LA TISHA J. CORTESE
11312 Valley Springs Drive, Oakdale,CA
Summary
Accomplished Senior Paralegal with over 10 years of progressive experience in litigation support, case management, legal research, and regulatory filings. Adept at working with attorneys, courts, and client groups on complex legal issues, including post-conviction relief and administrative hearings. Proven ability to manage discovery, draft legal documents, maintain court calendars, and lead teams. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Psychology to complement a strong foundation in legal support and public service. Trusted Paralegal offering an extensive legal skill set, proficiency in managing large caseloads and capacity to meet deadlines. Collects, organizes, analyzes and disseminates significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy. Exercises independent judgment on legal and contractual matters, adhering to broadly defined practices and policies.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paralegal
Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office
Modesto, CA
06.2022 - Current
- Provide administrative and legal support for criminal, civil, and post-conviction cases.
- Draft and file legal documents including pleadings, motions, subpoenas, and declarations.
- Manage Clean Slate Program including expungement reviews (1203.4, 851.91, 290) and eligibility assessments.
- Liaise with attorneys, courts, clients, and CDCR; organize discovery and mitigation materials.
- Research case law, statutes, and legal procedures using Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis.
- Track court schedules, deadlines, and legal frameworks for new legislation and sentencing laws.
- Prepare and summarize legal findings; maintain legal files and internal databases.
Family Services Specialist
Stanislaus County
Modesto, CA
10.2017 - 06.2022
- Conducted interviews and determined eligibility for MediCal, CalWORKs, and CalFresh programs.
- Explained regulations, legal orders, and client obligations under public assistance policies.
- Maintained accurate case records and ensured timely updates per county/federal guidelines.
- Trained new team members and led scheduling for Customer Assistance Center.
- Served on the Morale Committee and supported internal staff development initiatives.
Senior Paralegal & Office Manager
Scott Mitchell Law Inc.
Modesto, CA
11.2012 - 09.2017
- Managed day-to-day law office operations for criminal, family, and civil law practice.
- Supervised and trained up to 7 staff members in case handling and legal procedures.
- Prepared pleadings, subpoenas, declarations, and other court filings; ensured compliance.
- Led client intake, calendar management, HR documentation, and payroll activities.
- Handled e-discovery, witness preparation, and exhibit assembly for hearings and trials.
- Oversaw vendor relations, office inventory, and process improvements for workflow efficiency.
Senior Stylist / Business Owner
Self-Employed
Modesto & Waterford, CA
01.1993 - 01.2012
- Owned and operated successful salon businesses with consistent client base of 35–40+ weekly.
- Managed finances, vendor relations, marketing, and customer service.
- Styled hair for high-profile events including weddings, fashion shows, and expos.
- Supervised staff of 3 and ensured compliance with health and safety standards.
- Developed advanced skills in communication, multitasking, and business operations.
Education
Master of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ01.2026
Bachelor of Science - Correctional Program Support Services
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ06.2025
Associate of Arts - Social Work
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH05.2023
Associate of Arts - Business Management – HR
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH10.2020
Paralegal Certificate -
Abrams College
Modesto, CA04.2012
Skills
- Litigation and regulatory case management
- Legal research
- E-discovery and data review
- Drafting
- Contract and subpoena review
- Court filing
- Deadline management
- Docket scheduling
- Client intake
- Communication
- Witness coordination
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe
- Legal tech tools
- Team collaboration
- Leadership
- NDA drafting
Certifications Affiliations
- Stanislaus County Paralegal Association
- San Francisco Paralegal Association
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
- National Business Institute (NBI)
- National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
Certification
- Notary Republic - December 27, 2024
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Paralegal
Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office
06.2022 - Current
Family Services Specialist
Stanislaus County
10.2017 - 06.2022
Senior Paralegal & Office Manager
Scott Mitchell Law Inc.
11.2012 - 09.2017
Senior Stylist / Business Owner
Self-Employed
01.1993 - 01.2012
Master of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Correctional Program Support Services
University of Phoenix
Associate of Arts - Social Work
Eastern Gateway Community College
Associate of Arts - Business Management – HR
Eastern Gateway Community College
Paralegal Certificate -
Abrams College
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