RU LI
Norfolk,VA
Summary
Resourceful Paralegal known for high productivity and efficient completion of tasks. Possess specialized skills in legal research, document drafting, and case management which contribute to effective support in legal proceedings. Excel in communication, organization, and time management, ensuring seamless operations within legal teams.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PARALEGAL/OFFICE MANAGER
U.S. Navy
Silverdale, WA
08.2021 - 08.2024
- Served as Admiral's Staff Paralegal and managed the Legal office in support of two (2) Submarine Squadrons, ten (10) Submarines, and one (1) shore supporting commands with over 2500 personnel
- Performed paralegal duties under the direction and supervision of Admiral's Staff Judge Advocates in providing and administering legal services, including matters concerned with military justice, administrative discharges, and prepared and submitted necessary endorsements and reports; conducted interviews; performed legal research of pertinent material for evaluation; and provided assistance to personnel and command on matters of legal administration
- Processed congressional inquiries and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests; prepared periodical legal reports; conducted legal assistance screening interviews; performed federal notary duties and affidavits, performed advanced legal assistance services, command services support on military justice issues; administered Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP); prepared administrative investigation endorsements; and prepared line of duty investigation reports
INSTRUCTOR
U.S. Navy
Newport, RI
07.2018 - 07.2021
- Subject-matter expert - Responsible for providing classroom instruction, reviewing and revising learning objectives; preparing test items; evaluating instructional materials and results; and counseling students on academic learning problems
- Course Coordinator - Conducted training program evaluations and provides recommendations for training improvement or changes to enhance training
- Served as the command representative on Navy pay and personnel policies and procedures
- Assigned as the critical link between an individual Sailor, the command, and the supporting pay and personnel organization
- Responsible for ensuring that all documents and information associated with Sailor pay and personnel support are relayed to the appropriate supporting pay and personnel organization via the current authorized process and per applicable policies governing timeliness standards
INDEPENDENT PARALEGAL/OFFICE MANAGER
U.S. Navy
Sasebo, Japan
03.2016 - 06.2018
- Managed the U.S
- Navy Amphibious Assault War Ship Legal Office in support of 2,500 Sailors and Marines
- Performed independent paralegal duties in providing and administering legal services, including matters concerned with military justice, administrative discharges, and legal assistance; recorded and transcribed summary court martial proceedings; prepared correspondence; conducted interviews; performed legal research of pertinent material for evaluation; and provided assistance to personnel and command on matters of legal administration
- Processed congressional inquiries and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests; maintained service records; prepared periodical legal reports; conducted legal assistance screening interviews; performed federal notary duties and affidavits, performed advanced legal assistance services, command services support on military justice issues; administered Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP); investigated dependent non-support and paternity complaints; prepared administrative investigation endorsements; and prepared line of duty investigation reports
- Passport acceptance agent - Appointed by U.S
- Embassy & Consulates in Japan, reviewed the passport application for proper completion, presentation of documentary evidence of birth in the United States or naturalization, and record the evidence submitted for proof of identity
PARALEGAL/OFFICE MANAGER
U.S. Navy
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
08.2014 - 02.2016
- Managed the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Legal Office, worked hand-in-hand with two attorney colleagues in support of 5,000 Servicemembers, DoD employees, and oversea contractors
- Performed paralegal duties under the direction and supervision of Judge Advocates in providing and administering legal services, including matters concerned with military justice, administrative discharges, and legal assistance; records and transcribes, summary court martial proceedings; and prepared and submitted necessary records and reports; prepared correspondence; conducted interviews; performed legal research of pertinent material for evaluation; and provided assistance to personnel and command on matters of legal administration
- Disposed of legal files and records; mailed serialized correspondence; maintained legal directives, publications, and files; prepared service record entries, standard naval letters, business letters, and endorsements
- Conducted legal research, non-judicial punishment (NJP) notification and appeal counseling; collected, reviewed and safeguarded evidence; maintained unit punishment books; marked exhibits; prepared administrative counseling and warnings; Article 31 Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) warnings, prepared restriction and extra duty orders; conducted administrative separation processing counseling; recorded administrative board proceedings; and transcribed administrative separation board proceedings
- Maintained service records; prepared legal reports; conducted legal assistance screening interviews; performed federal notary duties and affidavits, performed advanced legal assistance services, command services support on military justice issues; administered Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP); conducted line of duty investigations; investigated dependent non-support and paternity complaints; prepared administrative investigation endorsements, delivery of legal assistance reports; prepared line of duty investigation reports
PARALEGAL/OFFICE MANAGER
U.S. Navy
Groton, CT
05.2010 - 07.2014
- Served as Admiral's Staff Paralegal and managed the Legal office in support of three (3) Submarine Squadrons, six (6) Precommissioning/Overhaul Submarines, and four (4) shore supporting commands with over 3000 personnel
- Performed paralegal duties under the direction and supervision of Admiral's Staff Judge Advocates in providing and administering legal services, including matters concerned with military justice, administrative discharges, and prepared and submitted necessary endorsements and reports; conducted interviews; performed legal research of pertinent material for evaluation; and provided assistance to personnel and command on matters of legal administration
- Processed congressional inquiries and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests; prepared periodical legal reports; conducted legal assistance screening interviews; performed federal notary duties and affidavits, performed advanced legal assistance services, command services support on military justice issues; administered Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP); prepared administrative investigation endorsements; and prepared line of duty investigation reports
PERSONNEL & PAY SPECIALIST
U.S. Navy
Groton, CT
12.2004 - 03.2010
- Determined, processed and followed-up on a wide variety of active duty pay entitlement actions
- Verified eligibility determined and authorized entitlements and made adjustments to pay accounts based on standardized military pay rules, regulations, laws, procedures or operations governing each pay entitlement
- Processed actions such as effecting advancements, pay start/stop, leave charge and allotments elections to automated system(s)
- Ensured pertinent documents are complete and submitted/forwarded to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Center (DFAS)
- Reviewed personnel documents to determine correct pay entitlements and prepared all necessary disbursing documents
- Verified pay changes and pay transactions to basic pay, basic allowance for housing, basic allowance for subsistence, special pays, incentive pays, leave, allotments, bonuses and deductions
- Provided information on complex pay problems and/or explanation for over/underpayments
- Reviewed substantiating and supporting pay authorization documents for propriety, authentication, accuracy, and compliance with applicable regulations, policies and precedents
- Advised members concerning eligibility requirements for retirements and separations in accordance with Pay/Personnel Administrative Support System (PASS) Management Manual (PASSMAN)
- Liaised with the Navy Passenger Transportation Office (NAVPTO) and SATO Travel to make and confirm travel arrangements for both local and international travel
- Researched, consulted and referenced online and print publications, official messages, manuals and regulations to gain knowledge or update knowledge
Education
MASTER OF SCIENCE - ACCOUNTING WITH CONCENTRATION IN FORENSIC ACCOUNTING
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH05.2015
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE - PARALEGAL STUDY
Roger William University
Bristol, RI05.2015
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - ACCOUNTING
Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT05.2012
Skills
- Case Summaries
- Legal Research
- Project Management
- Office Administration
- Proficient in MS Office
- Attorney Support
Certification
- Agile Scrum Master
- Certified Projected Manager
- Certified Supply Chain Manager
- National Center for Competency Testing Certified
Volunteer Experience
- VITA Volunteer, 02/05, Present, Offered free tax help to Active duty and retiree who needed assistance in preparing their tax returns., Managed self-service tax preparation center.
- Command Financial Specialist, Command's principal advisor on policies and matters related to Personal Financial Management.
Languages
- Mandarin Chinese, Native
- Cantonese Chinese, Intermediate
Security Clearance
SECRET, 03/25
Timeline
PARALEGAL/OFFICE MANAGER
U.S. Navy
08.2021 - 08.2024
INSTRUCTOR
U.S. Navy
07.2018 - 07.2021
INDEPENDENT PARALEGAL/OFFICE MANAGER
U.S. Navy
03.2016 - 06.2018
PARALEGAL/OFFICE MANAGER
U.S. Navy
08.2014 - 02.2016
PARALEGAL/OFFICE MANAGER
U.S. Navy
05.2010 - 07.2014
PERSONNEL & PAY SPECIALIST
U.S. Navy
12.2004 - 03.2010
MASTER OF SCIENCE - ACCOUNTING WITH CONCENTRATION IN FORENSIC ACCOUNTING
Southern New Hampshire University
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE - PARALEGAL STUDY
Roger William University
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - ACCOUNTING
Eastern Connecticut State University
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