MELISSA PENALOZA
Arleta,USA
Summary
Hardworking and detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and focus on maintaining accuracy and efficiency. Skilled in legal research, drafting documents, managing case files, and coordinating schedules, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks. Committed to adding to company growth by quickly mastering role-specific challenges and providing quality work.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
PERSONAL INJURY LEGAL ASSISTANT
Yerushalmi Law Firm
Beverly Hills, CA
06.2025 - Current
- Assist in managing personal injury cases throughout the pre-litigation process.
- Reviewed relevant records to maintain up-to-date case status and communicated findings to clients.
- Communicate with clients to gather information and schedule appointments.
- Facilitated client understanding of settlement offers and ensured timely return of signed settlement releases.
- Assist clients with their Property Damage (e.g., discussing total loss offers, setting up vehicle inspections, and arranging rentals).
- Tracked expenses and advances for cases to ensure accurate financial management.
- Conduct legal research to support case preparation (e.g., Carrier Searches, Policy Limit Searches, etc.).
- Submit SR-1/SR-19 forms.
- Prepare exhibits for demands.
- Track patient treatment schedules and progress to ensure continuity of care.
- Request traffic collision reports.
- Prepared MedPay demand letters to facilitate insurance claims.
- Managed insurance correspondence to ensure timely communication.
- Send sub-out and drop letters to communicate case status changes.
- Request Medical records
RECEPTIONIST
Van Nuys Veterinary Clinic
Van Nuys, CA
08.2021 - 06.2025
- Greeted clients and their pets upon arrival at the veterinary clinic.
- Answered phone calls, delivering detailed information on services to enhance client understanding.
- Scheduled appointments and managed the clinic's calendar efficiently.
- Handled payments and issued receipts for veterinary services rendered.
- Provided excellent customer service by answering questions related to pet care.
- Transmitted medical records and other correspondence via mail, email, or fax.
- Called clients to discuss laboratory results.
- Created estimates and discussed pet treatment plans with owners.
- Approved prescription orders via fax or email.
- Placed prescription orders with pharmacies to ensure timely medication access. to pharmacies on behalf of clients.
- Managed inventory of supplies, ensuring availability for daily operations.
- Supported euthanasia procedures and disposals in accordance with regulations and owner preferences.
Education
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
Panorama High School
Panorama06-2021
Paralegal Studies
Los Angeles Mission College
Sylmar10-2026
Skills
- Client communication, Data Entry, Customer Service, Time Management, File Management, Legal Research
LANGUAGES
Spanish, English
Timeline
PERSONAL INJURY LEGAL ASSISTANT
Yerushalmi Law Firm
06.2025 - Current
RECEPTIONIST
Van Nuys Veterinary Clinic
08.2021 - 06.2025
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
Panorama High School
Paralegal Studies
Los Angeles Mission College