Michelle Lenero
Huntington Beach,United States of America
Summary
My advantage is the unique mix of over 10 years as a lawyer in Costa Rica and my hands-on paralegal and case management work here in California. I’ve proven I can adapt quickly to new legal systems, master processes fast, and keep cases moving smoothly. I also bring strong client communication and cultural sensitivity, which helps build trust and ensures accuracy — ultimately saving the firm time and delivering better client service.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Case Manager
NonProfit Alliance
02.2022 - 07.2022
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
- Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
- Improved client satisfaction by efficiently addressing concerns or grievances in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Monitored clients' progress and tracked client services to provide crisis interventions.
- Reduced client wait times for service access by optimizing internal referral processes.
- Streamlined case documentation procedures, reducing processing time and increasing efficiency.
- Managed crisis situations with empathy and professionalism, ensuring client safety and continuity of care.
- Advocated for clients in legal settings, ensuring their rights were protected and voices heard.
- Implemented feedback system for clients to share their experiences, enhancing service quality through direct input.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- 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.
- Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
Internship - Legal Counselor
Virginia University, Bankole Johnson
12.2015 - 12.2017
- Answered emails, took down messages, and provided information.
- Completed research, compiled data, and produced timely reports.
- Analyzed problems, identified solutions, and made decisions.
- Evaluate criminal cases, summarize details, and recommend options to defend the cases at court, when Prof. Johnson was called as expertise witness.
- Remote
Self Employed Attorney at Law
Michelle Lenero & Associates
01.2011 - 06.2016
- Civil, Commercial, Real Estate, and Notary Services.
- Filed timely case pleadings, to meet client's deadlines.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Contracted as freelance Notary and notifier for corporate law firms.
- Tracked and researched developing precedent as legislation in Civil, Labor, Notary, and Commercial Law to maintain expertise to best advice and advocate for clients.
- Learned and operated specialized legal software such as Master Lex.
- Attended hearings as representative of employment court cases as an "ad honorem" conciliator.
- Prepared all Notary documentation for every transaction. (In Costa Rica, you need a Master's degree to become a Notary due the relevant responsibility it involves).
Senior Associate Attorney
GHP and other law firms
03.2010 - 07.2010
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Assessed cases for probable outcomes by researching black letter law and other legal authorities, comparing fact patterns to those of precedential cases.
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Production of Notary documents for Real Estate, escrows, mortgages, sales acquisitions, due diligence, and contracts for client's needs.
- Freelance and hired as well
Associate Attorney at Law
Gutierrez Law Firm
01.2003 - 03.2010
- Started as a legal assistant, then paralegal, and once graduated, all entry level Attorney functions (basically Notary functions).
- As a legal assistant, I checked weekly the files at court, got copies, and needed documentation, took notes, and answered legal documents, and after Attorney's revision and approval, filed them at court.
- Performed all legal and Notary documentation, got copies of everything, and kept them on file.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
Human Resources Assistant Manager
Deloitte
01.2005 - 12.2007
- Delivered clerical support by handling range of routine and special requirements.
- Answered incoming telephone calls, took down messages, and provided information.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Maximized productivity by analyzing protocols and identifying areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to review paperwork, obtain feedback, and procure available information for new hiring processes.
- Streamlined HR efficiencies, coordinated new hire orientations and provided clients and potential prospects interviews.
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by enabling speeding resolutions for diverse issues.
- Evaluated training program success and presented strategic improvement recommendations to upper management.
- Directed job fairs to bring in local talent for long term and seasonal positions.
- Coordinated with senior leadership and handled managerial needs by implementing fresh solutions into business strategies.
- Reduced process gaps achieving optimal productivity.
- Worked as effective team member while contributing to local and regional HR projects.
Paralegal
Fred Loya Insurance Company
09.2022 - 03.2023
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
- Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
- Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
- Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
- Assisted in achieving favorable legal outcomes by preparing persuasive legal arguments and briefs.
- Enhanced accuracy of case analysis with diligent fact-checking and legal research.
- Bolstered firm's reputation by consistently maintaining high standards of confidentiality and professionalism.
- Improved team productivity by coordinating with attorneys to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively.
- Reduced case resolution times by effectively supporting negotiation and settlement processes.
- Fostered collaborative environment, facilitating communication between legal teams and clients.
- Streamlined case management process, reducing overhead costs and improving case turnaround times.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
- Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.
- Conducted background investigations on defendant.
Education
Master's - Health Care Law
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY12.2021
Master's degree - ARC Alternative Resolution Conflict Specialization
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
San Jose12.2011
Master's degree - Legal Notary
UACA - Universidad Autónoma de las Américas
San Jose12.2005
J.D. Law Degree - undefined
Escuela Libre de Derecho
San José01.2003
High school or equivalent - undefined
Saint Claire Highschool
San Jose12.1994
Skills
- Strong customer service expertise with experience managing difficult interactions and de-escalating hostile situations
- Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities, skilled in conciliation and mediation
- Confident public speaker with experience delivering presentations and training sessions
- Collaborative team player, adept at working cross-functionally to achieve goals
- Proficient in conducting research and performing thorough needs assessments
- Experienced in staff education and training to improve performance and knowledge
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Paralegal
Fred Loya Insurance Company
09.2022 - 03.2023
Case Manager
NonProfit Alliance
02.2022 - 07.2022
Internship - Legal Counselor
Virginia University, Bankole Johnson
12.2015 - 12.2017
Self Employed Attorney at Law
Michelle Lenero & Associates
01.2011 - 06.2016
Senior Associate Attorney
GHP and other law firms
03.2010 - 07.2010
Human Resources Assistant Manager
Deloitte
01.2005 - 12.2007
Associate Attorney at Law
Gutierrez Law Firm
01.2003 - 03.2010
Master's - Health Care Law
Hofstra University
Master's degree - ARC Alternative Resolution Conflict Specialization
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
Master's degree - Legal Notary
UACA - Universidad Autónoma de las Américas
J.D. Law Degree - undefined
Escuela Libre de Derecho
High school or equivalent - undefined
Saint Claire Highschool