Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Receptionist

KELLEY HAYWOOD

Columbia,MO

Summary

Experienced administrative and legal support professional with a strong focus on attention to detail. Proven ability to work independently and effectively execute assignments. Demonstrates exceptional organizational skills in maintaining impeccable files and well-organized case materials. Committed to delivering high-quality support to ensure smooth operations and contribute to the team's success.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Legal Secretary

McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips PA
12.2022 - 03.2024
  • Transcribed dictation from attorneys and paralegals to assist with Workers’ Compensation insurance defense cases, including depositions, correspondence, and legal pleadings.
  • Entered billable time for attorneys and paralegals in ProLaw.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
  • Organized files for court proceedings.
  • 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.
  • Reduced errors in legal documents by implementing thorough proofreading processes.

Legal Assistant and Complex Litigation Specialist

Faber & Brand LLC
06.2021 - 11.2022
  • Prepared documents for attorney review, including correspondence, legal pleadings, discovery and disclosure.
  • Enabled successful case outcomes by accurately compiling and organizing evidence and supporting documentation.
  • Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
  • Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
  • Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
  • Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
  • Maintained attorneys' weekly docket calendars to make certain that all deadlines and timely filing requirements were met and that attorneys were prepared for court appearances.
  • Updated files daily with court notes from covering attorneys.
  • Implemented standard operating procedures for processing and monitoring drivers' licenses in relation to subrogation judgments.
  • Reviewed and distributed incoming communications from clients, debtors, defendants, attorneys, and court personnel, which included forwarding emails, voice mails, legal correspondence, and pleadings.
  • E-filed legal pleadings and correspondences across multiple jurisdictions in nine states, including Proofs of Claim with multiple bankruptcy courts across the U.S.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
  • Increased client satisfaction by efficiently managing case files and promptly addressing inquiries.
  • Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
  • Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
  • Reduced errors in court filings by meticulously proofreading documents for accuracy before submission.
  • Assisted with trial preparation, including creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials.
  • Drafted accurate and persuasive legal correspondence, contributing to successful negotiations and settlements.
  • Streamlined administrative processes for better efficiency in handling caseloads, reducing paperwork backlog, and ensuring timely completion of tasks.
  • Improved client satisfaction with prompt and effective communication regarding case updates and inquiries.
  • Drafted legal documents, including pleadings and motions, to support attorneys in various cases.
  • Managed correspondence with clients, courts, and opposing counsel, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Facilitated efficient document production by creating comprehensive electronic databases of relevant materials for easy access by legal team members.

Legal Assistant

Baehr Wiggins PC
08.2019 - 06.2021
  • Prepared and e-filed documentation in civil court cases related to the client’s bankruptcy petition, so that all parties were informed and current on all matters.
  • Maintained calendars for attorneys so that all meetings, hearings and documentation would be timely filed/attended.
  • Obtained, organized, and distributed correspondence between clients, courts and attorneys to make certain that timely responses and deadlines were met.
  • Utilized Pacer to gather information on the progress of our clients’ bankruptcy cases to make certain that all documents were timely filed, scheduled meetings were noted in the case file, and communicated the status to attorneys and clients.
  • Uploaded client documents to the bankruptcy Trustees to make certain that all relevant information was sent on time and in advance of court proceedings.
  • Received, posted, and invoiced client payments.
  • Processed monthly filing fee report so that attorneys had the most current information on any balances owed by the client.
  • Communicated with clients regarding court dates and decisions, documentation, and other matters as directed by attorneys.
  • Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
  • Increased client satisfaction by efficiently managing case files and promptly addressing inquiries.
  • Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
  • Responded to client inquiries, providing accurate legal advice and offering assistance.
  • Reduced errors in court filings by meticulously proofreading documents for accuracy before submission.
  • Handled billing tasks efficiently and accurately, ensuring smooth financial operations for the legal team.
  • Gathered key information during initial client intake interviews that contributed significantly to the formulation of effective legal arguments.
  • Facilitated client meetings and consultations, ensuring all necessary documentation was prepared and available for attorney review.
  • Increased team efficiency by coordinating schedules, managing court dates, and ensuring timely filing of legal documents.
  • Managed correspondence with clients, courts, and opposing counsel, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Streamlined office operations and reduced retrieval time by implementing a more efficient filing system for both physical and digital records.
  • Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
  • Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
  • Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
  • Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
  • Reviewed Deed of Trust, Title Commitment, and prior bankruptcies documents.

Legal Assistant

Faber & Brand LLC
06.2014 - 11.2018
  • Implemented standard operating procedures for monitoring and processing bankruptcy information, reducing duplicate requests, and maintaining the most accurate and current bankruptcy information in our database.
  • E-filed and retrieved documents in Pacer and in many jurisdictions to further inform all actions in relation to the bankruptcy.
  • Verified incoming payments from bankruptcy trustees to ensure accurate and timely posting to the file.
  • Created and implemented standard operating procedures for reviewing and finalizing closed files to ensure that all files were closed correctly and that all procedures and all closing steps had been taken.
  • Drafted, proofed and edited attorney filings and correspondence, including discovery requests and responses, notices of bankruptcy, employment and garnishment proceedings, and proofs of claim.
  • E-filed documents in many jurisdictions across nine states, including notices, motions, requests and other legal pleadings to facilitate timely requirements for each case.
  • 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.
  • Communicated with all parties, including debtors, defendants, courts, and attorneys regarding the status of files, to make certain that all information was current and that all parties were kept informed of those matters.
  • Increased client satisfaction by efficiently managing case files and promptly addressing inquiries.
  • Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
  • Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
  • 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.
  • Reduced errors in court filings by meticulously proofreading documents for accuracy before submission.
  • Enhanced office productivity by implementing efficient document management systems for easy retrieval and storage.
  • Assisted with trial preparation, including creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials.
  • Streamlined administrative processes for better efficiency in handling caseloads, reducing paperwork backlog, and ensuring timely completion of tasks.
  • Enabled successful case outcomes by accurately compiling and organizing evidence and supporting documentation.
  • Increased team efficiency by coordinating schedules, managing court dates, and ensuring timely filing of legal documents.
  • Drafted legal documents, including pleadings and motions, to support attorneys in various cases.
  • Ensured compliance with legal procedures and court requirements through diligent monitoring and application of rules.

Education

No Degree - Psychology Major, Sociology Minor

Columbia College
Columbia, MO

Skills

  • Efficient multi-tasker
  • Drafting legal documents
  • Editing and proofreading
  • Proficient in ProLaw and Big Hand
  • Litigation support
  • Legal terminology
  • Medical terminology
  • MS office proficient
  • Court filing
  • File organization
  • Calendar management
  • Document filing
  • Client correspondence
  • Document management
  • Transcription
  • Typing speed 65-70 WPM
  • Exhibit preparation
  • Exceptional communication skills

Timeline

Legal Secretary

McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips PA
12.2022 - 03.2024

Legal Assistant and Complex Litigation Specialist

Faber & Brand LLC
06.2021 - 11.2022

Legal Assistant

Baehr Wiggins PC
08.2019 - 06.2021

Legal Assistant

Faber & Brand LLC
06.2014 - 11.2018

No Degree - Psychology Major, Sociology Minor

Columbia College
KELLEY HAYWOOD