MICHELLE IRIZARRY
Tacoma
Summary
Experienced paralegal with a history of strong perseverance, excelling in high-stress environments and consistently maintaining strong attention to detail while meeting hard deadlines.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paralegal
Torrone Law, LLC
Tacoma, WA
10.2024 - 05.2025
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
- Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
- Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
Paralegal
Des Moines Elder Law
Des Moines, Washington
01.2023 - 10.2024
- Correspond and communicate with clients, attorneys, court staff, and other agencies as required.
- Prepare documents and legal pleadings under the supervision of attorneys.
- Schedule hearings and E-file and mail filings of drafted pleadings depending on specific County Court Rules.
- Organize and maintain simple and complex files.
- Schedule, docket, and calendar hearings as required by supported attorneys.
- Maintain high billable hours with a low admin work percentage.
Paralegal
Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe
Tukwila, Washington
03.2022 - 01.2023
- Maintain electronic and hard client files.
- Drafting and preparation of declarations for client signatures.
- Draft legal correspondence, documents, pleadings, motions, and discovery materials under the supervision of attorneys.
- Manage attorney calendars to ensure all deadlines were met on time.
- Prepare exhibits for mediations, hearings, and trials.
Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe
Tukwila, Washington
04.2021 - 03.2022
- General office support including but not limited to sorting mail, answering phones, taking messages, and shredding of important documents/pleadings.
- Scheduled attorney/client meetings.
- Preparation and E-filing of basic pleadings such as Notice of Appearances, Notice of Withdrawals, and Notice of Hearings.
- Prepare and serve Declaration of Mailing with included pleadings via U.S. mail, E-mail, and certified mail.
Home Health Care Aide
First Choice in Home Care
Tacoma, Washington
06.2016 - 08.2019
- Supported physically (wheelchair and bed-bound) and mentally incapacitated individuals (various mental disabilities such as early onset Dementia, Alzheimer's, Autism, and Down Syndrome) with day-to-day tasks such as bathing, laundry, shopping, and other household chores.
- Monitored and recorded patient activities, and any issues that may have arisen, to help the caseworker/guardian determine the best court of action if required.
Education
Bachelors - Legal Studies/Concentration in Paralegal Studies
U-MASS Global
Lacey, Washington08.2021
Associates of Arts - undefined
08.2019
Skills
- Well-organized: capable of balancing multiple competing demands by prioritizing and pivoting quickly to meet stringent deadlines
- High Achiever: Displays initiative by taking the next step required confidently while working independently or with a team
- Lifelong Learner: Reacts positively and welcomes constructive criticism that will lead to professional growth
- Strong Communicator (written and verbal): Friendly and approachable, able to establish strong and positive relationships with diverse individuals
- Strong Customer Service skills with the ability to de-escalate stressful situations
- Microsoft Office proficient
- Excel Spread Sheet proficient
- Computer proficient
- Adept at mastering new concepts
Certification
- Paralegal Certificate - 2021
- Notary of Public Washington State- Expires 2026
Timeline
Paralegal
Torrone Law, LLC
10.2024 - 05.2025
Paralegal
Des Moines Elder Law
01.2023 - 10.2024
Paralegal
Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe
03.2022 - 01.2023
Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe
04.2021 - 03.2022
Home Health Care Aide
First Choice in Home Care
06.2016 - 08.2019
Bachelors - Legal Studies/Concentration in Paralegal Studies
U-MASS Global