Madison Schaeffer
Kotzebue
Summary
Detail-oriented Victim Witness Paralegal with expertise in legal research, case management, and document preparation. Proven ability to coordinate communication and provide emotional support, enhancing client experiences during litigation.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Victim Witness Paralegal 2
State of Alaska
Kotzebue
08.2024 - Current
- Managed case files and maintained organized documentation for litigation processes.
- Drafted legal documents, including pleadings and discovery requests for attorneys.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation by compiling exhibits and witness lists.
- Coordinated communication among clients, witnesses, and court personnel to ensure clarity and efficiency in case management.
- Participated in client conferences as needed to assist attorneys with strategy development.
- Organized large volumes of data into databases for use in document reviews or case management systems.
- Maintained an organized file system for all case related materials.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to victims throughout legal processes.
- Documented case information accurately within case management systems.
- Collaborated with community organizations to enhance victim support services.
- Prepared victims for court appearances and testimonies, fostering confidence and understanding of legal processes.
- Attended meetings with prosecutors to discuss cases involving victims and witnesses.
- Organized victim impact statements for court presentations.
- Developed strategies to enhance victim and witness participation in the criminal justice system, increasing engagement and support.
- Explained court procedures, terminology, and expectations to victims and witnesses.
- Assisted in the development of safety plans for victims and witnesses.
- Maintained contact with victims and witnesses throughout criminal proceedings.
- Provided guidance on navigating the criminal justice system to family members of victims or witnesses.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for witnesses required to appear in court.
- Reviewed discovery materials to identify relevant information for ongoing cases.
Victim Witness Paralegal 1
State of Alaska
Kotzebue
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Conducted legal research to support ongoing cases and attorney strategies.
- Supported trial preparation by gathering and organizing evidence to enhance case presentation.
- Managed calendars for court dates and deadlines, ensuring timely compliance with legal requirements.
- Reviewed and organized legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Proofread documents prior to filing them with courts or submitting them to opposing counsels.
- Filed pleadings and paperwork with court clerk to meet strict deadlines.
- Organized exhibits for trial by preparing materials and supporting documentation.
- Advised clients on procedural matters related to their cases.
- Entered data into and managed litigation databases and Excel spreadsheets.
- Created spreadsheets to track case information and deadlines.
- Attended court proceedings to observe trials or hearings.
- Collaborated with attorneys in all stages of litigation process.
- Researched applicable statutes, codes, regulations, ordinances, and precedent cases.
- Coordinated subpoena services and other support activities for legal office.
- Communicated with witnesses regarding deposition scheduling.
- Coordinated and scheduled witness testimony for depositions to facilitate case progression.
- Maintained professional knowledge by attending legal workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies.
- Analyzed and interpreted laws, rulings, and regulations for specific cases.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure strategies and objectives were aligned and executed efficiently.
- Managed discovery process, including drafting discovery documents and coordinating document production.
- Assisted attorneys in court by managing exhibits, taking notes, and ensuring all necessary materials were available.
- Utilized legal software and databases for case management and legal research.
- Managed case files and documentation, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Booked travel arrangements for firm attorneys and support staff.
- Called witnesses to give testimonies during court hearings.
Criminal Clerk
State of Alaska Court System
Kotzebue
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Processed legal documents for court filings and maintained accurate case records.
- Assisted judges and attorneys by delivering timely and accurate case information to support legal proceedings.
- Scheduled court hearings and managed calendars for multiple judges.
- Reviewed documents for compliance with legal standards and procedures.
- Communicated with the public regarding court processes and procedures.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies to gather and compile relevant case materials for court use.
- Managed clerical tasks related to filing motions, pleadings, affidavits and other legal documents with courts or law enforcement agencies.
- Assisted in the preparation of court documents such as subpoenas, summonses and warrants.
- Acted as liaison between courts, law enforcement agencies and other government entities in order to obtain necessary information related to criminal cases.
- Reviewed and verified case materials for accuracy, ensuring proper documentation before submission to personnel.
Behavioral Health Case Manager
Maniilaq Health Center
Kotzebue
02.2021 - 05.2023
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify and address clients' behavioral health needs.
- Coordinated services among community resources and healthcare providers to ensure seamless client care.
- Documented case notes accurately to maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
- Participated in team meetings regarding case management strategies and outcomes assessment.
- Communicated regularly with primary care physicians to update on patient status and facilitate timely interventions.
- Coordinated referrals to other community-based programs such as housing or employment services.
Accounting Intern
Pegasus Aviation Services LLC
Anchorage
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Processed invoices and maintained accurate accounts payable records to ensure timely payments.
- Collaborated with team members to resolve discrepancies in accounts.
- Used Microsoft productivity software.
- Assisted in preparing financial statements, including income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, to support financial reporting.
- Developed presentations and reports for client meetings, enhancing clarity of financial information.
- Collaborated effectively with colleagues in team settings and completed tasks independently.
Accounting Intern
Pegasus Aviation Services LLC
Anchorage
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Assisted in preparing financial statements such as income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement.
- Processed invoices and maintained accurate accounts payable records to ensure timely payments.
- Collaborated with team members to identify and resolve discrepancies in accounts, enhancing accuracy.
- Employed Microsoft productivity tools to streamline tasks, improving overall workflow efficiency.
Education
High School Diploma -
Kotzebue Middle/High School
Kotzebue, AK05-2018
Some College (No Degree) -
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AKSome College (No Degree) - Psychology
Mountwest Community Technical College
Huntington, WVSome College (No Degree) - Human Services
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AKSkills
- Legal research
- Litigation strategy
- Trial support
- Case management
- Discovery management
- Document preparation
- Evidence organization
- Court procedures
- Document filing
- Policy research
- Attention to detail
Timeline
Victim Witness Paralegal 2
State of Alaska
08.2024 - Current
Victim Witness Paralegal 1
State of Alaska
08.2024 - 06.2025
Criminal Clerk
State of Alaska Court System
05.2023 - 08.2024
Behavioral Health Case Manager
Maniilaq Health Center
02.2021 - 05.2023
Accounting Intern
Pegasus Aviation Services LLC
05.2019 - 08.2019
Accounting Intern
Pegasus Aviation Services LLC
05.2018 - 08.2019
High School Diploma -
Kotzebue Middle/High School
Some College (No Degree) -
University of Alaska Anchorage
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology
Mountwest Community Technical College
Some College (No Degree) - Human Services
University of Alaska Anchorage