Margaret Walter
Summary
Administrative professional offering excellent communication and computer skills, who is knowledgeable with Microsoft Office and Adobe. Meets deadlines and works with high level of confidently and professionalism. Experienced legal assistant to multiple attorneys in fast-paced, strict environment.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Legal Secretary/Legal Assistant
Nigro & Westfall, P.C
Bloomingdale, IL
12.2004 - Current
- Docket/calendar incoming mail to ensure all hearings, depositions, deadlines and other activities are on the proper Attorney's Outlook calendar with proper notifications intact.
- Excellent Communication Skills and professional Phone Etiquette
- Works as a team with attorneys, and other legal assistants.
- Review, edit and proofread pleadings for proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and formatting.
- Obtained signatures from attorneys for legal documents.
- File all court documents on behalf of the attorneys with the clerk of court in a timely manner.
- Manage files with the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion.
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for attorneys.
- Ensured compliance with court rules by staying up-to-date on changing regulations related to filings and other requirements.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs, contributing to successful case resolutions.
- Managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
- Reduced errors in legal documents by implementing thorough proofreading processes.
- Organized files for court proceedings.
- Diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling.
- Scheduled and made appointments for 2 attorneys.
- Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, and court officials.
- Created, indexed, and maintained client binders.
- Screened telephone calls and forwarded to appropriate departments.
- Created and printed legal documents for attorneys to review.
- Communicated professionally with clients, colleagues and legal partnership verbally and in writing.
- Produced and filed various legal documents and electronically preserved updated case record system.
- Worked with outside vendors to coordinate purchasing of supplies and maintenance of office complex.
- Organized documents to manage paper and electronic filing systems of clients.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
Legal Assistant
Gomberg, Sharfman, Gold & Ostler, P.C.
Chicago, Il
03.1996 - 04.2004
- Managed extensive confirmation calendars pertaining to six Judges.
- Assisted two attorneys with compiling pertinent documents for bankruptcy Debtors.
- Actively communicated with 30+ Debtors (clients), co-workers and Judges using Microsoft outlook.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
- Provided clerical support to company employees by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
- Worked alongside attorneys, administrative assistants, and fellow legal assistants on complex cases and legal processes.
- Prepared and drafted correspondence and legal forms to maintain smooth communications.
- Managed multiple real estate closings simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of necessary tasks.
- Facilitated successful real estate transactions by preparing, reviewing, and finalizing relevant paperwork.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Assisted in closing transactions smoothly by preparing necessary documentation and coordinating with title companies, lenders, and inspectors.
- Transcribed information from typed or handwritten notes, shorthand or dictation and confirmed accuracy and correct formatting of documents.
- Composed contracts, pleadings and motions in accordance with established guidelines.
Receptionist/Secretary
Marvin A. Brustin, Ltd.
Chicago, IL
07.1994 - 03.1996
- Reported directly to six attorneys with broad ranged responsibilities that encompassed the timely and complex preparation of cases from the discovery phase until trial.
- Coordinated multiple office functions encompassing court calendar management, retaining court reporters and scheduling of conference rooms for deposition proceedings.
- Communicated with numerous medical providers, insurance companies and other agencies to compile information for personal injury, medical malpractice and civil-insurance defense case management.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
- Provided clerical support to company employees by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
Education
High School Diploma -
Oak Park River Forest High School
Oak Park, IL2009
Skills
- Microsoft office proficient
- Legal administrative support
- Excellent written and verbal skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Knowledge of outlook calendars
- Professional demeanor
- Organizational skills
- Fast learner
- Ability to multitask
- Excellent problem-solving abilities
- Knowledge of office equipment
- Keep records up-to-date
- Document scanning
- Database management
Certification
Notary
Timeline
Legal Secretary/Legal Assistant
Nigro & Westfall, P.C
12.2004 - Current
Legal Assistant
Gomberg, Sharfman, Gold & Ostler, P.C.
03.1996 - 04.2004
Receptionist/Secretary
Marvin A. Brustin, Ltd.
07.1994 - 03.1996
High School Diploma -
Oak Park River Forest High School