Leah Ripley
Geneva,NY
Summary
Experienced, highly motivated paralegal with a background in civil and criminal law, specifically Landlord/Tenant disputes, Section 8 hearings, criminal defense work, and training new paralegals and attorneys in substantive law and office procedures. Action-oriented with strong ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Paralegal
Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.
Geneva, NY
01.2021 - Current
- Prepared exhibits and assisted attorney in a Landlord/Tenant summary proceeding bench trial.
- Use Legal Server to input and maintain client data with high degree of accuracy.
- Consult with clients, legal professionals, and other community program directors to define and document case details.
- Coordinate subpoena services and conducted personal service on a landlord regarding an Order to Show Cause.
- Draft correspondence and compliance documentation and submit all materials to appropriate parties.
- Correspond with multiple courts and housing authorities in order to acquire necessary documentation for client cases.
- Use extensive legal knowledge, under the supervision of an attorney, to advise clients in Landlord/Tenant matters by writing C&A letters, providing legal information in this area of law.
- Drafted a Federal Complaint against a Section 8 Program for violation of 42 U.S. Code § 1983.
- Presented tenants' rights information to attorneys at the Arbor CLE in Spring 2022.
- Co-convener of the Paralegal Workgroup.
- Member of the DEI Steering Committee and White Anti-Racism facilitator.
- Train and supervise new staff in Housing law hotlines and intakes.
Secretary
Geneva General Hospital, Adult Day Health Care
Waterloo, NY
09.2019 - 07.2020
- Received and routed incoming calls and correspondence to promote timely communication.
- Documented and shared staff meeting minutes.
- Checked office and medical supplies stock and placed orders to maintain necessary levels of supplies.
- Coordinated communications, including taking calls, responding to emails and interfacing with clients.
- Created and distributed monthly events calendar to internal staff and clients.
- Maintained and managed daily billing to insurance companies.
- Managed monthly billing for three Adult Day Care sites including Waterloo, Geneva, and Penn Yan.
- Assisted the Director and Nurses Aids by attending social events outside of the facility in order to ensure the safety of clients.
Paralegal Specialist
Ontario County Public Defender's Office
Canandaigua, NY
10.2014 - 01.2019
- Interviewed new clients which included discussing finances and information for bail arguments.
- Assisted the Public Defender in writing grants; my assistance helped the county receive a multi-million dollar grant award
- Managed and maintained all information related to the Counsel at First Appearance grant in both CMS and on a separate Excel spreadsheet.
- Prepared routine legal correspondence and memoranda for 15 attorneys.
- Functioned as a Veterans' Treatment Court member and the Veterans' Defense Liaison for the Public Defender's Office.
- Researched documents and publications for case-altering details and evidence establishment.
- Researched Felony charges in other states and compared them to the corresponding NYS Penal Code to assist a client in arguing and winning a Motion to Vacate his life sentence.
- Responded quickly to client calls and inquiries, asking open-ended questions to deliver applicable information.
- Used CMS to input and maintain client data with high degree of accuracy.
- Oversaw intakes, filing, and other administrative tasks done by the Administrative Assistance
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English/Adolescent Education
St. John Fisher University
East Rochester, NY12.2011
Skills
- Understands the importance of confidentiality
- Expertise in legal proceedings
- Expansive Civil & Criminal Litigation background
- Proficient with Google Suite & Legal Server
- Previously offered support, mentorship and supervision to new staff
- Organized and goal-oriented
- Proficient in writing, editing, and proofreading
- Background in English Education
- Expansive legal work with Veterans
Affiliations
Scholarships:
• LawNY Staff Spotlight
• NYS Lottery Leadership Scholarship
• St. John Fisher Presidential Scholarship
Dean’s List Honoree: Fall and Spring Semesters: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Member of Kappa Delta Pi International; Honor Society in Education Cum Laude Graduate: 3.8 GPA
References
Leanne Lapp, Public Defender, Ontario County Public Defender's Office
(585) 730-2351, Leanne.Lapp@ontariocountyny.gov
Amaris Elliott-Engel, Project Attorney, Office of the NYS Attorney General
(315) 521-6610,
Emily Sauers, Staff Attorney, LawNY
(585) 694-4952, esauers@lawny.org
Timeline
Senior Paralegal
Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.
01.2021 - Current
Secretary
Geneva General Hospital, Adult Day Health Care
09.2019 - 07.2020
Paralegal Specialist
Ontario County Public Defender's Office
10.2014 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - English/Adolescent Education
St. John Fisher University
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