Melissa Rickman
Columbus
Summary
Reliable paralegal with extensive experience in bankruptcy law and document drafting. Known for exceptional communication skills and attention to detail, contributing to improved case efficiency and strong client support.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
Cunningham Law Firm
Columbus, MS
09.2025 - Current
- Drafted legal documents, including pleadings, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Organized case files and maintained electronic records using case management software.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
Paralegal
Smith Law, PLLC
Columbus, MS
10.2024 - 09.2025
- Communicated with clients to gather information and provide updates on case status.
- Coordinated scheduling of depositions, hearings, and meetings with court officials and clients.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
Paralegal
R. Gawyn Mitchell, P.A.
Columbus, MS
03.2003 - 02.2015
- Drafted legal documents, including pleadings, ensuring accuracy
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information in compliance with ethical standards.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Prepared bankruptcy petitions and related documents for filing with federal and state courts.
- Managed client communications, providing updates on case status and addressing inquiries promptly.
- Reviewed financial statements to assess eligibility for bankruptcy relief under applicable laws.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to clients during difficult financial times by providing attentive assistance and empathetic support.
- Developed strong relationships with court personnel which aided in efficient processing of cases.
- Facilitated client education on bankruptcy procedures through clear explanations and guidance, fostering better understanding of the process.
- Met all filing deadlines by accurately maintaining hearing calendar for entire office.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining client files, ensuring easy access to crucial information.
Education
High School Diploma -
Columbus High School
Columbus, MSSkills
- Proficient in MS office
- Court procedures
- Document drafting
- Credit counseling
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy
- Schedules and statements
- Electronic case filing
- Debtor education
- Bankruptcy petition preparation
- Meeting of creditors assistance
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Organizational skills
- Payment processing
- Written communication
- Credit report pulling
- Case management
- Client communication
Timeline
Paralegal
Cunningham Law Firm
09.2025 - Current
Paralegal
Smith Law, PLLC
10.2024 - 09.2025
Paralegal
R. Gawyn Mitchell, P.A.
03.2003 - 02.2015
High School Diploma -
Columbus High School