Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kathy B. Fortenberry

Jackson,MS

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Paralegal

Simpson Law Firm
01.2024 - 01.2025


  • Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
  • Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
  • Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
  • Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
  • Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
  • Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
  • Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
  • 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.
  • Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.

Paralegal/ Division Coordinator

Secretary of State’s Office
01.2005 - 01.2023
  • Drafted and file Business Services’ Administrative Procedures
  • Administered Service of Process for 32 statutes
  • Process notaries public applications, bonds as well as other notarial documents
  • Reviewed and filed Trade and Service Mark registrations
  • Assisted with customer service calls
  • Prepared Certificates of Compliance for carnivals and festivals
  • Processed dealership agreements
  • Correspondence for Assistant Secretary of State for Business Services
  • Hold a Notary Public Commission
  • Business Services Division
  • Managed scheduling of meetings, events, and travel arrangements for department personnel as needed.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive documentation, contributing to a well-organized record system for future reference.
  • 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.

Election Division Coordinator

Secretary of State’s Office
01.2004 - 01.2005
  • Managed personnel
  • Developed strong relationships with legislative leaders, lobbyists and other policymakers
  • Filed Administrative Procedures for Elections
  • Worked with constituents and local officials with elections
  • Helped prepare Choctaw translations on the ballot for election
  • Correspondence for Assistant Secretary of State for Elections
  • Elections Division
  • Organized meetings for executives and coordinated availability of conference rooms for participants.

Director of Boards and Commissions

Office of the Governor
01.2000 - 01.2004
  • Senior staff responsibilities
  • Appointed individuals to state, regional and national boards and commissions
  • Tracked legislation
  • Spoke on behalf of the Governor
  • Held and opened state board and commission meetings

Scheduling Coordinator/Administrative Assistant

Office of the Lt. Governor
01.1998 - 01.2000
  • Scheduled events and appointments
  • Coordinated security advance teams for the Lt Governor
  • Provided conferee notification and legislative bill status information
  • Monitored conferee meetings
  • Tracked legislation
  • Worked and coordinated with both House and Senate docket rooms
  • Researched statutes

Legal Assistant

Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, P.L.L.C.
01.1997 - 01.1998
  • Drafted legal documents (i.e. complaints, discovery and orders and other legal pleadings)
  • Provided correspondence and legal documents to State and Federal Courts
  • Legal research for attorneys for hearings and trials
  • 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.
  • Responded to client inquiries, providing accurate legal advice and offering assistance.
  • Delivered exceptional service to clients by assisting them with routine needs like obtaining copies of pertinent records or directing them to appropriate resources when needed.
  • Assisted with trial preparation, including creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials.
  • Drafted legal documents, including pleadings and motions, to support attorneys in various cases.

Paralegal

Eaves Law Firm
01.1994 - 01.1997
  • Drafted legal documents (i.e. complaints, discovery, orders and other legal pleadings)
  • Legal research for attorneys
  • Collected and analyzed information for upcoming court proceedings
  • Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
  • Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
  • Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.

Education

Paralegal Studies -

Mississippi College
Clinton, MS

Liberal Arts - undefined

East Central Community College
Decatur, MS

Skills

  • Legal research
  • Proficient in MS office
  • Case management
  • Client communication
  • Office administration
  • Notary public
  • Document preparation
  • Calendar management
  • Administrative support
  • Legal writing
  • Research and data collection
  • Attorney support
  • Trial preparation assistance
  • Case summaries
  • Litigation support
  • Document filing
  • Legal transcription
  • Pre-trial preparation
  • Motion drafting

Timeline

Paralegal

Simpson Law Firm
01.2024 - 01.2025

Paralegal/ Division Coordinator

Secretary of State’s Office
01.2005 - 01.2023

Election Division Coordinator

Secretary of State’s Office
01.2004 - 01.2005

Director of Boards and Commissions

Office of the Governor
01.2000 - 01.2004

Scheduling Coordinator/Administrative Assistant

Office of the Lt. Governor
01.1998 - 01.2000

Legal Assistant

Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, P.L.L.C.
01.1997 - 01.1998

Paralegal

Eaves Law Firm
01.1994 - 01.1997

Liberal Arts - undefined

East Central Community College

Paralegal Studies -

Mississippi College

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Kathy B. Fortenberry