Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Lynn A. Kwietniak

Elbridge,NY

Summary

My main objective in life is to help as many people in as many ways possible. Whether it is professionally or with fitness or just merely being an encouraging listening ear. Helping others succeed is success in itself. One never stops learning.

Legal professional with proven track record in providing comprehensive support to attorneys. Capable of managing complex legal documentation and ensuring case files are meticulously organized. Team-oriented and results-driven, always adapting to meet shifting priorities. Skilled in legal research and document preparation, valued for reliability and flexibility.

Driven Paralegal successful at thriving in high stress, high-pressure environments and situations involving constant change and vast ambiguity in data and instruction.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Social Security Disability Paralegal/CaseManager

Law Office of Mark T. Hurt
06.2023 - 07.2025
  • Remote position
  • Intake of potential client, evaluation of case for merit
  • Work with clients at all levels from initial application, Reconsideration, Hearing and Appeals Council
  • Complete questionnaires with clients, request medical records/school records
  • Work closely with Field Offices, Disability Determination and Hearing Offices
  • Drafting letters to clients and other third parties on the client’s behalf
  • Fee petitions, Appeals Council Briefs
  • Heavy communication with clients and the Social Security Administration
  • Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
  • Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
  • Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in laws or regulations relevant to practice areas through continuous professional development opportunities such as seminars or webinars.
  • Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.

Social Security Disability Paralegal

Meggesto, Crossett & Valerino, LLP /MCV Law
05.2020 - 06.2023
  • Client intakes, evaluate case for merit
  • Open new files and determine appropriate level (Initial Application, Reconsideration, Hearing), draft
  • Retainer documents
  • File application, appeal or hearing request with client
  • Maintain client files, request medical/employment/school records as necessary
  • Contact Social Security Administration regarding status of claim and payment centers
  • Constant client communication
  • Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
  • Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
  • Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
  • Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
  • Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
  • Enhanced case preparation efficiency by organizing and maintaining comprehensive digital filing system.
  • Bolstered firm's reputation by consistently maintaining high standards of confidentiality and professionalism.

Social Security Disability Paralegal/Appeals Council Supervisor

Olinsky Law Group
10.2017 - 03.2020
  • Work with Worlddox and Prevail systems to maintain all client files, records and information
  • File request for Review’s of ALJ decisions with the Appeals Council
  • Work with numerous referral law firms and their clients
  • Prepare file to have legal brief written
  • Access and review ERE for documents
  • Contact various District Offices, Hearing Offices and Appeals council as needed with regards to cases
  • Open new client files
  • Draft correspondences as needed to client and third party on behalf of the client
  • Heavy interactions with clients via telephone calls and in person meetings
  • Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
  • Assisted in achieving favorable legal outcomes by preparing persuasive legal arguments and briefs.
  • Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
  • Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
  • Collaborated with other departments to achieve organizational goals, fostering teamwork across various functions.

Workers’ Compensation/Social Security Disability Paralegal

Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
03.2016 - 08.2017
  • Draft correspondences, request medical records, prepare Board forms and submit.
  • Meet with clients regarding claim; assist in the completion and understanding of settlement agreements.
  • Open files, heavy client interaction, both claimant and carrier work.
  • Transcriptions/dictations, time entry.
  • Maintain client files.
  • Worked fast to complete tasks and meet daily deadlines.
  • Followed instructions and procedures to complete assigned tasks.
  • Established strong working relationships with clients through excellent communication skills, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust.
  • Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
  • Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
  • Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
  • Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.

Legal Assistant for Workers’ Compensation

McMahon, Kublick & Smith, P.C.
08.2007 - 03.2016
  • Draft letters, complete and file forms with the Workers’ Compensation Board, request medical records
  • Meet with clients regarding claims; assist in the completion and understanding of settlement agreements
  • Set up depositions, new client intakes and open files
  • Maintain client files
  • Transcriptions/dictations
  • Assisted with the litigation department, V&T’s and other motions.
  • Preparation of Wills
  • Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
  • Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
  • Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
  • Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
  • Responded to client inquiries, providing accurate legal advice and offering assistance.
  • Assisted in negotiation and drafting of settlement agreements, facilitating amicable resolutions in numerous cases.
  • Ensured compliance with legal procedures and court requirements through diligent monitoring and application of rules.
  • Facilitated client meetings and consultations, ensuring all necessary documentation was prepared and available for attorney review.

Education

Master of Arts - Special Education

Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education

Cayuga Community College
Auburn, NY

Associate of Applied Science - Liberal Arts AAS

Cazenovia College
Cazenovia, NY

Numerous CLE Courses on Social Security Disability

Skills

  • Proficient in Elite, ProLaw, Smart Advocate, Word, Perfect Practice, Prevail, Worlddox, Needles, Clio, Clio Grow, Li/Salesforce
  • Legal research
  • Proficient in MS office
  • Case management
  • Client communication
  • Document drafting
  • Notary public
  • Calendar management
  • Document preparation
  • Research and data collection
  • Legal writing
  • Administrative support
  • File organization
  • Proofreading
  • Case summaries

Certification

Notary Public, Certified Fitness Instructor in numerous formats and actively teach fitness classes daily.

Timeline

Social Security Disability Paralegal/CaseManager

Law Office of Mark T. Hurt
06.2023 - 07.2025

Social Security Disability Paralegal

Meggesto, Crossett & Valerino, LLP /MCV Law
05.2020 - 06.2023

Social Security Disability Paralegal/Appeals Council Supervisor

Olinsky Law Group
10.2017 - 03.2020

Workers’ Compensation/Social Security Disability Paralegal

Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
03.2016 - 08.2017

Legal Assistant for Workers’ Compensation

McMahon, Kublick & Smith, P.C.
08.2007 - 03.2016

Numerous CLE Courses on Social Security Disability

Master of Arts - Special Education

Syracuse University

Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education

Cayuga Community College

Associate of Applied Science - Liberal Arts AAS

Cazenovia College