Melissa Stryffeler
Poteau
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in the legal and data fields with a talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Legal Receptionist/Secretary
Milligan Law Offices
03.2026 - Current
- Managed front desk operations, ensuring efficient client interactions and appointment scheduling.
- Coordinated case files and legal documents for attorneys, maintaining organization and accessibility.
- Handled multi-line phone systems, directing calls to appropriate legal staff efficiently.
- Implemented office procedures that improved workflow efficiency and document management accuracy.
- Assisted clients with inquiries, providing information about services and guiding them through processes.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by collaborating with team members on various administrative tasks and projects.
- Drafted Motions, letters, and dictations with efficiency and accuracy.
- Facilitated effective communication between attorneys, paralegals, and clients by managing phone calls, emails, and messages promptly.
- Assisted paralegals with document production tasks such as copying forms or scanning files into electronic format.
- Worked closely with the attorney to strategize and coordinate plans of action for large asset probate cases.
- Learned a starting level of the Arkansas Court and Land Records system.
Recurring Services Manager
First Rate Field Services
11.2025 - 02.2026
- Oversaw property management operations across multiple regions, ensuring compliance with regulations and company standards.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance client satisfaction.
- Reviewed vendor photos to ensure property safety.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules and vendor contracts to optimize service delivery and reduce downtime.
- Managed a queue of over 200 orders for property maintenance and repair.
- Ensured necessary maintenance was performed within metrics.
- Recruited new vendors to complete required work orders and use the company order management system remotely.
- Monitored weather systems to ensure orders can be completed on schedule and ensure the safety of the property.
Legal Assistant and Case Manager to Cameron Horton
Knight, Stockton & Cunningham
09.2023 - 11.2025
- Managed legal documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with court requirements.
- Coordinated scheduling for attorneys, optimizing daily calendars to maximize productivity.
- Prepared and filed legal documents electronically using case management systems.
- Streamlined office procedures, enhancing workflow efficiency through improved document management practices.
- Mentored junior staff in administrative processes, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
- Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
- Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Organized files for court proceedings.
- Prepared Trial Notebooks.
- Provided comprehensive legal support to Mr. Horton handling family law, juvenile matters, and criminal defense cases.
- Prepared and processed e-filings with state and local courts, ensuring timely submission and proper formatting.
- Maintained end-to-end awareness of active case status, enabling attorneys to quickly obtain accurate updates on deadlines, filings, and client matters.
- Functioned as key support in daily case status reporting and collaborated with supervising attorney on prioritizing legal workstreams and operational case strategy.
Appraisal Coordinator/Client Manager
Cavanal Services
03.2021 - 09.2023
- Coordinated appraisal processes to ensure timely completion and adherence to regulatory standards.
- Managed communication between clients, appraisers, and internal teams to facilitate smooth operations.
- Implemented software solutions to enhance tracking and management of appraisal orders.
- Trained new staff on appraisal procedures and company policies, fostering a collaborative environment.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying process inefficiencies and recommending improvements.
- Oversaw quality control measures to ensure accuracy in appraisal reports and documentation.
- Developed training materials for team members, enhancing understanding of compliance requirements.
- Led initiatives to improve client satisfaction through proactive engagement and issue resolution.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure high-quality services were provided consistently while adhering to budget constraints.
- Ensured timely completion of appraisal reports by closely monitoring deadlines and tracking progress.
- Composed and ordered engagement letters to fee appraisers.
- Spearheaded process improvement initiatives by identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions, resulting in increased efficiency within the appraisal department.
- Evaluated appraiser performance on a regular basis, providing constructive feedback that contributed to their professional development and overall growth within the organization.
- Optimized client satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving concerns related to appraisals.
- Supported management in developing strategies for business expansion based on market analysis data obtained from various sources.
- Mitigated potential conflicts between appraisers and clients through proactive communication strategies facilitating a harmonious working relationship.
- Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
- Kept high average of performance evaluations.
Cashier
Murphy USA
12.2019 - 11.2020
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer, ensuring proper account of funds at all times.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and provided exceptional service.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance store operations and customer satisfaction.
- Managed inventory levels by restocking shelves and organizing merchandise displays.
- Trained new cashiers on operational procedures and customer service best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and effectively, maintaining positive shopping experiences.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
- Promoted store promotions and incentive programs to increase overall sales revenue.
- Improved store atmosphere with thorough and prompt cleaning of checkout area.
- Strengthened team morale and cooperation by assisting coworkers during peak hours.
File Clerk/Legal Secretary
Barber and Barber Law Office
02.2007 - 04.2013
- Organized and maintained legal files to ensure efficient retrieval and compliance with office protocols.
- Processed incoming documents, verifying accuracy and completeness for case preparation.
- Implemented filing system improvements that enhanced document accessibility and reduced retrieval time.
- Trained new staff on file management procedures, ensuring adherence to organizational standards.
- Collaborated with attorneys to prepare case files, maintaining attention to detail and confidentiality.
- Monitored inventory of office supplies, coordinating reorders to support operational efficiency.
- Streamlined document scanning processes, improving digital filing practices for quicker access to information.
- Assisted in developing office policies for file management, promoting best practices among team members.
- Assisted with document scanning and imaging projects to support accurate file back-up.
- Identified and corrected inconsistencies in filing systems for increased accuracy.
- Examined, categorized, and sorted incoming documents.
- Responded promptly to internal document requests from colleagues, providing excellent customer service while minimizing disruptions to workflow.
- Enhanced productivity by processing incoming mail and filing documents promptly, allowing for easy access when needed.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals in both quality and productivity metrics, demonstrating strong attention to detail and a commitment to excellence in file management.
- Restored old files and archived completed files for future reference.
- Supported administrative staff through effective file management, ensuring quick retrieval of essential information.
- Assisted with data entry and administrative support tasks to help meet team goals.
- Maintained client confidentiality by upholding strict adherence to data privacy regulations and guidelines.
- Led clean-up initiative to declutter workspace, disposing of irrelevant files and creating more organized filing environment.
- Oversaw scheduling of depositions, hearings, and meetings to optimize attorney time management.
- Answered and directed calls using multi-line switchboard.
- Provided exceptional customer service when greeting clients and answering phone calls, fostering a welcoming environment.
- Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs, contributing to successful case resolutions.
- Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
Education
Certificate - Completion of the USPAP Appraisal Course
McKissock Learning Family
Online04-2023
Unfinished
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
Fort Smith05-2010
High School Diploma - General Studies
Poteau High School
Poteau05-2007
Skills
- Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word)
- Clio for Clients
- Legal Drafting
- Appraisal Coordination and Scheduling
- Customer service
- Phone Etiquette
- Deadline Management
- Attention to Detail
- Confidentiality
- Light Appraisal Report Reviewing
- Negotiation
- Client Meetings
- Training experience
- Time management
- Workload management
- Typing speed of an average of 40 wpm
- Calendar management and scheduling
Certification
Currently Certified as a Notary Public and authorized to complete remote notarizations. Commission expires 10/12/2027.
LANGUAGE
English
Interests
- Family and Children
- Knitting and Crocheting
- Cooking
- DIY and Home Improvement
- Gardening
Timeline
Legal Receptionist/Secretary
Milligan Law Offices
03.2026 - Current
Recurring Services Manager
First Rate Field Services
11.2025 - 02.2026
Legal Assistant and Case Manager to Cameron Horton
Knight, Stockton & Cunningham
09.2023 - 11.2025
Appraisal Coordinator/Client Manager
Cavanal Services
03.2021 - 09.2023
Cashier
Murphy USA
12.2019 - 11.2020
File Clerk/Legal Secretary
Barber and Barber Law Office
02.2007 - 04.2013
Certificate - Completion of the USPAP Appraisal Course
McKissock Learning Family
Unfinished
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
High School Diploma - General Studies
Poteau High School