Joanne M. Haake
Overland Park,KS
Summary
Detail-oriented paralegal skilled in legal research, document drafting, and client communication. Proven ability to manage complex cases and streamline processes to enhance operational efficiency.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
Walters Renwick Richards & Vaughan, P. C.
Kansas City, MO
01.2025 - 05.2026
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and client inquiries.
- Drafted, proofread, and organized legal documents for attorney review.
- Assisted in discovery processes by managing document production and evidence collection.
- Maintained case files and documentation systems for efficient access and compliance.
- Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and external parties to ensure timely updates.
- Scheduled depositions, meetings, and court appearances to optimize attorney calendars.
- 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.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Communicated with clients, opposing 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.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- 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.
- Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases.
- Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
Paralegal
Walters Renwick Richards Skeens & Vaughan, P. C.
Kansas City, MO
05.2018 - 12.2024
- Conducted legal research and analysis to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Drafted legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery requests ensuring adherence to court protocols.
- Managed case files and documentation, streamlining processes for efficient retrieval and review.
- Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and external parties to facilitate case progress.
Paralegal
Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, P.C.
Kansas City, MO
04.2000 - 04.2018
- Assisted in trial preparation by organizing exhibits, witness lists, and trial binders for attorneys.
- Reviewed contracts and agreements for compliance with legal standards and organizational policies.
- Mentored junior paralegals in best practices for document management and legal research techniques.
- Implemented new case management software that improved workflow efficiency across the department.
Paralegal
Walters Bender & Strohbehn, P.C.
Kansas City, MO
05.1991 - 05.2000
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
Education
Paralegal Certificate -
Rockhurst College
Kansas City, MO05-1986
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Rockhurst College
Kansas City, MO05-1982
Skills
- Legal research
- Proficient in MS office
- Case management
- Client communication
- Office administration
- Document drafting
- Notary public
- Document preparation
- Calendar management
Timeline
Paralegal
Walters Renwick Richards & Vaughan, P. C.
01.2025 - 05.2026
Paralegal
Walters Renwick Richards Skeens & Vaughan, P. C.
05.2018 - 12.2024
Paralegal
Walters Bender Strohbehn & Vaughan, P.C.
04.2000 - 04.2018
Paralegal
Walters Bender & Strohbehn, P.C.
05.1991 - 05.2000
Paralegal Certificate -
Rockhurst College
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Rockhurst College