- Cooking
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
- Genealogy
- Yoga
- Historical Exploration
- Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
- Volunteer Work
- Fundraising Events
- I participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities
- Reading
- Animal Care
- Getting involved in local advocacy groups to promote positive change in the community
- Gym Workouts
- DIY and Home Improvement
- Design and Build Websites
- Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency
- Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness
- Personal Development and Self-Improvement
Kristin Newton
South Haven
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience at George S. Dunn & Associates PLLC, adept in legal document preparation and client communication. Excelled in streamlining office procedures, enhancing attorney productivity by 30% through meticulous case coordination and document management. Skilled in legal research and fostering positive client relationships, demonstrating exceptional organizational and interpersonal abilities.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Legal Secretary
George S. Dunn & Associates PLLC
11.2022 - Current
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
- Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
- Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Organized files for court proceedings.
- Answered and directed calls using multi-line switchboard.
- Organized and maintained an efficient electronic filing system for easy access to critical documents and data.
- Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
- Provided exceptional customer service when greeting clients and answering phone calls, fostering a welcoming environment.
- Managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
- Screened telephone calls and forwarded to appropriate departments.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs, contributing to successful case resolutions.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
- Reduced errors in legal documents by implementing thorough proofreading processes.
- Created, indexed, and maintained client binders.
- Scheduled all appointments, appearances and briefings.
- Developed and maintained filing and retrieval systems.
- Scheduled and made appointments for 1 attorney.
- Coordinated meetings, conferences, and travel arrangements for attorneys, ensuring seamless scheduling across the firm.
- Supported attorneys during trials by efficiently coordinating exhibits, witness interviews, and other essential tasks.
- Enhanced attorney productivity with proficient management of case files and schedules.
- Diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling.
- Collaborated with attorneys to prepare comprehensive trial materials, assisting in successful case outcomes.
- Improved client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate legal document preparation.
- Developed strong relationships with court personnel to ensure smooth filing processes and adherence to regulations.
- Streamlined office procedures for increased efficiency in handling legal matters.
- Ensured compliance with court rules by staying up-to-date on changing regulations related to filings and other requirements.
- Contributed to positive client experiences by offering attentive support during consultations with attorneys.
- Streamlined billing process, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing for firm's services.
- Supported case preparation by drafting pleadings, motions, and other legal documents under attorney supervision.
- Enhanced accuracy of legal documents by conducting meticulous proofreading, reducing need for revisions.
- Streamlined communication between attorneys and clients by setting up secure online portal for document exchange and updates.
- Coordinated scheduling of client meetings and court dates, improving firm's ability to meet clients' needs promptly.
- Managed complex legal document preparation to ensure compliance with court deadlines, contributing to firm's reputation for reliability.
- Conducted thorough legal research for case preparation, enabling attorneys to argue more effectively in court.
- Facilitated positive work environment by organizing team-building activities, leading to improved collaboration among staff.
- Coordinated with external vendors for office maintenance and IT support, ensuring smooth operation of office infrastructure.
- Enhanced onboarding process for new clients by developing comprehensive welcome package, setting positive tone for client relationships.
- Assisted with preparation of trial binders, ensuring lawyers had all necessary materials for court appearances.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of all client and firm information, reinforcing firm's commitment to client privacy.
- Reduced expenses by negotiating with suppliers for office supplies, contributing to firm's cost-saving measures.
- Created and printed legal documents for attorneys to review.
- Completed data entry of legal documents into electronic filing systems.
- Prepared and processed invoices for attorney billing.
- Enhanced office efficiency by streamlining filing systems, making critical documents easily accessible for urgent legal matters.
- Communicated professionally with clients, colleagues and legal partnership verbally and in writing.
- Managed check requests, expense reimbursement requests, invoices and accounts payable and receivable information.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Assisted with preparation of trial materials and documents.
- Produced and filed various legal documents and electronically preserved updated case record system.
- Prioritized and handled multiple assignments and maintained firm commitment to deadlines.
- Composed contracts, pleadings and motions in accordance with established guidelines.
- Planned and organized internal and external events, meetings and conferences.
- Worked with outside vendors to coordinate purchasing of supplies and maintenance of office complex.
- Researched and booked reasonably-priced and comfortable airfare, hotels and ground transportation for senior leadership.
Insurance Agent
South Haven Insurance
02.2008 - 06.2011
- Built strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and excellent customer service.
- Responded to customer calls swiftly to resolve issues and answer questions.
- Efficiently managed policy renewals, ensuring timely processing and accurate coverage updates.
- Maintained high standards of customer service by building relationships with clients.
- Educated clients on the importance of adequate insurance coverage, fostering trust and loyalty among the existing client base.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Built relationships with clients using active listening and issue resolution to provide excellent service.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing personalized insurance solutions tailored to individual needs.
- Provided prompt responses to inquiries from both prospective and existing clients, demonstrating a commitment to exceptional service.
- Worked closely with other team members to optimize sales strategies and achieve regional goals.
- Participated in ongoing professional development activities, staying current with industry trends and regulatory changes affecting insurance products and services.
- Conducted thorough policy reviews with existing clients, identifying gaps in coverage and offering additional protection options when necessary.
- Determined client needs and financial situations by listening and scheduling fact-finding appointments.
- Assisted clients in navigating the often complex claims process, ensuring they received fair and timely resolutions.
- Customized insurance packages to client needs, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Reduced policy lapses by establishing proactive communication strategy to educate clients on importance of continuous coverage.
- Maintained high level of industry knowledge through continuous professional development, ensuring advice was always accurate and relevant.
- Streamlined renewal process, making it easier for clients to update and maintain their policies.
- Educated clients on insurance policies and procedures.
- Met with customers to provide information about available products and policies.
- Analyzed customer needs to provide customized insurance solutions.
- Analyzed risk factors to recommend appropriate coverage levels.
- Calculated premiums and established payment methods for sales.
- Finalized sales and collected necessary deposits.
- Collected premiums on or before effective date of coverage.
- Conducted annual reviews of existing policies to update information.
Purchasing Manager/Executive Administrative Assistant
STM Manufacturing
10.2000 - 08.2008
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
- Purchased new products and oversaw inventory stocking and availability.
- Managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of products and services.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts and pricing with suppliers.
- Used MS Access to authorize and monitor purchase orders and consumables.
- Coordinated paperwork, updated spreadsheets, and maintained permanent records.
- Established long-term agreements with strategic suppliers, securing favorable pricing and delivery terms.
- Implemented strategic sourcing initiatives, reducing overall purchasing costs.
- Monitored and evaluated vendor performance to determine compliance with quality standards.
- Progressed through various purchasing, warehousing and leadership roles.
- Ensured compliance with corporate policies and applicable regulations governing procurement activities, mitigating company risks.
- Generated reports, documents and analysis in Access and MS Excel for senior management review and approval.
- Streamlined procurement processes for increased efficiency and reduced lead times.
- Reduced material costs by negotiating favorable terms with suppliers.
- Drove innovation within supply chain by partnering with suppliers on new product development initiatives.
- Negotiated long-term contracts with critical suppliers to ensure supply chain stability.
- Achieved significant improvements in supplier lead times through collaborative planning and forecasting.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
- Established and maintained accurate records of purchases, pricing and payment terms.
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
- Facilitated resolution of vendor disputes and discrepancies.
- Generated reports on purchasing activities to support management decisions.
- Handled administrative tasks such as expense report processing or invoice reconciliation efficiently; allowing executives to focus on high-priority responsibilities without distraction.
- Coordinated and booked airfare, hotel and ground transportation and prepared itinerary to facilitate successful trips.
- Managed inventory levels for office supplies, reducing waste while guaranteeing availability when needed.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Reviewed incoming communications for urgency or importance; prioritized correspondence accordingly for executive review or action.
- Produced accurate office files, updated spreadsheets, and crafted presentations to support executives and boost team productivity.
- Supported human resources initiatives by coordinating interviews and assisting with new hire orientations.
- Screened calls and emails and initiated actions to respond or direct messages for managers.
- Drafted professional correspondence on behalf of executives, fostering strong relationships with clients and partners alike.
- Assisted in event planning efforts, executing successful corporate functions that bolstered brand image and networking opportunities.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and managing executive calendars.
- Fostered a positive work environment by addressing employee concerns and facilitating team-building activities.
- Offered assistance, collaboration and clerical support to auditors throughout entire review process.
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Answered high volume of phone calls and email inquiries.
- Updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on performance and sales data.
- Managed mail and both incoming and outgoing correspondence, mail, email and faxes.
- Updated and maintained confidential databases and records.
- Coordinated events and worked on ad hoc projects.
- Took notes and dictation at meetings.
Education
No Degree - General Understudies
Las Positas College
Livermore, CASkills
- Court filing
- Document formatting
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Appointment setting
- File organization
- Word processing
- Client communication
- Document filing
- Calendar management
- Client correspondence
- Document management
- Document preparation
- Phone etiquette
- Billing and invoicing
- Drafting legal documents
- Administrative support
- Document drafting
- Editing and proofreading
- American association of notaries
- Legal research
- Research and data collection
- Schedule maintenance
- Document proofreading
- Schedule management
- Meeting coordination
- Spreadsheets
- Executive calendars
- Legal compliance
- Exhibit preparation
- National notary association
- Proofreading
- Case preparation
- Court administrative processes
- Exceptional communication skills
- Legal documentation and reporting
- Business accounting
- Documents and correspondence
- Strong presentation skills
- Case coordination
- Deadline tracking
- File pleadings
- MS office proficient
- Microsoft office
- Legal document preparation
- Legal document processing
- Office administration
- Administrative functions
- Clerical assistance
- Adobe acrobat
- Note-taking
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Data entry
- Critical thinking
- Office equipment use
- Legal procedures
- Memo drafting and typing
- Client applications completion
- Client billing
- Administrative background
- Document scanners
- Entertainment arrangements
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Legal correspondence
- Client interviews
- Subpoenas and summonses
- Relationship building
- LexisNexis
- Correspondence management
- Case files organization
- Documentation and recordkeeping
- Database management
- Expense validation
- Account expense payments
- Case support
- Trial request forms
- Appointment scheduling
- External communications
- Travel arrangements
Affiliations
- Elks, American Association of Notaries
Certification
- Notary Public - Michigan Secretary of State.
- Michigan Driver's License
Interests
Timeline
Legal Secretary
George S. Dunn & Associates PLLC
11.2022 - Current
Insurance Agent
South Haven Insurance
02.2008 - 06.2011
Purchasing Manager/Executive Administrative Assistant
STM Manufacturing
10.2000 - 08.2008
- Notary Public - Michigan Secretary of State.
- Michigan Driver's License
No Degree - General Understudies
Las Positas College
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