Josette Castro
Vallejo,CA
Summary
Professional legal support specialist with history of ensuring efficient and effective operations in legal settings. Proven ability to manage documentation, schedule coordination, and client communication. Strong team player with focus on achieving results and adapting to changing needs. Skilled in legal research, drafting correspondence, and maintaining confidentiality. Reliable and organized with commitment to supporting legal teams in delivering high-quality outcomes.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Secretary
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
05.2024 - Current
- Managed legal documents, ensuring compliance with court filing deadlines and procedures.
- Drafted correspondence and legal pleadings, maintaining accuracy and clarity.
- Coordinated scheduling for attorneys and clients, optimizing calendar efficiency.
- Maintained case files, implementing systematic organization for easy retrieval.
- Assisted in trial preparation by gathering evidence and compiling necessary documentation.
- Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, fostering strong professional relationships.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
- Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
- Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Organized files for court proceedings.
- Organized and maintained an efficient electronic filing system for easy access to critical documents and data.
- Managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs, contributing to successful case resolutions.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Reduced errors in legal documents by implementing thorough proofreading processes.
- Scheduled all appointments, appearances and briefings.
- Scheduled and made appointments for up to 5 attorneys.
- Coordinated meetings, conferences, and travel arrangements for attorneys, ensuring seamless scheduling across the firm.
- Supported attorneys during trials by efficiently coordinating exhibits, witness interviews, and other essential tasks.
- Enhanced attorney productivity with proficient management of case files and schedules.
- Diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling.
- Assisted with preparation of trial binders, ensuring lawyers had all necessary materials for court appearances.
- Completed data entry of legal documents into electronic filing systems.
Legal Assistant
Gearheart & Sonnicksen
12.2019 - 05.2024
- Managed transcription and filing processes for applications, petitions, and related court documents to ensure compliance with legal standards.
- Facilitated document delivery to outside counsel and insurance companies.
- Coordinated documentation and review of medical appeals and depositions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to legal requirements.
- Executed subpoena record retrieval and management processes.
- Organized and maintained filing systems to support efficient document retrieval. Assisted team members with document management tasks to enhance workflow. Contributed to the accuracy of records by ensuring proper filing procedures were followed.
- Facilitated communication with clients, opposing counsel, claims adjusters, and all relevant parties regarding case matters.
- Facilitated appointment scheduling by coordinating with defense counsel and medical offices.
- Executed detailed case research to support legal analysis and case preparation.
- Managed updates and maintenance of firm references to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Sorted and distributed mail efficiently. Managed phone communications for attorneys. Processed incoming and outgoing packages accurately.
- Managed general inquiries as primary contact, enhancing client engagement and support for the firm.
- Streamlined processes for opening new accounts, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Administrative Assistant
Chef Thomas Keller
07.2019 - 09.2019
- Organized and updated master calendar for chef, prioritizing key dates and appointments.
- Managed logistics for meetings and conference calls, ensuring effective communication among culinary staff.
- Oversaw communication on behalf of chef by addressing emails and phone calls. Coordinated the processing of incoming and outgoing packages to streamline chef's workflow. Facilitated efficient mail management to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Organized and scheduled travel itineraries for chef, including transportation, accommodations, and dining arrangements.
- Managed general inquiries as primary liaison for office of the chef to enhance communication.
- Managed logistics for gift acknowledgments and organized book signings to promote chef's culinary contributions.
- Oversaw maintenance of personal residence and staff vehicles to ensure optimal living conditions.
Office Technician (Typing)
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
07.2018 - 07.2019
- Executed processing of legal paperwork to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Scheduled and confirmed appointments to optimize time management.
- Executed document fulfillment requests for Office of Legal Affairs and Attorney General's Office.
- Executed comprehensive background checks on individuals to ensure compliance and safety standards.
- Implemented and managed systematic file organization to ensure easy access to critical information.
- Managed processing and distribution of departmental mail to ensure timely communication.
- Facilitated communication and collaboration between departments to enhance operational efficiency.
- Participated in institution meetings to support strategic initiatives and foster communication.
- Coordinated communication efforts to relay random drug screen outcomes and other critical information to employees effectively.
- Managed departmental spreadsheets and facilitated information dissemination as required.
- Handled incoming calls and inquiries, providing accurate information and assistance to enhance customer service.
- Implemented measures to maintain maximum confidentiality in all communications and documentation.
- Procured essential supplies to ensure operational efficiency.
Legal Administrator
Meyer Corporation, U.S.
07.2014 - 09.2017
- Managed invoice processing to ensure timely payments and maintain vendor relationships.
- Updated and organized department calendar to optimize scheduling and enhance operational efficiency.
- Evaluated and analyzed contracts to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
- Organized and updated corporate records, facilitating efficient access to critical information for stakeholders.
- Managed travel coordination to facilitate efficient transportation and accommodations for team members.
- Drafted correspondence and developed meeting agendas to facilitate effective communication.
- Managed expense reporting and reconciliation of company credit cards for legal staff.
- Facilitated comprehensive support for general counsel, four attorneys, and two paralegals.
- Facilitated communication between internal departments, external counsel, and vendors.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date records for all attorneys regarding memberships with state bar and related organizations.
- Managed ledgers for accounts receivable related to rental properties.
- Assisted team with maintenance, repair, and remodeling decisions. Communicated with property managers, real estate agents, and city/county representatives nationwide regarding property taxes and rental issues.
- Assisted with general office tasks including answering phones, filing documents, copying materials, scanning items, sorting and distributing mail, shipping packages, processing purchase orders, and managing office supplies.
- Assisted with preparation of litigation materials. Prepared exhibits and documentation for court proceedings. Coordinated discovery efforts for outside counsel.
- Monitored and recorded fees associated with matters under financial cap.
- Managed regular replenishment and maintenance of funds in USPTO account.
- Supported document accuracy and compliance by proofreading and managing signature processes for legal and corporate materials.
- Executed regular updates and systematic maintenance of patent, trademark, and contract databases to support legal operations.
- Assisted in coordinating documents for acquisition license agreements, bond redemptions, lease agreements, and corporate files.
- Managed filing and updating of corporate tax documents for out-of-state registered affiliates.
- Reviewed and revised board member information for corporate records, enhancing data integrity and accessibility.
- Conducted project-specific research, encompassing bond rate calculations, vendor details, and legal discrepancies.
Outreach Specialist/Data Entry
Planned Parenthood-Shasta Pacific
12.2010 - 06.2013
- Executed data entry tasks with precision and attention to detail. Supported team members by maintaining accurate records and documentation. Assisted in organizing data for efficient retrieval and analysis.
- Participated in community outreach initiatives to strengthen community relations.
- Served as primary liaison to enhance collaboration between program initiatives and county resources.
- Managed comprehensive logs and compiled data to support program analysis.
- Conducted thorough screenings of clients to identify suitable service options.
- Composed and structured correspondence to support case managers in client interactions.
- Assisted with general office tasks including maintaining office supplies. Supported troubleshooting of office machinery to ensure smooth operations.
- Processed and submitted expense reports for timely reimbursement.
- Gathered data and finalized county reports for timely submission to relevant authorities.
- Designed and led client workshops to foster engagement and address specific needs.
Receptionist/Medical Records
St. Helena Center for Behavioral Health
08.2008 - 12.2010
- Check-in visitors,
- Verify identification,
- Audit medical records.
Receptionist/Office Assistant
Dennis P. Nutter, D.D.S. / Walter D. Kuzma, D.D.S.
07.2003 - 07.2008
- Check patients in and out,
- Accept and post payments,
- Schedule appointments, confirm appointments,
- Prepare charts,
- Obtain and verify insurance eligibility and benefits,
- File,
- Answer phones,
- Reconcile balance/production.
Connect Planner/Airport Sales Agent
Continental Airlines
08.1993 - 12.2000
- Check in passengers and baggage,
- Verify international documentation,
- Load flights,
- Troubleshoot delayed baggage,
- Reroute delayed or canceled flights/passengers.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
University of Guam
Guam06-1995
Some College (No Degree) -
Solano Community College
Fairfield, CA08-1993
Skills
- Court filings
- Legal procedures, legal compliance
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Appointment setting
- Calendar management
- Client correspondence
- Transcription
- Typing speed 55 WPM
- Administrative support
- Editing and proofreading
- Proficient in Google Suite & MS Office Suite
- Legal research
- Litigation support
- Document management
- Exceptional communication skills
- Legal document preparation
- Data entry
- Travel arrangements
Timeline
Legal Secretary
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
05.2024 - Current
Legal Assistant
Gearheart & Sonnicksen
12.2019 - 05.2024
Administrative Assistant
Chef Thomas Keller
07.2019 - 09.2019
Office Technician (Typing)
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
07.2018 - 07.2019
Legal Administrator
Meyer Corporation, U.S.
07.2014 - 09.2017
Outreach Specialist/Data Entry
Planned Parenthood-Shasta Pacific
12.2010 - 06.2013
Receptionist/Medical Records
St. Helena Center for Behavioral Health
08.2008 - 12.2010
Receptionist/Office Assistant
Dennis P. Nutter, D.D.S. / Walter D. Kuzma, D.D.S.
07.2003 - 07.2008
Connect Planner/Airport Sales Agent
Continental Airlines
08.1993 - 12.2000
Some College (No Degree) -
University of Guam
Some College (No Degree) -
Solano Community College