Jill Maier
Peoria,IL
Summary
Driven Paralegal successful at thriving in high stress, high-pressure environments and situations involving constant change and vast ambiguity in data and instruction.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
The Crosby Law Firm
Rockford, IL
12.2021 - Current
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
- Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
- Conducted background investigations on defendant.
- Analyzed deeds of trust to verify grantor, grantee, trustee and loan amounts for executive leadership.
Moving Coordinator
Interconex
Chicago, IL
04.2018 - 06.2021
- Streamlined the moving process by effectively coordinating with clients, movers, and other stakeholders.
- Reduced client complaints by efficiently resolving issues and addressing concerns in a timely manner.
- Managed move schedules for optimal efficiency, resulting in consistently meeting or exceeding deadlines.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction levels by maintaining clear communication throughout the entire moving process.
- Implemented an organized system to track inventory and ensure proper handling of clients'' belongings during moves.
- Collaborated with sales representatives to provide accurate quotes for potential clients, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness from the start.
- Established relationships with local businesses and vendors to secure cost-effective moving supplies and services for clients.
- Maintained detailed records of all moves, facilitating easy tracking of past projects and future improvements.
- Conducted post-move follow-ups with clients to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement in future projects.
- Developed custom move plans tailored specifically to individual client needs, leading to increased customer satisfaction ratings.
- Ensured compliance with all federal transportation regulations as well as state-specific requirements when planning interstate moves.
- Worked closely with personnel, customers, and contractors to resolve problems.
- Handled complex situations requiring problem-solving skills; quickly adapted strategies based on unforeseen challenges that arose during the moving process.
- Monitored budgets closely on each project; identified opportunities for cost savings without compromising the quality of service provided to clients.
Legal Assistant
Peskind Law Firm
Saint Charles, IL
10.2013 - 02.2018
- Increased client satisfaction by efficiently managing case files and promptly addressing inquiries.
- Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
- Supported attorneys in achieving favorable outcomes through thorough research and analysis of complex legal issues.
- Enhanced office productivity by implementing efficient document management systems for easy retrieval and storage.
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
- Assisted with trial preparation, including creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research using various resources such as online databases, law libraries, or government agencies to support case strategies effectively.
- Organized documents to manage paper and electronic filing systems of clients.
- Filed court documents and legal pleadings with court clerk on behalf of attorneys.
- Prepared and drafted correspondence and legal forms to maintain smooth communications.
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality, and extreme discretion.
- Worked alongside attorneys, administrative assistants, and fellow legal assistants on complex cases and legal processes.
- Scheduled appointments, court appearances, and depositions for busy law firm.
- Completed electronic filings, initiated billing statements, and managed firm administrative matters.
- Coordinated with court personnel and attorneys to determine scheduling of hearings and filing documents.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
Property Manager
Public Storage
Elgin, IL
11.2010 - 09.2011
- Enhanced tenant satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues in a timely manner.
- Increased property occupancy rates by effectively marketing available units and conducting thorough tenant screenings.
- Maintained positive landlord-tenant relationships, ensuring clear communication and prompt resolution of any disputes.
- Streamlined rent collection processes, reducing late payments and improving overall revenue generation.
- Conducted regular property inspections, identifying areas for improvement and proactively addressing potential safety hazards.
- Reduced vacancy periods by implementing strategic marketing initiatives targeting specific demographics within the community.
- Handled tenant complaints promptly and appropriately, calling in repairmen, and other support services.
- Completed final move-out walk-throughs with tenants to identify required repairs.
- Followed up on delinquent tenants and coordinated collection procedures.
- Maintained original leases and renewal documents in digital and hardcopy format for property management office.
- Maintained operational facilities attractive to potential tenants by organizing regular maintenance, major repairs, and capital improvement projects.
- Introduced prospective tenants to types of units available and performed tours of premises.
- Monitored tenant behavior and implemented corrective action to maintain order in assigned properties.
- Collected and maintained careful records of rental payments and payment dates.
Customer Service Representative
D&S Communications
Elgin, IL
03.2004 - 08.2010
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
- Streamlined call center processes for improved efficiency and reduced wait times.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Assisted customers in navigating company website and placing online orders, improving overall user experience.
- Collaborated with team members to develop best practices for consistent customer service delivery.
- Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Handled customer inquiries and suggestions courteously and professionally.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly to avoid on-hold wait times.
- Updated account information to maintain customer records.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
- Offered advice and assistance to customers, paying attention to special needs or wants.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Provided primary customer support to internal and external customers.
- Met customer call guidelines for service levels, handle time and productivity.
- Developed and updated databases to handle customer data.
Education
High School Diploma -
Elgin High School, Elgin IL
Elgin, ILAssociate Degree And Paralegal Certificate - Paralegal Studies
Elgin Community College
Elgin, ILSkills
- Proficient in MS Office
- Legal Jargon Knowledge
- Exhibit Preparation
- Corporate Law
- Records Management
- Document Filing
- Civil Law
- Database Research
- Attorney Support
- Notary Public
- Legal Research
- Administrative Support
- Client Communication
- Office Administration
- File and Records Management
- Financial and Estate Planning
- File Organization
- Time Management
- Microsoft Office Proficiency
- Court Filing
- Problem Solving
- Billing Statements
- Appointment Scheduling
- Work Prioritization
- Client Support
- Data Archiving
- Flexible Schedule
- Advanced Certified Paralegal
- Schedule Coordination
- Court Document Filing
Timeline
Paralegal
The Crosby Law Firm
12.2021 - Current
Moving Coordinator
Interconex
04.2018 - 06.2021
Legal Assistant
Peskind Law Firm
10.2013 - 02.2018
Property Manager
Public Storage
11.2010 - 09.2011
Customer Service Representative
D&S Communications
03.2004 - 08.2010
High School Diploma -
Elgin High School, Elgin IL
Associate Degree And Paralegal Certificate - Paralegal Studies
Elgin Community College