Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Malika Fultz

Evanston,IL

Summary

Motivated, detail-oriented and methodical in preparing case files, investigating issues, and producing legal paperwork. Known for meticulous work, decision making and prioritizing skills. Background in office administration, customer service, and self management. Excels at self management, knowledge management, prioritizing competing tasks and ascertaining future needs. Paralegal with top skills in written communication, critical thinking and active learning. Well-versed in professional preparation of drafting and processing pleadings, motions and correspondences, as well as conducting thorough legal research. Collaborative team player comfortable working independently and accepting high degree of unsupervised responsibility. Recognized for quickly mastering new challenges and working well under pressure. Flexible hard worker ready to learn and contribute to team success. Adds value to any organization in need of great collaboration. Meets tight deadlines. Highly-motivated with the desire to take on new challenges and master new skills. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills, along with multitasking abilities.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Freelance Paralegal- Full Time

Self-employeed
Evanston, IL
07.2023 - Current
  • Advised clients on procedural matters related to their cases.
  • Empower Pro-Se clients to confidently navigate the legal court system.
  • Drafted correspondences, documented data and submitted materials to appropriate parties.
  • Filed pleadings and appeals with court clerks or electronically using Odyssey eFileIL.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish goals.
  • Approached clients and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal skills.
  • Responded to client inquiries to deliver applicable information.
  • Knowledgeable dealings with pleadings, affidavits, and motions.
  • Researched applicable statues, codes, regulations, and ordinances for pertinent case information.
  • Maintained calendars for upcoming court dates or deadlines related to cases.
  • Proofread documents prior to filing them with the courts or submitting to opposing counsels.
  • Used Lexis Nexis legal research software to examine secondary sources, statutory and case law, and state regulations.
  • Effectuated service via sheriff's office to deliver subpoenas.
  • Prepared clients for appointments, depositions, and mediations.

Office Manager- Part Time

G-Spang Real Estate/ Property Management
Chicago, IL
06.2022 - 06.2023
  • Coded and entered daily invoices with in-house accounting software (Appfolio).
  • Tracked invoices and payments to ensure accuracy of accounts receivable and payable information.
  • Managed office budget to handle inventory, postage and vendor services.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Processed payroll accurately ensuring all employees were paid on time.
  • Provided training to new hires on office policies and procedures.
  • Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to owners on hiring decisions.
  • Maintained impeccable office organization to support efficiency, professionalism and performance objectives.
  • Assisted with developing and implementing office policies and procedures.
  • Maintained filing system for records, correspondence and other documents.
  • Ordered supplies and equipment to maintain adequate inventory levels.
  • Organized team activities to build camaraderie and foster pleasant workplace culture.
  • Oversaw receiving and organizing correspondence, answering and forwarding calls and creating business letters and records.
  • Used judgment and initiative in handling confidential matters and requests.
  • Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Collaborated with others to complete group projects.
  • Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.

Paralegal Intern

Lawyer's Committee for Better Housing
Chicago, IL
01.2018 - 05.2018
  • Proofread documents for accuracy before filing them with the court.
  • Organized legal documents in company filing systems and databases.
  • Responded to client calls and inquiries to deliver applicable information.
  • Developed an understanding of litigation procedures such as e-discovery process.
  • Met with clients and attorneys to discuss case details and evidence.
  • Assisted with interviewing of clients and potential clients.
  • Organized client files and other legal documents.
  • Drafted pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
  • Leveraged [Legal Server Software] to input and maintain client data.
  • Participated in client meetings with attorneys to discuss progress of cases.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.

Supervisor/Team Leader - Full Time

Smith Amundsen LLC Law Firm (c/o Pitney Bowes)
Chicago, IL
06.2002 - 01.2011
  • Ensured that all court documents were filed on time according to established procedures.
  • Supervised administrative and customer support services , including scheduling appointments, maintaining calendars, and making travel arrangements.
  • Answered incoming calls from clients and other attorneys in a professional manner.
  • Organized legal documents in company filing systems and databases.
  • Developed and implemented operational policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and accuracy of workflows.
  • Conducted weekly meetings with team members to discuss upcoming tasks and project deadlines.
  • Participated in conferences related to industry trends or organizational developments.
  • Supervised reprographics and document production department.
  • Supervised the hospitality department in scheduling and preparing attorney/ client meetings, depositions, mediations, and firm wide seminars.
  • Produced monthly reports of productivity and progress reports.
  • Organized special events such as company picnics or holiday parties for employees.
  • Established and enforced clear goals to keep employees working collaboratively.
  • Provided guidance and direction to subordinates regarding job duties and responsibilities.
  • Tracked project schedules and encouraged teams to complete tasks.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
  • Assisted with hiring, training, mentoring, evaluating, and terminating staff as necessary.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Paralegal Studies

Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL
05-2018

Associate of Arts - English

City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College
Chicago, IL
05-2001

Skills

  • Legal Research
  • Attorney/ Litigation Support
  • Family and Domestic Relations Law
  • Marital Settlement Agreements
  • Power of Attorney
  • Exceptional Writer
  • Proficient in MS Office
  • Office Administration
  • Case, File, and Records Management and Preparation
  • Proofreading
  • Client Communication
  • Legal Compliance
  • Sheriffs Office Subpoena Coordination
  • Civil Litigation
  • Understands Confidentiality
  • Proficient in legal proceeding and the utilization of Odyssey eFileIL

Affiliations

  • PTA (Parent Teacher Association) President- August 2019- May 2021
  • Member of I Can Dream Center
  • Member of Illinois Paralegal Association

Certification

  • Certificate in Paralegal Studies- May 2018

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Freelance Paralegal- Full Time

Self-employeed
07.2023 - Current

Office Manager- Part Time

G-Spang Real Estate/ Property Management
06.2022 - 06.2023

Paralegal Intern

Lawyer's Committee for Better Housing
01.2018 - 05.2018

Supervisor/Team Leader - Full Time

Smith Amundsen LLC Law Firm (c/o Pitney Bowes)
06.2002 - 01.2011

Bachelor of Arts - Paralegal Studies

Roosevelt University

Associate of Arts - English

City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College

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Malika Fultz