Michele Garris
Sanford,FL
Summary
Dynamic legal professional with extensive experience as a Legal Assistant at Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns LLP. Expert in legal document drafting and systematic document organization, I enhanced client satisfaction through effective task management and optimized processes, ensuring timely resolution of legal matters while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Assistant
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns LLP
10.2022 - Current
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
- Increased client satisfaction by efficiently managing case files and promptly addressing inquiries.
- Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
- Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
- Responded to client inquiries, providing accurate legal advice and offering assistance.
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality, and extreme discretion.
- Delivered exceptional service to clients by assisting them with routine needs like obtaining copies of pertinent records or directing them to appropriate resources when needed.
- Reduced errors in court filings by meticulously proofreading documents for accuracy before submission.
- Handled billing tasks efficiently and accurately, ensuring smooth financial operations for the legal team.
- Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.
- Developed polished motions and briefs to support litigation processes and court proceedings.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Drafted legal documents, including pleadings and motions, to support attorneys in various cases.
- Ensured compliance with legal procedures and court requirements through diligent monitoring and application of rules.
- Assisted in trial preparation by organizing exhibits, preparing witness lists, and coordinating trial logistics.
- Increased team efficiency by coordinating schedules, managing court dates, and ensuring timely filing of legal documents.
- Optimized document management processes, leading to quicker access to critical information during case preparation.
- Managed correspondence with clients, courts, and opposing counsel, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
- Assisted with trial preparation, including creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials.
Legal Transcriptionist
Gassman Crotty & Denicolo
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Contributed to the growth of the firm''s reputation for excellence in transcription services through consistent high-quality work.
- Streamlined transcription processes by utilizing specialized software tools for increased efficiency and productivity.
- Leveraged advanced typing skills and proficiency in legal terminology to produce accurate, high-quality transcripts consistently.
- Maintained professional growth by attending industry conferences and workshops, staying informed on best practices for legal transcription success.
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
McDonald Toole Wiggins
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
- Assisted with trial preparation, including creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials.
- Facilitated client meetings and consultations, ensuring all necessary documentation was prepared and available for attorney review.
Legal Assistant
Universal Property and Casualty
01.2020 - 05.2021
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
- Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
Legal Assistant
Cole Scott & Kissane
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
Legal Assistant
Rock Law Group
02.2020 - 05.2020
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
Legal Assistant
The Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller
08.2017 - 02.2020
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
- Increased client satisfaction by efficiently managing case files and promptly addressing inquiries.
- Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
- Responded to client inquiries, providing accurate legal advice and offering assistance.
- Delivered exceptional service to clients by assisting them with routine needs like obtaining copies of pertinent records or directing them to appropriate resources when needed.
- Handled billing tasks efficiently and accurately, ensuring smooth financial operations for the legal team.
- Enhanced office productivity by implementing efficient document management systems for easy retrieval and storage.
Legal Assistant
The Heskin Martinez Law Group
01.2016 - 07.2017
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
Legal Assistant
Southeast Law Group
08.2015 - 11.2016
- Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality, and extreme discretion.
- Handled billing tasks efficiently and accurately, ensuring smooth financial operations for the legal team.
- Reduced errors in court filings by meticulously proofreading documents for accuracy before submission.
Education
No Degree - Medical Transcription
Seminole State College
Sanford, FL08-2002
Skills
- Fast learner
- Coordinated project timelines
- Strong skills in Microsoft Office suite
- Systematic document organization
- Organizational scheduling expertise
- Legal document drafting
- Document drafting
- Document filing
- Certified notary public
- Thorough document review
- Effective task management
- Process optimization
- Skilled in complex document formatting
Timeline
Legal Assistant
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns LLP
10.2022 - Current
Legal Transcriptionist
Gassman Crotty & Denicolo
01.2022 - 07.2022
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
McDonald Toole Wiggins
05.2021 - 12.2021
Legal Assistant
Cole Scott & Kissane
06.2020 - 12.2020
Legal Assistant
Rock Law Group
02.2020 - 05.2020
Legal Assistant
Universal Property and Casualty
01.2020 - 05.2021
Legal Assistant
The Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller
08.2017 - 02.2020
Legal Assistant
The Heskin Martinez Law Group
01.2016 - 07.2017
Legal Assistant
Southeast Law Group
08.2015 - 11.2016
No Degree - Medical Transcription
Seminole State College
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