Kendall Preston
Juris Doctor | Florida Bar Candidate
Orlando,FL
Summary
Dynamic and professional individual with a strong background in legal research, case management, and client representation. Exceptional analytical skills to effectively navigate complex legal issues and negotiate settlements. Proven track record of providing comprehensive legal advice and upholding high standards of professional conduct.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Criminal Litigation Paralegal
State Attorney's Office, 9th JDC
Orlando, FL
09.2023 - 12.2024
- Supported case progression from inception through resolution, tracking all relevant timelines and deadlines; facilitated prompt communication among team members regarding updates or changes impacting the matter at hand.
- Attended daily in court hearings, depositions, and trials.
- Maintained five attorney's calendars, scheduling various meetings and court hearings.
- Improved many high-level case outcomes with thorough legal research on relevant statutes, cases, and regulations.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between pretrial stages by filing necessary paperwork promptly with appropriate courts or parties involved in over 500 cases.
- Expedited trial preparation through meticulous organization of exhibits and witness lists for high-level criminal cases in the felony bureau.
- Maximized productivity during trial preparation phases through careful coordination efforts between multiple attorneys'' needs and availability of support staff/resources at hand; ensured all parties were equipped accordingly despite tight time constraints.
- Ensured compliance with court deadlines through diligent calendar management and effective communication with attorneys.
Transactional Student Attorney
SULC Clinic
Baton Rouge, LA
01.2022 - 06.2023
- Provided transactional legal services to 30+ entrepreneurs and businesses regarding intellectual property, business law, and real estate law, specifically copyright, trademark, and title matters, ensuring compliance and protection.
- Filed multiple trademark applications through the USPTO.
- Built a solid reputation in transactional law through consistent high-quality work.
- Supported business development efforts by conducting legal research, drafting legal documents and providing counsel on relevant laws and regulations.
- Enhanced client relationships through effective communication and timely resolution of issues during contract negotiations.
Civil Litigation Law Clerk
The Manning Law Firm
Baton Rouge, LA
04.2021 - 12.2022
- Drafted and responded to a variety of legal documents, including petitions, discovery requests, motions, orders, pleadings, interrogatories, demand letters, and settlement agreements.
- Adapted efficiently while supporting three attorneys in diverse litigation fields.
- Elevated the firm's reputation through exceptional client service skills when communicating with clients about their cases or general inquiries.
- Improved client relations by promptly responding to daily inquiries and providing updates on case progress.
- Ensured compliance with court deadlines by tracking case schedules and calendaring important dates.
- Facilitated the resolution of complex disputes through active participation in alternative dispute resolution processes such as arbitration and mediation.
- Reduced workload for attorneys through meticulous preparation of initial drafts of discovery requests and responses.
- Enhanced attorney productivity by drafting well-researched pleadings, motions, and memoranda for review and submission.
- Assisted in winning 25+ cases by conducting thorough legal research and analysis of relevant laws, statutes, and precedents.
Judicial Clerk Intern for the Honorable Judge Layne Smith
2nd Judicial Circuit
Tallahassee, FL
05.2021 - 07.2021
- Engaged in discussions with the judge and clerks to enhance understanding of judicial reasoning and the practical application of legal principles.
- Observed court proceedings, gaining firsthand experience in courtroom protocol and the judicial decision-making process.
- Conducted thorough legal research for complex cases, resulting in well-informed decisions by the judge.
Education
J.D. - Law
Southern University Law Center
Baton Rouge, LA 08.2020 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL 06.2016 - 05.2019
Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Legal Research & Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Deadline Management
- Florida E-Filing
- Client Counseling
- Dispute Resolution
- Document Review & Preparation
- Criminal Law
- Transactional Law
Certification
Florida Notary Public
Timeline
Criminal Litigation Paralegal
State Attorney's Office, 9th JDC
09.2023 - 12.2024
Transactional Student Attorney
SULC Clinic
01.2022 - 06.2023
Judicial Clerk Intern for the Honorable Judge Layne Smith
2nd Judicial Circuit
05.2021 - 07.2021
Civil Litigation Law Clerk
The Manning Law Firm
04.2021 - 12.2022
J.D. - Law
Southern University Law Center
08.2020 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
06.2016 - 05.2019
Florida Notary Public
USPTO Provisional License
LexisNexis Certified
Westlaw Certified
Bloomberg Certified
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