Marta Szczutowski
Everett,WA
Summary
Polished Paralegal well-versed in drafting briefs, legal memorandums, motions and correspondence. Collaborative team player comfortable working independently and accepting high degree of unsupervised responsibility. Recognized for quickly mastering new challenges and working well under pressure.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Paralegal
LegalEaze Associates
Everett, WA
01.2017 - Current
- Started this business from the ground up. I have successfully assisted in the completion of over 100 civil cases, to date, on a part time basis.
- Focus on Assisting ProSe litigants file documents properly, focusing on deadlines, correct document preparation, proper service of documents for civil cases.
- Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
- Attended court proceedings to observe trials or hearings.
- Drafted correspondence to clients and other involved parties
- Prepared clients for appointments, depositions and testimony.
- Proofread documents prior to filing them with courts or submitting them to opposing counsels.
- Interpreted various types of legal documents including contracts and agreements.
- Reviewed and organized legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Organized client calendars, prepared mailings and handled high call volumes.
- Created spreadsheets to track case information and deadlines.
- Filed pleadings and paperwork with court clerk to meet strict deadlines.
- Advised clients on procedural matters related to their cases.
- Drafted motions, briefs and other legal documents.
- Provided administrative support such as answering phones or scheduling appointments
- Interviewed clients and obtained vital case information to support associates
- Maintained calendars for upcoming court dates or deadlines related to cases.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently
- Focus mostly on divorce, child custody, child support modification, bankruptcy, landlord/tenant, small claims, contract disputes. Referrals to attorneys for cases too large in scale.
- Possess Paralegal Associates of Technical Arts degree with a 3.8 GPA from Edmonds College in Lynnwood, WA.
- Keep close track of timelines to assure clients attended all court hearings at the proper times.
- Use online databases, such as WestLaw and LexusNexus, as well as, print resources from the law library to examine case law sources, statutory law, paperwork preparation regulations, federal and state regulations
- Conduct client screenings experience in the questioning process, taking copious notes
- File pleadings with appropriate court clerk in person or through e-file, paying close attention that all document’s are correct to the last detail
- Act as court liaison to facilitate efficient communication between judges, court administration, government agencies, attorneys and parties
- Observe strict privacy laws to prevent information breaches and to protect clients rights.
- Use Legal Research and Writing skills daily
Office Manager
Davinci Interiors
Seattle, WA
04.2013 - 05.2020
- Performed general bookkeeping duties such as reconciling bank statements and creating journal entries.
- Automated office operations for managing client correspondence, payment schedules and data communications.
- Improved operational efficiencies, managing work requests, new orders, pricing and changes while coordinating logistics to verify delivery dates.
- Created and managed electronic customer records, encompassing data entry and administrative functions related to billing and accounts receivable
- Analyzed data from various sources to identify trends and make recommendations for improvement.
- Reviewed contracts for accuracy prior to signing off on behalf of the company.
- Resolved customer inquiries in a timely manner while maintaining positive relationships with clients.
- Reviewed files and records to obtain information and respond to requests.
- Ordered supplies and equipment to maintain adequate inventory levels.
- Oversaw receiving and organizing correspondence, answering and forwarding calls and creating business letters and records.
- Maintained filing system for records, correspondence and other documents.
- Tracked invoices and payments to ensure accuracy of accounts receivable and payable information.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Used judgment and initiative in handling confidential matters and requests.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
- Maintained impeccable office organization to support efficiency, professionalism and performance objectives
- Liaised with customers, addressed inquiries, handled meeting requests and answered questions to provide outstanding customer care
- Wrote professional business correspondence
- Scheduled appointments and maintained master calendar
- Streamlined operational efficiencies by providing timely computer diagnosis and repair
Paralegal Intern
Law Office of Scott Lawrence, PLLC
Mill Creek, WA
09.2011 - 12.2011
- Analyzed case law for applicability to specific cases.
- Participated in client meetings with attorneys to discuss progress of cases.
- Responded to client calls and inquiries to deliver applicable information.
- Assembled and organized facts, data and information to be used as background intel for meetings,hearings, briefings and reports
- Observed strict privacy laws and attorney/client privilege
- Checked for and removed any and all meta data on any online communication
- Filed pleadings with court clerk, paying close attention to all deadlines and required paperwork
- Responded quickly to client calls and inquiries, asking open-ended questions to deliver applicable information
- Drafted motions, briefs, forms, memoranda, summaries, and other legal documents associated with litigation process and relating to civil and criminal proceedings
- Participated in client interviews and observed questioning process, taking copious notes for inclusion reports
- Organized client files, drafted pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
- Prepared settlement agreements based on attorney instruction.
- Proofread documents for accuracy before filing them with the court.
- Maintained a calendar system for tracking deadlines related to filings and court appearances.
- Attended hearings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, trials or other proceedings with attorneys.
- Developed an understanding of litigation procedures such as e-discovery process.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
Education
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Cascadia Community College
Bothell, WA12-2011
Paralegal Associates of Technical Arts - Paralegal Studies
Edmonds Community College
Lynnwood, WA06-2011
Skills
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Excellent Communication
- Calm Under Pressure
- Task Prioritization
- Google Drive
- Self-Directed
- Verbal Communication
- Written Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Multitasking
- Critical Thinking
- Case management (10 years)
- Legal research (5 years)
- Westlaw (5 years)
- Billing (10 years)
- Invoicing (10 years)
- Records management (10 years)
- Office administration (10 years)
- Calendar management (10 years)
- Scheduling (10 years)
- Detail-oriented (10 years)
- Self-directed (10 years)
- MS office (10 years)
- Office Management (5 years)
- Legal Terminology (8 years)
- Organizational Skills (10 years)
- Administrative Assistant (5 years)
- Databases (5 years)
- Adobe Acrobat (10 years)
- Microsoft Outlook (10 years)
- Personal Assistant Experience (5 years)
- QuickBooks (10 years)
- Human Resources (5 years)
- Transcription (5 years)
- Writing Skills (10 years)
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Accounting (2 years)
- Proofreading (10 years)
- Management (5 years)
- Conflict Management (5 years)
- Legal case management (5 years)
- Legal drafting (8 years)
- Writing skills (10 years)
- Interviewing (5 years)
- Paralegal (10 years)
- Filing (10 years)
- Calendar management (10 years)
- Office experience (10 years)
- Administrative experience (10 years)
- Financial Report Writing (5 years)
- English (10 years)
- Microsoft Powerpoint (5 years)
- Negotiation (2 years)
- Awards
- Google Workspace
- Data Entry
- First Aid/CPR
- Multitasking Abilities
- Self-Motivated
- Cultural Awareness
- Problem-Solving
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Decision-Making
- Organization and Time Management
- G-Suite
- Attention to Detail
- Clerical Support
- Interpersonal Communication
Professional Associations
Washington Paralegal Association
September 2012 to Present
We are a voluntary, not-for-profit Association with a mission to inspire and empower our members toward professional excellence.
We do this by:
• Our dedication to the enhancement of the paralegal profession;
• Supporting and encouraging ongoing education in personal and professional development;
• Encouraging communication and networking with fellow paralegals and related organizations. Our vision for the future: Washington State Paralegals are champions of justice respected, empowered, valued contributors ensuring the integrity of the legal profession.
Values: Community, Integrity, Professionalism, Advocacy, and Excellence
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
I have a theory and I really believe it. I think your worst weakness can become your greatest single strength.
Barbara Corcoran
Timeline
Owner/Paralegal
LegalEaze Associates
01.2017 - Current
Office Manager
Davinci Interiors
04.2013 - 05.2020
Paralegal Intern
Law Office of Scott Lawrence, PLLC
09.2011 - 12.2011
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Cascadia Community College
Paralegal Associates of Technical Arts - Paralegal Studies
Edmonds Community College
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