Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
College Education
Coursework
Timeline
Generic
Melanie Dennis-Kurutas
Open To Work

Melanie Dennis-Kurutas

Aondale,AZ

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Immediately

Desired Job Title

Client RelationsBusiness Owner / OperatorAssistant TeacherLegal Secretary / Legal BillerInsurance Policy Adjuster Assistant

Work Type

Full TimePart TimeContract Work

Location Preference

On-SiteRemote
Location: Aondale, AZ
Open to relocation: No

Salary Range

45000/yr - 200000/yr

Summary

One year work experience as a trusted Paralegal offering extensive legal skill set, proficiency in managing large caseloads and capacity to meet deadlines. Collects, organizes, analyzes and disseminates significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy. Exercises independent judgment regarding legal and contractual matters within broadly defined practices and policies.

Paralegal with extensive knowledge in various legal fields, including criminal, civil, estate, probate, business, contract, family law, workers' compensation, and disability. Currently pursuing an associate's degree in paralegal studies to enhance expertise alongside a legal secretary certificate. Demonstrated proficiency in legal research, document preparation, and case management. Committed to delivering high-quality support in fast-paced legal environments.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Client Relations

Big Bear Mountain Resort/Levy
Big Bear, CA
10.2023 - 06.2025
  • Delivered attentive service to patrons at a busy vacation resort during winter and spring seasons, enhancing guest satisfaction.
  • Supported managers with daily operations and resolved guest issues promptly, ensuring smooth resort experiences.
  • Developed and implemented client relations strategies to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented client relations policies and procedures.

Business Owner / Operator

Euro Stop Automotive Services, LLC
Huntington Beach, CA
01.2012 - 09.2023
  • Established automotive service center, managing client relations, invoicing, AR/AP, tax preparation, and overall financial operations to ensure business compliance and efficiency.
  • Acquired and maintained all required business licenses to comply with local and state regulations.
  • Managed daily operations of automotive service center efficiently.
  • Oversaw staff scheduling and task assignments for optimal workflow.
  • Coordinated customer service efforts to ensure client satisfaction.

Assistant Teacher

Discovery of Learning
Long Beach, CA
09.2021 - 06.2022
  • Supported elementary school students in classroom, ensuring safety and well-being.
  • Collaborated with fellow teachers to plan curriculum and develop daily classroom schedules for lessons and activities.
  • Assisted teachers in lesson planning and classroom management.
  • Supported students' individual learning needs through one-on-one assistance.
  • Organized classroom materials and resources for daily activities.

Legal Secretary / Legal Biller

Orange County Law Firms
Orange County, CA
  • Coordinated scheduling of depositions, calendaring, document preparation, legal research, court filings, and legal billing for two Workers’ Compensation Defense Firms in Orange County, California.
  • Organized legal documents for attorneys in fast-paced law firm environment.
  • Managed attorney calendars to schedule appointments and court dates efficiently.
  • Prepared and filed legal documents with local courts and agencies accurately.

Insurance Policy Adjuster Assistant

Worker’s Compensation Defense Insurance Companies
Orange County, CA
  • Prepared claims and documents for two insurance companies and a defense workers’ compensation law firm.
  • Evaluated claims to determine eligibility for benefits and coverage.
  • Analyzed medical records to assess injury severity and treatment needs.
  • Collaborated with legal teams to prepare defense strategies for contested claims.

Education

Did not finish my degree - Business Administration

Golden West College
Huntington Beach, California

Some College (No Degree) - Music Production & Music Business

L.A. Film School
Hollywood, California

Some College (No Degree) - Paralegal Studies

Bryan University
Tempe, Arizona
04-2026

Skills

  • Client Communication & Intake
  • Client relations strength
  • Empathetic client relations
  • Mediation
  • Negotiation
  • Legal Research & Writing
  • Drafting & Proofreading Legal Documents
  • Discovery & Trial Preparation
  • E-Filing & Court Procedures
  • Legal Office Administration & Ethics
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Adobe
  • Virtual Meeting Platforms
  • Problem analysis
  • Ethics

College Education

  • Golden West College, Huntington Beach, CA, 24 Units towards A.A. Degree in Business Administration
  • L.A. Film School, Hollywood, CA, 30 Units towards A.S. Degree in Music Production
  • Bryan University, Tempe, AZ, Current Student since 06/2025 - Paralegal Studies Certificate Graduation 06/2026 - A.A. Degree Program Graduation - 12/2026

Coursework

  • Criminal Law and Procedure
  • E-Discovery
  • Strong Communicational Skills
  • Family Law
  • Mediation and Negotiation
  • Strong Organizational Skills
  • Business Law
  • Law Firm Technologies
  • Strong Time Management Skills
  • Estate and Probate Law
  • Typing Skills 60 wpm
  • Intellectual Property Laws
  • Legal Research and Writing
  • Civil Law and Procedure
  • Legal Office Administration

Timeline

Client Relations

Big Bear Mountain Resort/Levy
10.2023 - 06.2025

Assistant Teacher

Discovery of Learning
09.2021 - 06.2022

Business Owner / Operator

Euro Stop Automotive Services, LLC
01.2012 - 09.2023

Legal Secretary / Legal Biller

Orange County Law Firms

Insurance Policy Adjuster Assistant

Worker’s Compensation Defense Insurance Companies

Did not finish my degree - Business Administration

Golden West College

Some College (No Degree) - Music Production & Music Business

L.A. Film School

Some College (No Degree) - Paralegal Studies

Bryan University
Melanie Dennis-Kurutas