Joy Hickey
Cincinnati,OH
Summary
Seasoned Legal Practice Assistant and Legal Administrator with extensive experience in litigation law and small office management. Highly skilled in all facets of legal support and client service as well as fostering a collaborative work environment.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Practice Assistant
Frost Brown Todd
06.2003 - 08.2024
- Improved client service through exceptional customer service skills and timely responses to inquiries.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork and assisting colleagues with complex projects.
- Provided essential administrative support during depositions, maintaining accurate records while ensuring a smooth process for all involved.
- Maintained strict confidentiality in handling sensitive client information, adhering to professional ethics guidelines.
- Managed cases with professionalism, ensuring all required documentation was accurately prepared and filed promptly.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality, and extreme discretion.
- Completed data entry of legal documents into electronic filing systems.
- Created legal documents for attorneys to review.
- Prepared and processed invoices for attorney billing.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Transcribed information from typed or handwritten notes, shorthand or dictation and confirmed accuracy and correct formatting of documents.
- Communicated professionally with clients, colleagues and legal partnership verbally and in writing.
- Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Prioritized and handled multiple assignments and maintained firm commitment to deadlines.
- Managed check requests, expense reimbursement requests, invoices and accounts payable and receivable information.
- Diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling.
- Assisted with preparation of trial materials and documents.
Legal Administrator
The Jackson Law Firm
08.1993 - 06.2003
- Trained junior staff members on office procedures and protocols, promoting a collaborative work environment.
- Managed financial records for the firm, ensuring accuracy and organization for budgeting purposes.
- Coordinated schedules for multiple attorneys, resulting in improved time management and organization.
- Developed organized systems for tracking court dates, deadlines, and appointments to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
- Maintained a well-organized physical filing system that allowed for quick retrieval of necessary documents during high-pressure situations.
- Managed client billing processes, improving accuracy while reducing payment processing times.
- Enhanced client relationships through timely communication and accurate case updates.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between cases by efficiently closing out completed matters and transferring files as needed.
- Drafted professional correspondence on behalf of attorneys, fostering positive relationships with clients and opposing counsel.
- Improved office workflow by streamlining administrative processes related to scheduling meetings, document management, and filing systems.
- Handled sensitive confidential information while maintaining client privacy rights under attorney-client privilege guidelines.
- Supported case preparation efforts through thorough analysis of relevant documents and evidence.
- Kept up-to-date on case progress by frequently reviewing records and reporting findings to clients.
- Answered telephone and coordinated meetings and conferences.
- Provided key administrative assistance to management.
- Assisted litigation attorneys with depositions, trial preparation, discovery and document drafts for court submittal.
- Managed administrative tasks for firm partners and associates.
- Maintained litigation docket and calendars for 4-6 attorneys, noting deadlines for responsive pleadings, motions and other important deadlines.
- Collected and prepared pre-trial discoveries, records and other evidence .
- Prepared draft interrogatories, requests for admissions, requests for production of documents and requests for examination or inspection.
Education
Certified Legal Practice Assistant - Legal Assistant
Betz Business College
Cincinnati, OHSkills
- Microsoft (Word, Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc)
- NetDocs
- Chrome River
- iManage
- DocuSign
- IntApp
- Advanced word processing
- Case Management
- Scheduling/Planning
- Legal Document Preparation
- Task Prioritization
- Office Management
- Electronic document filing
- Legal/Court Processes
- Organizational Efficiency
- Client service and support
- Civil Law
- Litigation Support
- Advanced word processing
- Travel Coordination
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Effective Multitasking
- Excellent Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Organizational Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Active Listening
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Decision-Making
- Document organization
- Proficient in MS Office
- Deadline Monitoring
- Self Motivation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Work Prioritization
- Employee Training
- Goal Setting
- Good Judgment and Decision Making
- Appointment Scheduling
- Legal Correspondence
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal Communication
Accomplishments
- Facilitated the firm's smooth transition to a paperless system.
- Supervised team of 8-10 legal assistants and paralegals.
- Achieved Mentor of the Year in 2020 and discretionary bonuses by effectively assisting administrators and mentoring colleagues.
- Initiated and collaborated the development and continuance of lateral hiring assistance.
Timeline
Legal Practice Assistant
Frost Brown Todd
06.2003 - 08.2024
Legal Administrator
The Jackson Law Firm
08.1993 - 06.2003
Certified Legal Practice Assistant - Legal Assistant
Betz Business College