Paula Prudent
Naples,United States
Summary
Dynamic attorney skilled in fostering positive rapport with clients and colleagues while ensuring clear and effective communication with victims, opposing counsel, jurors, and judges. Expertise in persuasive evidence presentation and thorough case analysis techniques, complemented by a strong ability to build lasting professional relationships. Recognized for integrity, tenacity, and a commitment to continuous learning, with a proven track record of working independently and collaboratively within teams. Adept at managing multiple tasks, prioritizing efficiently, and meeting tight deadlines in high-pressure environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant State Attorney
Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit, Florida
2024.08 - Current
- Case Evaluation & Charging: Review police reports and evidence to determine if the facts legally warrant filing formal criminal charges or entering into diversion programs.
- Pre-Trial Preparation: Conduct depositions, engage in plea negotiations, manage legal discovery, and draft official court documents like indictments and informations.
- Courtroom Litigation: Argue pre-trial motions, conduct jury and non-jury trials, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for specific sentencing outcomes.
- Victim & Witness Coordination: Communicate directly with victims and their families to explain the criminal justice process, prepare them for testimony, and protect their rights.
Certified Legal Intern
Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit, Florida
2023.05 - 2023.07
- Conduct research into cases, statutes, and other legal topics.
- Draft memos, motions, and briefs.
- Assist lawyers in crafting compelling arguments for trials, hearings, and depositions.
Legal Intern
Law Office of James W. Chandler
2022.05 - 2022.07
- Assisted Supervising Attorney with drafting Motions, Certificate of Compliance, and Final Judgments; Calling and emailing clients and Judicial Assistants; Booking Appointments
Deputy Clerk III
Collier County Clerk of Courts, Naples, FL
2006.11 - 2021.08
- Prepared dockets or calendars of cases to be called using computers.
- Recorded case dispositions, court orders, or arrangements made to pay court fees.
- Answered inquiries from the public regarding judicial procedures, court appearances, trial dates, adjournments, outstanding warrants, summonses, subpoenas, witness fees, or payment of fines.
- Entered arrest reports and citations, processed court orders, and issued warrants
- Attended courtroom proceedings and assisted the Judge in court
Bank Teller
Wells Fargo, Naples, FL
2005.08 - 2006.11
- Cashed checks and paid out funds after verifying appropriate signatures.
- Confirmed written and numerical amounts agree and that accounts had sufficient funds.
- Received checks and cash for deposit, verified amounts, and checked accuracy of deposit slips.
- Enters customers' transactions into computers to record transactions and issue computer-generated receipts.
- Managed the drive-thru and the vault and ordered large shipments of bills and coins.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Ave Maria School of Law
Naples, FL2024-05
Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies (Prelaw)
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL2020-12
Skills
- Database management proficiency
- Fluent in English and Creole (speaking, reading, writing)
- Litigation experience
- Legal analysis
- Legal research
- Case analysis
- Legal writing
Timeline
Assistant State Attorney
Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit, Florida
2024.08 - Current
Certified Legal Intern
Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit, Florida
2023.05 - 2023.07
Legal Intern
Law Office of James W. Chandler
2022.05 - 2022.07
Deputy Clerk III
Collier County Clerk of Courts, Naples, FL
2006.11 - 2021.08
Bank Teller
Wells Fargo, Naples, FL
2005.08 - 2006.11
Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies (Prelaw)
Florida Gulf Coast University
Juris Doctor -
Ave Maria School of Law