Paula Richard
Tulsa,OK
Summary
Experienced attorney with ten years in specialty court, advocating for low-income individuals, those with mental health challenges, and substance abuse issues. Demonstrated commitment to compassionate legal representation and community support. Skilled paraprofessional specializing in supporting students with special needs. Known for implementing effective behavior management strategies and enhancing student engagement through positive reinforcement techniques. Committed to fostering emotional intelligence and collaboration within educational teams.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Court Liaison
Family and Children Services
Tulsa, Oklahoma
03.2026 - Current
Paraprofessional
Jenks Public Schools
Jenks, Oklahoma
09.2017 - 11.2024
- Facilitated individualized education plans in collaboration with staff for students with special needs.
- Maintained a safe, positive learning environment to promote student engagement and success.
- Implemented behavior management strategies that encouraged student growth and development.
- Applied positive reinforcement techniques to effectively redirect negative behaviors.
- Participated in professional development workshops to refine support strategies for students.
- Provided personalized educational and emotional support to enhance student well-being.
- Guided students during instructional time and transitions to ensure smooth learning experiences.
Public Defender
Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS)
Claremore, Oklahoma
08.2010 - 09.2011
- Represented clients during criminal trials and plea negotiations, ensuring robust defense strategies.
- Conducted legal research to develop case strategies and prepare for court proceedings.
- Drafted motions, briefs, and other legal documents for accurate court submissions.
- Advocated for clients' interests during hearings and sentencing phases.
- Assessed probable outcomes by compiling relevant authority and precedent.
- Investigated cases through witness interviews and document retrieval from law enforcement.
- Maintained accurate records of all case materials, including notes from client meetings.
- Negotiated plea agreements with prosecutors to achieve favorable terms for clients.
Assistant Public Defender
Tulsa County Public Defender's Office
Tulsa, Oklahoma
12.2001 - 03.2010
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and strategic development.
- Assisted in drafting pleadings, motions, and other court documents.
- Communicated with clients to gather information and provide case status updates.
- Collaborated with senior attorneys to review files and develop defense strategies.
- Maintained organized case management files for efficient documentation retrieval.
- Participated in client interviews to assess needs and gather relevant facts.
- Analyzed evidence and witness statements to inform legal arguments.
- Negotiated plea agreements with prosecutors to resolve cases effectively.
Education
J.D. - Jurisprudence
University of Tulsa College of Law
Tulsa, OK12-2000
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
University of Tulsa
Tulsa05-1997
Certificate of Legal Studies - Law, Sociology, History, Political Science
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK05-1997
High School Diploma -
Coweta High School
Coweta, OK05-1987
Skills
- Individualized education plans
- Behavior management
- Positive reinforcement
- Student engagement
- Special needs support
- Team collaboration
- Emotional intelligence
- Parent communication
- Life skills training
- Safety protocols
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Social-emotional support
- Social skills training
- Crisis management
- Documentation practices
Timeline
Court Liaison
Family and Children Services
03.2026 - Current
Paraprofessional
Jenks Public Schools
09.2017 - 11.2024
Public Defender
Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS)
08.2010 - 09.2011
Assistant Public Defender
Tulsa County Public Defender's Office
12.2001 - 03.2010
J.D. - Jurisprudence
University of Tulsa College of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
University of Tulsa
Certificate of Legal Studies - Law, Sociology, History, Political Science
University of Tulsa
High School Diploma -
Coweta High School