Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Mariia Yazhynska

Glendale,USA

Summary

Licensed lawyer from Ukraine with over 10 years of legal experience, currently working as a Legal Assistant in New York while preparing for the New York State Bar Exam. Experienced in legal research, document drafting, case management, and providing high-level support to attorneys. Fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, and English, I bring a unique international perspective, with a solid foundation in legal principles from both Ukrainian and U.S. legal systems. A graduate of Cardozo Law School, I am dedicated to advancing my legal career in the U.S. and eager to contribute my multilingual skills and experience to a dynamic legal team as I complete the bar exam process.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Legal Assistant

Bartol Law Firm, P.C.
05.2024 - Current
  • Keeping cases organized by establishing and organizing files; monitoring calendars; meeting deadlines; documenting actions; entering information into file database and case management software; confirming case status with attorney
  • Answering telephone calls; maintaining client contact; scheduling meetings
  • Assisting attorneys with creating, formatting, and revising legal documents
  • Maintaining attorney schedules
  • Managing and prioritizing incoming email and correspondence
  • Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
  • Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
  • Gathered key information during initial client intake interviews that contributed significantly to the formulation of effective legal arguments.
  • Drafted accurate and persuasive legal correspondence, contributing to successful negotiations and settlements.
  • Drafted legal documents, including pleadings and motions, to support attorneys in various cases.
  • Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.


File Clerk/Office Assistant

Sinayskaya Yuniver, P.C.
05.2023 - 04.2024
  • Create and manage records with new information
  • Keep all paperwork in appropriate places applying security measures to important documents
  • Organize converting the documentation into electronic format either by data entry or by optical scanning
  • Monitored and updated filing systems to meet organization standards.
  • Restored old files and archived completed files for future reference.
  • Assisted with data entry and administrative support tasks to help meet team goals.
  • Maintained physical and computer-based filing systems.
  • Supported legal teams by promptly providing necessary documents for case preparations.
  • Identified and resolved filing discrepancies.
  • Classified documents according to specified guidelines.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering open communication among colleagues.
  • Assisted in financial tasks such as invoicing, expense tracking, and budget preparation to ensure accuracy.
  • Supported executive staff with well-prepared reports, presentations, and meeting materials.
  • Managed incoming and outgoing correspondence, ensuring prompt and accurate delivery of information.
  • Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
  • Coordinated and scheduled meetings and appointments.
  • Edited documents to keep company materials free of grammar errors.

Lawyer

Self-employeed
01.2021 - 02.2022
  • Analyzed and applied legal principles and performed legal research to support litigation strategy.
  • Represented clients in court proceedings, hearings and arbitrations.
  • Advised clients on variety of legal matters, including corporate governance, intellectual property, labor law and taxation.
  • Built lasting relationships with clients by demonstrating integrity, dedication, and a genuine commitment to their success.
  • Used knowledge of legal precedents to analyze probable outcome of cases.
  • Improved client satisfaction with timely communication and thorough explanations of complex legal concepts.
  • Collaborated effectively with opposing counsel to expedite resolution of disputes, demonstrating professionalism and diplomatic tact.
  • Presented evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
  • Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
  • Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
  • Counseled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.
  • Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
  • Drafted motions, petitions and waivers.
  • Presented key evidence and exhibits during civil trials.

Judge Assistant

The Central District Court of the city of Mykolaiv
09.2011 - 01.2021
  • Implemented detail-focused approach in preparation of trial materials
  • Drafted compelling court decisions and responses, improving case resolution rate
  • Supported the judge in decision-making processes with thorough legal analysis and well-organized presentations of pertinent information.
  • Supported the judge during high-profile trials by preparing exhibits, coordinating witness appearances, and addressing media inquiries as needed.
  • Assisted judges in reaching informed decisions by analyzing case materials, presenting findings clearly, and offering sound recommendations.
  • Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
  • Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
  • Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
  • Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
  • Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
  • Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
  • Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.
  • Researched and analyzed legal issues and cases to provide accurate advice to clients.


Education

Master's Degree -

National University "Odessa Law Academy"
06.2011

English As a Second Language (ESL) Program - undefined

LaGuardia Community College
Queens, NY
01.2023

Master of Laws - General Studies LL.M.

Cardozo Law School
New York, NY
06-2025

Skills

  • Legal research and writing
  • Legal project management
  • Detailed case examination
  • Preparation of legal documents
  • Skilled in formatting and editing in Microsoft Word
  • Skilled in Adobe Acrobat usage
  • Excel data analysis
  • Efficient at acquiring new skills
  • Proficient in client interactions
  • Effective task prioritization
  • Confidentiality
  • Attention to detail
  • Effective multitasking
  • Legal correspondence
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Bilingual proficiency in Russian and Ukrainian

Languages

Ukrainian (native)
Russian (native)
English (proficient)

Timeline

Legal Assistant

Bartol Law Firm, P.C.
05.2024 - Current

File Clerk/Office Assistant

Sinayskaya Yuniver, P.C.
05.2023 - 04.2024

Lawyer

Self-employeed
01.2021 - 02.2022

Judge Assistant

The Central District Court of the city of Mykolaiv
09.2011 - 01.2021

English As a Second Language (ESL) Program - undefined

LaGuardia Community College

Master's Degree -

National University "Odessa Law Academy"

Master of Laws - General Studies LL.M.

Cardozo Law School