies, and the clerk of court
- Prepared court hearings for attorneys
- Performed research as needed, including but not limited to Westlaw
- Managed high-volume caseloads effectively by creating organized systems for tracking deadlines and prioritizing tasks.
Deputy Court Clerk/Evidence Custodian
Charlotte County Clerk of Court
11.2007 - 03.2017
- Responsible for preparation of court pleadings and court files (independently)
- Attended court proceedings: Responsible for taking minutes, marking and maintain evidence, completing Court Minutes, Sentence Forms and swearing in witnesses and jurors
- Disposed of court files
- Answered phones and assisted the general public (including attorneys)
- Trained Clerks in courtroom proceedings as well as evidence procedures
- Maintained the handling and storage of evidence admitted in court
- Performed inventory of said vault
- Responded to in-person and telephone requests for information from general public, attorneys and other involved parties.
Probate Processor
Farr Law Firm
01.2003 - 01.2007
- Responsible for preparation of court pleadings under attorney's supervision and review
- Verbal and written communication with clients, creditors, financial institutions, and the Clerk of Court
- Managed caseload in excess of 50 files
- Maintained daily time management of each file
- Traveled as required for specific job functions
- Performed legal research when needed
- Supported team members in their tasks, contributing to overall team success.
- Increased productivity by effectively managing workload and prioritizing tasks.
Legal Assistant
Jean M. Finks, Attorney at Law
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Responsible for the preparation of estate planning documents (under attorney supervision)
- Assisted in factual research information gathering and investigations related to guardianship matters and probate administration
- Performed research functions for real estate transactions and prepared specific documents such as HUD-1 Settlement Statement
- Calendered appointments, hearings, and court document filings for attorney
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
Education
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Edison State College
Punta Gorda, Florida05.2001
Skills
- Proficient in a variety of computer applications, software and computer systems
- JACS and Mentis experience
- Able to multi-task and work under stressful and complex situations Detail oriented
- Legal research
- Knowledge of court procedures and basic legal terminology
- Provide effective, accurate, professional, polite, friendly, and prompt customer service to the public and other agency personnel, AOC employees, and the Judiciary
- Experience in Probate, Guardianship Estate Planning, Civil Litigation, Family Law, and Criminal Law
- Client communication
- Proficient in MS office
Community Service
Volunteered at Buddies Thu Bullies English Dog Rescue – Assisted with transportation of dogs and pick-up of supplies for rescue., Volunteered at Adopt a Greyhound Kennel- Participated in garage sales and fundraisers, created flyers and organized events.
Accomplishments
- Dean's List, Edison State College, Spring 1999, 3.5 GPA.
- Attorney's Title Insurance Fund, Certificate of Achievement in ATIDS, spring2002.
- Notary Public for the State of Florida.
Timeline
Paralegal
Wotitzky Law Firm
07.2023 - Current
Judicial Assistant to Circuit Court Judge
Administrative Office of the Courts
12.2018 - 07.2023
Legal Assistant
Wotitzky Law Firm
08.2018 - 11.2018
Litigation Paralegal
Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A.
03.2017 - 07.2018
Deputy Court Clerk/Evidence Custodian
Charlotte County Clerk of Court
11.2007 - 03.2017
Probate Processor
Farr Law Firm
01.2003 - 01.2007
Legal Assistant
Jean M. Finks, Attorney at Law
01.2001 - 01.2003
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Edison State College