Rita Guarnaccia
Liberty,NY
Summary
Professional and knowledgeable individual offering several years of hands on experience in administrative support, and legal proceedings/procedures. Highly efficient planning, problem-solving and communication skills. Familiar with challenging environments, comfortable with little to no supervision.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Liberty Central School District
11.2022 - Current
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
Chief Clerk
NYS Unified Court System
05.2013 - 07.2022
- Reviewed all Surrogate proceedings, including Probate, Administration, Compromise, Judicial Settlement and Guardianship (17, 17A), Small Estate (Art. 13).
- Handled confidential information with discretion, maintaining the integrity of sensitive case data. Sealed cases files when required by Statute.
- Oversaw records management project of fragile Court records for preservation and digitalization.
- Prepared weekly Court calendars for multiple Surrogates. Distributed to Supreme Court Clerk to reserve Court room, Sargent to provide appropriate security staff, and Judge's secretary and Law Clerk for preparation of case file.
- Attended Court hearings, conferences and trials for the purpose of creating a permanent record of the proceeding, operated FTR recording system, set up Zoom/Microsoft Teams, entered Court minutes into the database, mark exhibits and evidence, swore in witnesses and jurors, and scheduled future appearances.
- Prepared and reviewed, as well proofread and edited legal documents, Decree and Orders for Judge's signature.
- Tracked all motion and objection deadlines for opposing Counsel papers and for service of Decisions and Orders.
- Supported recruitment efforts by screening resumes, scheduling and conducting interviews alongside HR personnel.
- Managed a team of clerks, providing training, mentorship, and performance evaluations to support their professional development.
- Corresponded with Pro se and attorneys by phone, email, or in-person to provide case information, Court appearances and answer procedural questions.
- Compiled and analyzed data to produce statistic reports and case logs.
- Coordinated Court hearings, conferences and trials. Requested jurors from Commissioner of Jurors for trials. Scheduled Court Reporter.
- Monitored and tracked fees collected and expenses for budget management and revenue reconciliation.
- Intake, review and data entry of new cases into Court database.
- Utilized Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word and Excel, Surrogate UCMS/Client Services Database, NYSCEF, and Kronos time/leave system, on a daily basis.
Senior Court Office Assistant
NYS Unified Court System
08.1999 - 05.2013
- Maintained accuracy in financial transactions by carefully handling cash payments, fines, and fees associated with court cases.
- Handled large volumes of paperwork and/legal filings efficiently and timely, assisted attorneys and Pro se litigants, either by phone or in person, by answering procedural questions, helping parties to understand and complete Surrogate's Court forms.
- Reviewed, processed and served all Article 13 estates, and Miscellaneous proceedings, and mail and legal correspondence. Filed legal documents in paper file for records management.
- Created Court file and entered case information into database. Prepared legal documents for review by Chief Clerk, and submission to Surrogate for signature.
- Prepared purchase orders for maintenance of office equipment, purchase of office supplies, tracking receipts and submitted bills for Chief Clerk's approval.
- Assist Chief Clerk in Surrogate matters, as needed, while carrying out assigned tasks independently with minimal oversight.
Education
Associate of Science - Humanities
Sullivan County Community College
Loch Sheldrake, NY05.2020
Skills
- Legal procedures
- Investigative research
- Analytical Skills
- Legal document preparation
- Organization Skills
- Administrative Assistance
- Document review and edit
- Concise Communication
- Phone Etiquette
- Deadline tracking
Cycling, Hiking
Growing up in NYC, it wasn't very safe to ride a bike, so I didn't pursue it. I became interested in cycling again during Covid. It was one of the few activities I could participate in while social distancing that require additional travel. I soon realized I could leave right from my doorstep and ride as far as I wanted. Thereafter, I started mountain biking. That led to forming a group of female beginner riders who I would meet with, to ride various trails all over New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Vermont. I eventually started volunteering as a marshall at race events in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The energy I felt watching the racers speed by was amazing. I even got a chance to see a professional, Richie Rude, swish past me. The act of handing out water and snacks, providing first aid assistance and keeping track of race scores fostered a camaraderie I hadn't experienced in a long time.
Languages
Italian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Liberty Central School District
11.2022 - Current
Chief Clerk
NYS Unified Court System
05.2013 - 07.2022
Senior Court Office Assistant
NYS Unified Court System
08.1999 - 05.2013
Associate of Science - Humanities
Sullivan County Community College
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