Lisa M. Garstka
Smithtown,USA
Summary
Highly accomplished professional, specializing in court administration, staff supervision, and complex document review. Proven track record as an Associate's Court Clerk supervising personnel, training staff, and acting as a vital liaison for judges, attorneys, and agencies. Possesses direct, foundational experience with Suffolk County Surrogate's Court. Combines legal administration experience with a background in corporate technology, and educational training, uniquely qualifying for high-level operational leadership.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Court Clerk
Suffolk County Supreme Court
Central Islip
06.2022 - Current
- Review documents for legal sufficiency
- Liaison between attorneys, litigants, social worker, CPS, and courtroom staff
- Supervision of Part Clerks and Calendar Clerks
- Assist Senior Court Clerks with processing Motions, Judgments of Divorce
- Kronos Time Management
- Case Management
- Develop and train calendar clerks on new policies and procedures
Senior Court Clerk
Suffolk County Family Court
Central Islip, NY
04.2017 - 06.2022
- Working Knowledge in all aspects of Microsoft TEAMS, Skype, virtual court appearances, and remote access VPN
- Utilize UCMS for case management and daily calendar
- Call daily calendar for Judges and Court Attorney Referees
- Swear in witnesses and log in exhibits during trial
- Issue Orders of Protection, Warrants of Arrests and Orders to Produce
- Prepare Orders of Custody and Visitation, Orders of Guardianship & Stipulation of Settlements
- Review documentation for Termination of Parental Rights and Child Abuse and Neglect Orders
- Coordinate with Child Protective Services regarding Orders of Investigation
- Coordinate with Judges, Court Attorney Referees, Court Officers, ACA’s and other court personnel for calendar control and efficiency
- Preparing calendars, issuing Summonses, mailing Notice of Appearances
Court Assistant
Suffolk County Family Court
Central Islip, NY
09.2016 - 03.2017
- Schedule video and telephonic conferences on behalf of incarcerated parties for cases being heard in Judge and Attorney Referee parts
- Set up video equipment for conferences in the courtroom
- Back up Court Assistant in Attorney Referee parts
- Assist Guardianship Department with new petitions filed. Prepared forms for OCFS background check and fingerprint clearances. Provide assistance to attorneys and pro se petitioners with general guardianship inquiries.
Court Assistant
Suffolk County Family Court, Support Department
Central Islip, NY
09.2015 - 09.2016
- Prepare daily calendars for Support Magistrates
- Utilizing UCMS, record court room activity (Attendance, Docket Outcomes, Notes, Adjournments, Rescheduling etc...)
- Prepare Orders and Money Judgments
- Prepare Service Packets for Sheriff, generate Summonses and Notices
- Coordinate with Child Support Enforcement Bureau regarding Child Support Arrears
Court Revenue Assistant
First District Court
Central Islip, NY
08.2014 - 09.2015
- Process fees, fines, bail and other payments
- Daily cash drawer reconciliation
- Bail/Bond Exonerations & Forfeitures
- Variety of office clerical and administrative tasks
- Provide information at public counter
Senior Court Office Assistant
Surrogate’s Court
Riverhead, NY
12.2010 - 08.2014
- Review and index Small Estates and Administration files
- Input all revenue for the Administration Department
- Advise attorneys and pro se petitioners on proper procedures for filing estates in Suffolk County
- Review Small Estate accounting reports for accuracy and correct asset distribution according to New York State Estate Law
- Prepare Decisions and Decrees for Surrogate Judge’s review and signature
Business Education Teacher
West Babylon High School
02.2008 - 02.2009
- Prepare and implement lesson plans for Accounting, Computer Applications, Marketing, Work Study Cooperative and Introduction to Occupations
- Successfully recruited business professionals as guest speakers to educate students about possible career paths and professional responsibilities
- Create and implement student assessments including tests, quizzes and group projects
- DECA advisor/chaperone for State Career Conference in Rochester, NY. I supervised and prepared students for state finals competition
Senior Software Associate
Avaya/formerly Lucent Technologies/AT&T
Melville, NY
09.1998 - 09.2003
- Met with senior executives of large businesses to assess corporate telecommunication needs
- Responsible for designing and implementing software to meet the needs of our customers
- Provided customer support and training during software conversion process
Education
Master’s Degree - Business Education/Elementary Education
Dowling College
Oakdale, NYBachelor of Science - Business Administration & Management
Long Island University
Brentwood, NYTimeline
Associate Court Clerk
Suffolk County Supreme Court
06.2022 - Current
Senior Court Clerk
Suffolk County Family Court
04.2017 - 06.2022
Court Assistant
Suffolk County Family Court
09.2016 - 03.2017
Court Assistant
Suffolk County Family Court, Support Department
09.2015 - 09.2016
Court Revenue Assistant
First District Court
08.2014 - 09.2015
Senior Court Office Assistant
Surrogate’s Court
12.2010 - 08.2014
Business Education Teacher
West Babylon High School
02.2008 - 02.2009
Senior Software Associate
Avaya/formerly Lucent Technologies/AT&T
09.1998 - 09.2003
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration & Management
Long Island University
Master’s Degree - Business Education/Elementary Education
Dowling College