Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Kerry MacLaren

Wareham,MA

Summary

Dynamic paralegal with extensive experience at Morgan & Murphy, LLP, enhancing case efficiency through meticulous document management and exceptional client communication. Proficient in legal writing and deadline monitoring, I consistently improved client satisfaction and streamlined operations, contributing to a collaborative and productive work environment.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Paralegal/Legal Assistant

Morgan & Murphy, LLP
09.2008 - 12.2024
  • 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.
  • Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
  • Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
  • Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
  • Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
  • 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.
  • Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
  • Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
  • Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
  • Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
  • Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
  • Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
  • Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
  • Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
  • Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
  • Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
  • Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
  • Bolstered firm's reputation by consistently maintaining high standards of confidentiality and professionalism.

Paralegal/Legal Assitant

Hamel, Waxler, Allen & Collins
03.2000 - 09.2008
  • Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
  • Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
  • Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
  • Aided settlement negotiations with effective summary reports outlining key points from discovery materials for use during mediation sessions or pretrial settlement talks.
  • Increased client satisfaction with thorough research and prompt response to inquiries.
  • Streamlined case management process, reducing overhead costs and improving case turnaround times.
  • Fostered collaborative environment, facilitating communication between legal teams and clients.
  • Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
  • Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
  • Reduced case resolution times by effectively supporting negotiation and settlement processes.
  • Streamlined office communication and improved case management with meticulous record-keeping and scheduling.
  • Improved team productivity by coordinating with attorneys to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively.
  • Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
  • Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
  • Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
  • Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
  • Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
  • Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
  • Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Education

Paralegal Studies

Suffolk University
Boston, MA
05-1998

Skills

  • Proficient in MS office
  • Case management
  • Client communication
  • Office administration
  • Document drafting
  • Notary public
  • Document preparation
  • Calendar management
  • Administrative support
  • Legal writing
  • File organization
  • Proofreading
  • Attorney support
  • File and records management
  • Litigation support
  • Records management
  • Document filing
  • Legal compliance
  • Court filing
  • Exhibit preparation
  • Exceptional writer
  • Discovery management
  • Negotiation
  • Client intake procedures
  • Case file organization
  • Subpoena coordination
  • Civil litigation
  • Motion drafting
  • Deposition scheduling
  • File pleadings
  • Effective multitasking
  • Attention to detail
  • Critical thinking
  • Legal document preparation
  • Document management
  • Client support
  • Multitasking
  • Customer service
  • Legal correspondence
  • Correspondence and legal forms
  • Case file management
  • Workload management
  • Deadline monitoring
  • Work prioritization
  • Schedule coordination
  • Correspondence writing
  • Document editing
  • Pleading drafting
  • Court document filing
  • Document organization
  • Filing system organization
  • Legal terminology
  • Appointment scheduling

Timeline

Paralegal/Legal Assistant

Morgan & Murphy, LLP
09.2008 - 12.2024

Paralegal/Legal Assitant

Hamel, Waxler, Allen & Collins
03.2000 - 09.2008

Paralegal Studies

Suffolk University

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