MELISSA GIFFORD
Fort Oglethorpe,GA
Summary
Dedicated legal support professional with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Paralegal Certificate. Experienced in legal and administrative support, including document management and client communication. Contributed to courtroom proceedings and victim advocacy during an internship in the Solicitor-General’s Office, demonstrating strong organizational skills and meticulous handling of confidential information.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Victim Witness Advocate
Cherokee County Solicitor General
Canton, GA
01.2018 - 05.2018
- Internship with the Solicitor General's Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)
- Assisted victims throughout courtroom procedures to ensure their rights and needs were met.
- Collaborated with victim advocates to enhance support for victims.
- Facilitated communication and document preparation for victim advocates to streamline their case management.
- Witnessing various court proceedings such as: arraignments, calendar call, non-jury trials, jury trials, jury selections, criminal cases, civil cases, drug court, and plea motions
- Observing investigation interviews which included the victim, victim advocates, prosecutor, and investigator
- Joined VWAP members on visits to the evidence room, jail, and emergency center to facilitate their work.
Finance Clerk
GDCR Attorneys at Law
Marietta, GA
07.2021 - 09.2021
- Processed client invoices and payments accurately and efficiently.
- Maintained financial records using accounting software and spreadsheets.
- Assisted with budgeting and forecasting activities for law firm operations.
- Assisted finance supervisor in streamlining clerical processes, enhancing workflow efficiency.
Staff Accountant
GDCR Attorneys at Law
Marietta, GA
10.2021 - 05.2023
- Facilitated monthly client billing processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Accounts Receivable – received, deposited, and posted client payments
- Accounts Payable – processed vendor and employee expenses
- Reconciled and managed firm debit card expenditures, maintaining financial integrity
- Managed system of record for client profiles and vendor setups
- Assisted with yearly financial audit
- Led special projects to collect legal documents from archives to collect and secure legal documents from archives, enabling smooth transfer to clients' new law firms
- Performed as a witness for legal document signings
Server
Gameday Fresh Bar and Grill
Woodstock, GA
05.2017 - 07.2021
- Managed customer experience, overseeing order taking, drink delivery, payment processing, and follow-up to enhance service quality.
- Ensured customer satisfaction by addressing concerns and assisting manager in resolving issues promptly.
- Executed opening shifts by preparing restaurant and beverages, and closed shifts by managing serving staff during restaurant closure.
Education
Paralegal Certificate -
University of Georgia – Center For Continuing Education
05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice; Concentration in Technology and Crime
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GASkills
- Victim advocacy
- Case management
- Legal research
- Document preparation
- Victim support
- Case documentation
- Client relations
- Budget management
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Communication skills
- Teamwork orientation
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- Shop with an Eagle, Assisted in organizing and participated in fund raisers to allow misfortunate children the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts, A group of select volunteers are assigned a child to help shop at stores in the Target Shopping Center to purchase presents for their families and themselves
- Cherokee Humane Society, Participated in pet adoptions located in front of the Pet Smart store in Woodstock, GA, Fostered dogs until they were adopted
- Tutoring at Oak Grove Elementary, Supported teachers in after school programs with general oversight of students, Assisted a second-grade class with their after-school program, Tutored them with their homework by reinforcing what they had learned in class
Community Service
- Etowah High School Student Ambassador, 2010, 2013
- Volunteer Work, Lettered in Community Service by completing over two hundred hours of volunteer work
Timeline
Staff Accountant
GDCR Attorneys at Law
10.2021 - 05.2023
Finance Clerk
GDCR Attorneys at Law
07.2021 - 09.2021
Victim Witness Advocate
Cherokee County Solicitor General
01.2018 - 05.2018
Server
Gameday Fresh Bar and Grill
05.2017 - 07.2021
Paralegal Certificate -
University of Georgia – Center For Continuing Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice; Concentration in Technology and Crime
Kennesaw State University