Monica Lockwood
Summary
Accomplished Senior Paralegal at Smith and Eulo Law Office, renowned for trial and case management mastery. Spearheaded client communication. Expert in specialized drafting, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring compliance with court procedures and deadlines. Proven leader with exceptional time management and research skills, driving successful litigation outcomes.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Paralegal
Smith and Eulo Law Office
12.2023 - 03.2026
- Coordinated Atty’s calendars, schedule meetings, hearings, and depositions with precision.
- Prepared various Motions, Stipulations, Notice of Hearings and Request for Discovery.
- Collaborated with attorneys in trial preparation, coordinating witness schedules and evidence presentation.
- Liaised with clients to gather information, providing updates on case status and addressing inquiries.
- Mentored junior paralegals, contributing to their professional development and growth.
- Drafted well-organized pleadings, motions, and briefs to support case positions effectively.
- Coordinated with expert witnesses for accurate testimony preparation and presentation at trial.
- Ensured compliance with court deadlines by closely monitoring schedules and assigning tasks accordingly.
Litigation Paralegal
Lowdes, Drosdick, Kantor & Reed
01.2019 - 12.2023
- Oversaw case file management and documentation organization for litigation support.
- Drafted legal documents, including pre-line and foreclosure notices, along with supporting proposed orders.
- Executed electronic filing of legal documents utilizing federal and state e-filing systems.
- Authored and refined legal documents, including pleadings and discovery requests, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Facilitated scheduling of depositions and interviews through collaboration with clients and witnesses.
- Executed preparation and service of subpoenas for depositions and trials.
- Analyzed and synthesized extensive discovery materials for attorney evaluation.
- Oversaw high-volume caseloads by implementing organized systems for tracking deadlines and prioritizing tasks.
- Facilitated evidence acquisition by subpoenaing records from financial institutions and medical providers.
- Composed clear and concise correspondence on behalf of attorneys to clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
- Managed organization of evidence, exhibits, motions, and subpoenas to ensure comprehensive case preparation.
- Executed electronic court filings at state and federal levels with precision.
- Partnered with attorneys to formulate case strategies that aligned with client objectives.
- Streamlined case calendar management to ensure timely adherence to all deadlines.
- Orchestrated effective communication among all parties involved in litigation to eliminate misunderstandings and prevent delays.
- Documented court hearings and depositions, ensuring accurate and comprehensive notes of proceedings.
- Reviewed, edited, and proofread litigation documents to ensure accuracy and professionalism.
Paralegal
Gelfand & Arpe
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Drafted legal documents, including pleadings and discovery requests, ensuring compliance with court requirements.
- Managed case files and maintained organized documentation to support efficient legal processes.
- Conducted thorough legal research, analyzing statutes and case law to inform litigation strategies.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation by preparing exhibits and reviewing evidence for relevance and accuracy.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- 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.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Optimized legal proceedings with precise preparation of trial notebooks and evidence.
- Prepared bankruptcy petitions and supporting documentation for court filings.
- Monitored bankruptcy court dockets to stay apprised of relevant case updates and convey pertinent information to attorneys.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FLAssociate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Palm Beach State College
Lake Worth, FL03.2011
Skills
- Team leadership qualities
- Client communication
- Specialized drafting skills
- Trial and case management mastery
- Efficiency in time management and research skills
- Advanced, oral and written Advocacy
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
Timeline
Senior Paralegal
Smith and Eulo Law Office
12.2023 - 03.2026
Litigation Paralegal
Lowdes, Drosdick, Kantor & Reed
01.2019 - 12.2023
Paralegal
Gelfand & Arpe
01.2016 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Central Florida
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Palm Beach State College