Michelle Warford
parlegal
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Trusted Paralegal offering extensive legal skill set, proficiency in managing large caseloads and capacity to meet deadlines. Collects, organizes, analyzes and disseminates significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy. Exercises independent judgment regarding legal and contractual matters within broadly defined practices and policies.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paralegal-Superior Courts
Erie County District Attorney Office
Buffalo, NY
10.2021 - 03.2026
- Opened new client files and new matters in CMS.
- Identified and analyzed legal documents, discoveries and contracts.
- Researched documents and publications to establish case-altering details and evidence.
- Discovery on DWI cases in Erie County.
- Uploading of discovery material into DEMS.
- Preparation of WRITS and return orders.
- Communication with outside police agencies to obtain discovery materials.
- Strictly adhered to confidentiality protocol regarding client information and documents.
- Created, updated and maintained detailed documents and spreadsheets by creating professional charts, tables and filters.
- Maintained knowledge on case status by reviewing relevant records and reporting back to clients.
- Liaised with multiple departments to facilitate responsive documents and document retention.
- Facilitated efficient communication between judges, court administration, government agencies and attorneys.
- Drafted, received and tracked due diligence checklist.
- Used technology tools to create graphically engaging news posts, online materials, and additional content and tools to facilitate expedient trials and drive communication.
- Drafted correspondence, documented data and submitted materials to appropriate parties.
- Organized legal documents in company filing systems and databases.
- Analyzed legal statutes, codes and previous court decisions to determine optimal course of action.
- Knowledgeable dealing with pleadings, affidavits, motions and exhibit preparation.
- Processed closing documents and transactional documents for legal review.
- Filed pleadings and paperwork with court clerk to meet strict deadlines.
- Conducted thorough research and review of case information to assist attorneys.
- Redacted confidential information from legal documents on case-by-case basis.
- Drafted motions, briefs and other legal documents.
- Collaborated with law enforcement personnel to ensure appropriate follow-up actions were taken in cases involving domestic violence.
- Advised victims on obtaining restraining orders against perpetrators of abuse.
- Assisted survivors with filing police reports or other legal documents as necessary.
- Monitored compliance with court orders issued against abusers.
- Worked in the Domestic Violence Bureau.
- Running of New York State Criminal Histories.
- Preparation of Certificate of Compliance - Statement of Readiness for Trial.
- Ordering of Medical Records.
Foreclosure Document Specialist - Paralegal/Legal
M&T Bank Corp.
Amherst, NY
04.2019 - 11.2021
- Confirmed clients made mortgage payments on time as per signed agreements by reviewing records every month.
- Informed customers about billing procedures, processed payments and provided payment option setup assistance.
- Asked probing questions to determine service needs and accurately input information into electronic systems.
- Delivered high level of service and support to each customer, paving way for future business opportunities.
- Maintained calm, friendly demeanor with upset customers to de-escalate stressful situations.
- Documented conversations with customers to track requests, problems and solutions.
- Evaluated customer account information to assess current issues and determine potential solutions.
- Identified errors and suggested appropriate edits.
- Evaluated various forms of documentation and reports for accuracy and completeness, identified deficiencies and advised on appropriate corrective measures to improve information details or processes.
- Uploaded documents to control sites, tracked transmittals and coordinated revisions.
- Completed documents and work requests according to company standards.
- Documented all transactions in notary journal to maintained permanent record.
- Responded to client calls and inquiries to deliver applicable information.
- Consulted with clients, witnesses and legal professionals to define and document case details.
- Liaised with multiple departments to facilitate responsive documents and document retention.
- Facilitated efficient communication between judges, court administration, government agencies and attorneys.
Retail Merchandiser Assistant
Driveline Retail Merchandising Inc
Taylorville, IL
06.2014 - 05.2019
- Supervised up to 6 employees on merchandising team.
- Managed visual displays for Dollar General store to drive exposure and increase revenue.
- Monitored and reordered inventory items to fulfill displays and executed design changes to align with available inventory.
- Enhanced store and display appearance utilizing seasonal promotions and trends to drive strategy.
- Earned reputation for good attendance and hard work.
- Performed site evaluations, customer surveys and team audits.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Retail Merchandising Representative
Pro's Choice Beauty Care
Bellport, NY
09.2017 - 04.2019
- Performed floor moves, merchandising, display maintenance and housekeeping to keep sales areas well-stocked, organized and current.
- Stocked shelves and supplies and organized displays to focus customer attention on specific items.
- Kept detailed track of order inventories and verified timing and specifications of additional orders based on known customer preferences.
Paralegal
Gross Polowy LLC.
Williamsville, NY
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Drafted judicial correspondence and handled court mailings.
- Produced well-researched and articulate legal briefs, pleadings and statements.
- Identified and analyzed legal documents, discovery documents and contracts.
- Used online databases such as WestLaw and LexisNexis to examine secondary sources, statutory law, case law and federal and state regulations.
- Coordinated subpoena services and other day-to-day support activities for legal office.
- Filed pleadings and required paperwork with court clerk according to strict deadlines.
- Monitored the progress of defaulted loans in the foreclosure courts across the United States.
- Compiled and reviewed litigation paperwork to facilitate the foreclosure process.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Erie Community College
Buffalo, NY01.2013
Skills
- Payment processing
- Customer service
- MS Office
- Westlaw and LexisNexis
- Order and request filing
- Legal research and writing
- Document control support
- Problem resolution
- Collections proficiency
- Debt and credit management
- Financial analysis
- File documentation
- Call center background
- Foreclosures and Liquidations
- Payment acceptance
- Team-oriented
- Account analysis
- Superb legal research skills
- Strong research skills
- Office administration
- Troubleshooting complex problems
- Understands confidentiality
- Real estate and tax expertise
- Expertise in legal proceedings
- File and Records Management
- Legal research
- Administrative assistance
- Deadline and results-oriented
Certification
State of New York - Notary Public
Affiliations
- Volunteer at Bingo every week.
- Member of my church's parish council.
- Fund raise for SABAH.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Paralegal-Superior Courts
Erie County District Attorney Office
10.2021 - 03.2026
Foreclosure Document Specialist - Paralegal/Legal
M&T Bank Corp.
04.2019 - 11.2021
Paralegal
Gross Polowy LLC.
01.2018 - 06.2018
Retail Merchandising Representative
Pro's Choice Beauty Care
09.2017 - 04.2019
Retail Merchandiser Assistant
Driveline Retail Merchandising Inc
06.2014 - 05.2019
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Erie Community College