Maria Butler
Sunnyvale,CA
Summary
As a Litigation Paralegal II with over 8 years of legal experience, I thrive in high-pressure environments where precision, speed, and discretion matter most. From managing complex IP litigation to coordinating fast-moving civil cases, I’m the go-to support for attorneys who need deadlines met, details captured, and court protocols followed to the letter.
My value lies in combining technical mastery - Relativity, PACER/ECF, trial prep, discovery coordination - with a proactive, solutions-first approach. I don’t just track dates and documents; I streamline workflows, flag procedural risks early, and keep cases trial-ready from day one. Whether it’s federal e-filings, database management, or last-minute trial binders, I bring calm and clarity to every phase of litigation.
Before IP law, I honed my skills in U.S. immigration, where accuracy and urgency shaped my attention to detail. Today, I carry that discipline into every matter I support. I’m passionate about legal operations, powered by technology, and grounded in teamwork - and I take pride in being the steady hand behind complex legal wins.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Litigation Paralegal II
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
Palo Alto, CA
02.2023 - Current
- Support litigation attorneys by conducting legal research, gathering case documents, and coordinating service of process throughout all stages of litigation
- Prepare, file, and manage electronic court submissions in state, federal district, and appellate courts using PACER/ECF and other e-filing platforms
- Review incoming and outgoing pleadings, motions, and court correspondence to ensure compliance with procedural rules, formatting standards, and filing requirements
- Maintain and organize case files through Box, ShareFile, and firm-wide document management systems, improving document accessibility and supporting remote collaboration
- Monitor case activity through legal software, court databases, and online resources, ensuring attorneys remain informed of docket updates and developments
- Track critical deadlines and key litigation dates, entering all required information into centralized docketing and calendaring systems to ensure timely case progression.
- Conduct document review and analysis to assist with discovery, motion preparation, trial support, and overall litigation strategy
- Communicate regularly with attorneys, paralegals, court personnel, vendors, clients, and experts to coordinate schedules, filings, and case-related logistics across jurisdictions
- Utilize Relativity, Microsoft Office Suite, and other legal technology tools to manage high-volume litigation tasks efficiently in both in-office and remote environments.
- Provide general administrative assistance and back-up support for special projects as needed
Litigation Paralegal
SAC ATTORNEYS LLP
San Jose, CA
04.2021 - 01.2023
- Assisted multiple attorneys with managing complex caseloads, ensuring the timely completion of all tasks required in all phases of civil litigation, from case inception to trial
- Supported attorneys in drafting and preparing legal documents, including pleadings, correspondence, discovery requests, transmittal letters, and other legal documents
- Conducted document gathering for production, and assisted in the preparation of exhibits for trial
- Coordinated and scheduled depositions, mediation, remote court appearances, and other events in collaboration with court personnel, opposing counsel, clients, and outside vendors.
- Maintained and organized multiple attorneys' dockets, ensuring that critical case deadlines and hearings were met
- Utilized judicial council forms, prepared subpoenas, and managed e-filing processes in both federal and state courts
- Conducted research and summarized local, state, and federal rules to ensure compliance and preparedness for all legal proceedings, and conducted document gathering for production, and assisted in the preparation of exhibits for trial
- Met with clients and attorneys to discuss case details and evidence
- Attended hearings, mediation and depositions as needed to support attorneys' work product
- Maintained an organized file system for all case related materials
Immigration Paralegal
Ganjo Law Corp.
San Jose, CA
09.2018 - 02.2021
- Managed cases from initiation to completion, including handling all phases of immigration matters, such as appeals and proceedings before the appellate court
- Compiled and organized client application packets, gathering and sorting essential documentation for a range of immigration matters
- Assisted multiple attorneys in client intake and legal consultations, ensuring thorough understanding of client needs and legal requirements
- Drafted various immigration-related documents including applications, petitions, letters, and affidavits for cases such as asylum, adjustment of status, citizenship, FOIA requests, deportation cases, and waivers
- Coordinated the timely filing of applications and petitions, including managing the translation of foreign documents as required
- Processed and managed correspondence from USCIS, DHL, and EOIR, ensuring clients received prompt notifications and providing guidance on responses to notices or evidence requests
- Maintained accurate, up-to-date case files (both physical and electronic), including detailed case notes, ensuring compliance with internal and external deadlines
- Interacted with clients, court personnel, and external vendors to collect necessary documents, assist with hearings, and manage case-related inquiries
- Effectively managed multiple dockets, calendared deadlines, and coordinated all aspects of case preparation, including assisting attorneys in hearings and court appearances
Paralegal
The Victoria Law Offices
San Jose, CA
09.2017 - 08.2018
- Conducted thorough and accurate client intakes and recorded all information in the company database, ensuring the seamless flow of information and efficient case management
- Showcased strong communication skills by effectively conferring with clients, legal insurance, and other involved parties to gather and track case information, resulting in increased client satisfaction and positive feedback
- Assisted counsel in drafting, editing, and finalizing legal documentation, including revocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, deeds, and related documentation, showcasing proficiency in legal document preparation
- Prepared living trust/wills binders, resulting in streamlined organization and efficient retrieval of critical documents during estate administration
- Maintained meticulous paper and electronic client files, ensuring the timely and accurate retrieval of all necessary documentation for legal proceedings
Bilingual Legal Assistant
The Law Offices Of Samira Nikaein
San Jose, CA
01.2016 - 08.2017
- Managed multiple calendars ensuring timely completion of all tasks, resulting in successful case management
- Diligently monitored and docketed deadlines according to the code of civil procedure, preventing any delays or missed deadlines
- Drafted, reviewed, and proofread legal documents, ensuring high-quality work that was free from errors and mistakes
- Prepared a wide range of pleadings and motions, including financial disclosures, settlement agreements, and other correspondence, demonstrating proficiency in legal writing
- Conducted legal research, analyzed financial records, and prepared declarations, answers, propounded discovery, and trial briefs, showcasing strong analytical and research skills
- Filed and e-filed legal documents, ensuring compliance with all court requirements and procedures
Legal Intern
Center For The Advancement Of Human Rights
Tallahassee, FL
03.2015 - 12.2015
- Conducted thorough legal research and provided well-written memoranda and correspondence, contributing to the team's preparation for cases
- Developed and maintained and organized legal filing system, resulting in increased efficiency and ease of access to important documents
- Improved the accuracy and quality of legal documents by reviewing and proofreading them, ensuring error-free documentation
- Attended depositions and court proceedings, gathering critical information, and preparing concise summaries of cases
- Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys by serving as a translator during client interviews
- Contributed to the preparation of legal documents by drafting, editing, cite-checking, and providing other assistance, resulting in high-quality and comprehensive legal documents
Education
L.L.M. - Law
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLJ.D. - Law
National University of Law And Social Sciences
ArgentinaSkills
- Superior Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Calendar management
- Time management skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving Skills
- Drafting pleadings
- Document preparation
Portfolio
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-butler-464225a2/
Personal Information
Title: Litigation Paralegal
Timeline
Litigation Paralegal II
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
02.2023 - Current
Litigation Paralegal
SAC ATTORNEYS LLP
04.2021 - 01.2023
Immigration Paralegal
Ganjo Law Corp.
09.2018 - 02.2021
Paralegal
The Victoria Law Offices
09.2017 - 08.2018
Bilingual Legal Assistant
The Law Offices Of Samira Nikaein
01.2016 - 08.2017
Legal Intern
Center For The Advancement Of Human Rights
03.2015 - 12.2015
J.D. - Law
National University of Law And Social Sciences
L.L.M. - Law
Florida State University