Michael Watts
Arlington,VA
Summary
Professional with strong background in legal support, equipped to handle variety of tasks in fast-paced environment. Expertise in legal research, document management, and case preparation, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Known for effective team collaboration and adaptability, always focused on achieving results and meeting deadlines. Strong organizational skills and proactive approach to problem-solving make for reliable asset.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal (Contactor)
U.S. Attorney's Office
11.2018 - Current
- Provide general legal support for 2-3 Assistant United States Attorneys at varying capacities of a busy legal office environment in the National Security section.
- Liaised with federal law enforcement agencies to issue subpoenas, search warrants, arrest warrants, and other legal process within tight deadlines.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Strengthened case presentations with detailed investigative work and evidence gathering.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
- Facilitated smoother trial preparations, organizing exhibits and coordinating witnesses.
- Improved team productivity by coordinating with attorneys to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively.
- Streamlined office communication and improved case management with meticulous record-keeping and scheduling.
Graduate Counseling Intern
Woodbridge Therapy Group
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Supported clients dealing with mental health and emotional issues by listening to their concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
- Continuously expanded professional knowledge through active participation in trainings, workshops, and seminars related to counseling best practices.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines and confidentiality standards.
- Assisted in developing comprehensive treatment plans for clients, resulting in improved mental health outcomes.
- Applied variety of psychological methods and techniques in screening, assessment and evaluation of clients.
Graduate Counseling Intern
Potomac Center, Inc.
01.2023 - 10.2023
- Supported clients dealing with mental health and emotional issues by listening to their concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Engaged in reflective practice, analyzing strengths and areas for growth as a counselor-in-training under supervision guidance.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines and confidentiality standards.
- Applied variety of psychological methods and techniques in screening, assessment and evaluation of clients.
- Demonstrated adaptability by adjusting counseling techniques to accommodate different client needs and preferences throughout the internship experience.
Litigation Paralegal
Carr Maloney P.C.
12.2017 - 04.2018
- Provided general litigation support for 30 attorneys of a busy insurance and personal injury defense firm from conception to resolution.
- Managed high-volume caseloads effectively by creating organized systems for tracking deadlines and prioritizing tasks.
- Assisted in obtaining key evidence through subpoenaing records from various sources such as financial institutions or medical providers.
- Contributed to the development of firm-wide best practices for paralegal work through active participation in team meetings and training sessions.
- Conducted criminal background checks using PeopleSearch on Westlaw to obtain criminal records of individuals involved in legal matters.
- Searched and obtained caselaw using Westlaw and other credible, Internet-based sources for attorneys in support of legal matters.
Paralegal Intern
Lugar Law
06.2017 - 11.2017
- Supported two attorneys in the operation of a busy firm specializing in traffic/criminal defense, worker’s compensation, and family law.
- Assisted attorneys in preparing files for depositions and trials.
- Analyzed client medical records and bills for settlement agreements.
- Conducted research using credible, Internet-based sources to resolve legal matters.
- Drafted legal correspondence, including Requests for Review, Letters of Representation, Appeals, and Motions.
- Answered client calls to respond to inquiries, using open-ended questioning skills to attain applicable information.
Education
Master of Arts - Forensic Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Washington, DC10-2024
No Degree - Paralegal Studies
Georgetown University
Washington, DC09-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Roanoke College
Salem, VA05-2015
Skills
- Legal research
- Proficient in MS office
- Case management
- Written/Verbal communication
- Research and data collection
- Legal writing
- Criminal Law
- Crisis intervention
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
Accomplishments
- Awarded the U.S. Attorney's Office FBI Service Award in October 2023
- Successful in closely supporting attorneys in a federal trial resulting in guilty verdicts
Timeline
Graduate Counseling Intern
Woodbridge Therapy Group
01.2024 - 06.2024
Graduate Counseling Intern
Potomac Center, Inc.
01.2023 - 10.2023
Paralegal (Contactor)
U.S. Attorney's Office
11.2018 - Current
Litigation Paralegal
Carr Maloney P.C.
12.2017 - 04.2018
Paralegal Intern
Lugar Law
06.2017 - 11.2017
Master of Arts - Forensic Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
No Degree - Paralegal Studies
Georgetown University
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Roanoke College
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