Leah Kennedy
Coldwater,MS
Summary
Detail-oriented customer service representative with strong skills in research, document drafting, and client communication. Proven ability to manage complex customer issues and contribute to successful outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
Gilder, Howell, & Associates
Southaven, MS
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Prepared legal documents, including briefs and motions, ensuring compliance with court requirements.
- Conducted thorough legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Organized and maintained case files, enhancing accessibility and retrieval efficiency.
- 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.
- 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.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- 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.
- Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
- Reduced case resolution times by effectively supporting negotiation and settlement processes.
Claims Adjuster
Direct Insurance Company
Memphis, TN
02.1996 - 02.2009
- Evaluated claims to determine validity and compliance with policy guidelines.
- Coordinated with policyholders, medical professionals, and legal teams to gather necessary documentation.
- Analyzed complex claims data to identify trends and mitigate risk exposure.
- Conducted thorough investigations to uncover fraudulent activities and prevent losses.
- Mentored junior adjusters on best practices in claims processing and customer communication.
- Developed streamlined workflows that improved claims turnaround times significantly.
- Oversaw escalated claims, ensuring prompt resolutions while maintaining high customer satisfaction levels.
- Negotiated favorable settlements with claimants, attorneys, and other insurance carriers to minimize financial risk for the company.
- Examined claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.
- Verified insurance claims and determined fair amount for settlement.
- Maintained compliance with state regulatory requirements through meticulous documentation and adherence to company policies.
- Conducted thorough investigations of complex insurance claims, gathering evidence and analyzing relevant documentation.
- Achieved cost savings through successful subrogation efforts, recovering funds from responsible parties in various claims scenarios.
- Prepared summaries of damage, payments, and policy coverage.
- Provided exceptional customer service during emotionally difficult situations for policyholders following accidents or natural disasters.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through active participation in team meetings and collaborating on cross-functional projects.
- Achieved high customer satisfaction ratings by providing clear and timely communication throughout the claims process.
- Reviewed police reports, medical treatment records, and physical property damage to determine extent of liability.
- Answered customer questions regarding deductibles.
- Attended industry conferences and workshops to stay current on trends and developments within the field of claims adjusting.
- Evaluated coverage accurately by interpreting complex insurance policies and applying them to specific claim scenarios.
- Conducted comprehensive interviews of witnesses and claimants to gather facts and information.
- Improved claim resolution times by efficiently managing a caseload of 50+ claims per month.
- Identified potential fraud indicators early in the investigation process, protecting company assets from potential losses due to fraudulent activity.
- Facilitated smooth transitions for policyholders during the claim process by liaising between various departments, ensuring all parties were informed and engaged.
- Negotiated with policyholders and claimants to reach mutually satisfactory resolutions.
- Developed strong relationships with repair vendors, ensuring quality service and fair pricing for clients in need of repairs after an incident.
- Collaborated with legal teams to defend against fraudulent claims, saving company resources and maintaining its reputation.
- Mentored junior adjusters on best practices and industry regulations, contributing to their professional growth and development.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns, and answering questions promptly.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to policyholders by communicating important information and patiently listening to issues.
- Researched claims and incident information to deliver solutions and resolve problems.
- Identified insurance coverage limitations with thorough examinations of claims documentation and related records.
- Determined liability outlined in coverage and assessed documentation such from police and healthcare providers to understand damages incurred.
- Read over insurance policies to ascertain levels of coverage and determine whether claims would receive approvals or denials.
- Analyzed information gathered by investigation and reported findings and recommendations.
- Investigated and assessed damage to property and reviewed property damage estimates.
- Reviewed questionable claims by conducting agent and claimant interviews to correct omissions and errors.
- Directed claims negotiations within allowable limit of $100,000 and supported successful litigations for advanced issues.
- Directed and coordinated various investigations conducted by field investigation team.
- Conducted day-to-day administrative tasks to maintain information files and process paperwork.
- Maintained contact with claimants and attorneys to determine treatment status.
- Identified suspicious losses and contacted manager for investigative assistance.
- Negotiated property and injury settlement agreements to resolve disputes.
- Interviewed agents and claimants to correct errors or omissions and investigate questionable claims.
- Handled complaint calls from customers and other stakeholders about claims processes.
- Evaluated original investigation reports and documents to resolve secondary concerns.
- Worked with private investigators and attorneys on preparation of evidence, witness statements, and other documentation in preparation for trial.
- Followed up on potentially fraudulent claims initiated by claims representatives.
- Prepared settlement documents for managers or legal personnel.
- Collected pertinent information from customers to complete claims and legal files.
Education
High School Diploma -
Southaven High School
Southaven, MS05-1994
Skills
- Legal research
- Proficient in MS office
- Case management
- Client communication
- Office administration
- Document drafting
- Document preparation
- Calendar management
- Administrative support
- Research and data collection
- Legal writing
- File organization
- Proofreading
- Attorney support
- Trial preparation assistance
- File and records management
- Case summaries
- Litigation support
- Records management
- Legal transcription
- Database research
- Legal analysis
- Exceptional writer
- Negotiation
- Interviewing witnesses
- Evidence analysis
- Witness interviewing
- Calendar oversight
- Legal evaluation
- Troubleshooting complex problems
- Legal research skills
- Documenting
- Policy research
- Client intake procedures
- Effective multitasking
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Legal document preparation
- Client support
- Multitasking
- Customer service
- Legal correspondence
- Correspondence and legal forms
- Deadline monitoring
- Work prioritization
- Schedule coordination
- Document editing
- Document organization
- Filing system organization
- Appointment scheduling
- Legal terminology
Timeline
Paralegal
Gilder, Howell, & Associates
01.2009 - 01.2012
Claims Adjuster
Direct Insurance Company
02.1996 - 02.2009
High School Diploma -
Southaven High School