Seasoned assistant with 12 years in both civil and criminal law combined. Professionally skilled in researching legal case information and preparing necessary correspondence with strong understanding of legal terminology and process. Experienced in providing administrative support to attorney's with a detail-oriented mind. Team player and hardworking job seeker eager to secure a position.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Criminal Justice Intern
Clarksville Tennessee Police Department
03.2006 - 05.2006
Observed dispatch operations for the police department and learned the different terminology used within law enforcement
Observed and performed the filing and maintenance of police records
Further responsibilities included logging in all incoming police reports for the department, answering phone calls, and faxing.
Participated in ride-alongs with patrol officers to observe real-life situations firsthand, gaining practical experience in responding appropriately to diverse scenarios.
Legal Assistant
Teresa A. Massa, Attorney
09.2012 - 10.2021
Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
Prepared and drafted correspondence and legal forms to maintain smooth communications.
Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
Streamlined administrative processes for better efficiency in handling caseloads, reducing paperwork backlog, and ensuring timely completion of tasks.
Assisted with trial preparation, including creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials.
Reduced errors in court filings by meticulously proofreading documents for accuracy before submission.
Redact sensitive information from discovery documents.
Conducted comprehensive legal research using various resources such as online databases, law libraries, or government agencies to support case strategies effectively.
Researched and analyzed legal issues and cases to provide accurate advice to clients.
Filed court documents and legal pleadings with court clerk via CM/ECF on behalf of attorney.
Located case docket by utilizing PACER
Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
Referred to the Rules of Evidence and Rules of Civil Procedure to assist attorney in court filings.
Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Victim/Witness Assistant
Lake County Prosecutor’s Office
03.2021 - 09.2023
Process new files, including sending new file letters to victims, preparing medical authorizations, preparing no contact orders.
Make contact with victims to set initial victim meetings to explain the criminal justice procedures, obtain more information regarding the facts of the case, referral to support services.
Escort victims and/or their families to hearings.
Offer resources as needed to victims of violent and sex crimes.
Communicate effectively with other agencies to quickly obtain documents needed for criminal cases.
Demonstrated adaptability by quickly mastering new software applications as needed for various tasks.
Updated database of contacts and resources for company-wide distribution.
Assisted managers in decision-making processes based on thorough research and analysis of available data.
Elevated company reputation through meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of work output.
Enhanced team communication through effective scheduling, meeting coordination, and correspondence management.
Created and distributed agendas for meetings and conference calls as part of meeting preparation.
Proofread and edited documents for accuracy and grammar.
Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
Safeguarded sensitive information through proper documentation handling, data entry, and record maintenance procedures.
Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
Organized resources, records and personnel to accomplish aggressive targets.
Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Victim Advocate
La Porte County Prosecutor's Office
09.2023 - Current
Improved victim support services by establishing a strong rapport and providing emotional assistance to crime victims.
Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
Managed grant applications by identifying funding opportunities, preparing proposals, tracking deadlines, and reporting on program success.
Prepare victims for court appearances, hearings, depositions, trials and victim impact statements.
Act as a liaison between Prosecuting Attorneys and victims in direct correlation to plea agreements and trial preparation.
Research and provide relevant information to victims regarding law enforcement, court and prosecutorial procedures and case status.
Developed safety plans to meet victims' assessment of need.
Evaluated clients' social, emotional and psychological needs to create treatment plans.
Conducted research on emerging issues affecting crime victims' experiences within the criminal justice system, informing policy recommendations and organizational strategies.
Accompanied clients to court to clarify processes and procedures.
Collected statistical data and updated documentation to maintain client records.
Advocated for victims' rights during court proceedings, ensuring that their voices were heard throughout the legal process.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
Maintains daily statistical information on each victim and number of victim contacts for grant purposes.
Completes biannual grant report including statistical narrative updates as required.
Victim/Witness Assistant
Lake County Prosecutor’s Office
- Current
Process new files, including sending new file letters to victims, preparing medical authorizations, preparing no contact orders; Make contact with victims to set initial victim meetings to explain the criminal justice procedures, obtain more information regarding the facts of the case, referral to support services; Escort victims and/or their families to hearings; Offer resources as needed to victims of violent and sex crimes; Prepare court documents; Provide victim input on cases to the Deputy Prosecutor; Assist Deputy Prosecutor’s with trial preparation by drafting subpoena’s, obtaining certified documents, coordinate travel for out of area witnesses
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice - Forensic Psychology
Purdue University Global
Associates of Science - Criminal Justice
Draughons Junior College
Clarksville, TN
01.2006
Skills
Multi-line phone proficiency
File and Record Keeping
Database Management
Fast Learner
Documentation and Recordkeeping
Relationship Building
Microsoft Office Suite
Data Entry
Support Services
Litigation Support
Legal Terminology
Civil and criminal law expertise
Correspondence and Legal Forms
Certification
Certificate of Completion, NOVA Victim Assistance Academy, 04/2022, 06/2022, 40 Hour Distance Learning Training
National Advocate Credential, Provisional Level Credentialed Advocate (CA), 08/2022, N43-497-7767
Computer Systems
CM/ECF
PACER
INPCMS
Odyssey
Microsoft Office suite
Languages
English
Volunteer Experience
Company Family Readiness Group (FRG), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, FRG Leader, 01/2006, 09/2006, In charge of organizing monthly meetings, updating military families on deployments and providing information regarding base activities. Additional responsibilities consisted of organizing meetings to gather and send personal items and care packages to deployed soldiers during holidays throughout the year.
Company Care Group, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Care Group Leader, 09/2005, 09/2006, Responsibilities included coordinating efforts to provide meals, grocery shopping and housekeeping assistance to the families of soldiers killed or wounded in the line of duty.
Timeline
Victim Advocate
La Porte County Prosecutor's Office
09.2023 - Current
Victim/Witness Assistant
Lake County Prosecutor’s Office
03.2021 - 09.2023
Legal Assistant
Teresa A. Massa, Attorney
09.2012 - 10.2021
Criminal Justice Intern
Clarksville Tennessee Police Department
03.2006 - 05.2006
Victim/Witness Assistant
Lake County Prosecutor’s Office
- Current
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice - Forensic Psychology
Purdue University Global
Associates of Science - Criminal Justice
Draughons Junior College
Certificate of Completion, NOVA Victim Assistance Academy, 04/2022, 06/2022, 40 Hour Distance Learning Training
National Advocate Credential, Provisional Level Credentialed Advocate (CA), 08/2022, N43-497-7767
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