Sarah Hartsell
Fredericksburg,VA
Summary
Results-driven legal assistant adept at streamlining case management and enhancing client relations through effective communication and meticulous document preparation. Proven administrative support skills increase operational efficiency and uphold confidentiality standards in a fast-paced legal environment.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission
Fredericksburg, VA
03.2025 - Current
- Answered phones and provided customer service to clients regarding their inquiries or concerns.
- Supported clients and office staff on processes, programs and procedures related to job.
- Managed and updated reports.
- Maintained confidential client files and other sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Managed case files to ensure accurate documentation and organization.
- Assisted attorneys in legal research and preparation of court documents.
- Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and court personnel.
- Drafted correspondence and legal documents under attorney supervision.
- Maintained compliance with legal regulations and organizational policies.
- Provided administrative support to attorneys by managing calendars; scheduling appointments; organizing files; preparing correspondence; filing court documents; and obtaining necessary signatures.
- Proofread drafts of legal documents for accuracy in grammar and punctuation.
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Waldman & Associates PLLC
Fredericksburg, VA
03.2023 - 03.2025
- Maintained confidential client files and other sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Provided administrative support to attorneys in a fast-paced legal environment, including filing and organizing documents, drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, and managing calendars.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients and legal staff.
- Drafted legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
- Organized case files and maintained accurate records for efficient information retrieval.
- Updated case management system with notes, data and reports.
- Drafted pleadings and motions for review by attorneys.
- Compiled and analyzed data for legal cases and provided updates to attorneys.
- Delivered or arranged delivery of documents to judges' chambers and other law firms.
- Scheduled depositions, hearings, mediations, trials, meetings with clients and witnesses.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Executive Improvements
Stafford, VA
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Provided administrative support to management staff, including scheduling meetings and appointments, preparing agendas, taking minutes, and maintaining records.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing and document management systems.
- Compiled and entered data into various databases to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Maintained database of client contact information with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Coordinated executive schedules, ensuring timely communication and effective time management.
- Generated regular reports on project progress utilizing spreadsheet software applications like MS Excel and Access.
OFFICE MANAGER
Value Auto Body
Falmouth, VA
07.2022 - 10.2022
- Managed day-to-day operations of the office, such as ordering supplies, maintaining equipment and managing calendars.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints with timeliness and professionalism.
- Created and maintained filing systems to ensure accurate record keeping.
- Fostered relationships with vendors to expedite orders, repairs and maintenance.
- Managed scheduling and coordination for staff meetings, enhancing communication across departments.
- Coordinated with vendors to purchase necessary supplies in a timely manner.
- Managed office flow by providing direct support to visitors.
- Cleaned and organized office, maintaining orderliness and reducing contamination.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVE
Service King Collision Repair
Fredericksburg, Virginia
03.2022 - 07.2022
- Delivered exceptional customer service, resolving inquiries and complaints efficiently.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance overall customer satisfaction ratings.
- Utilized excellent organizational skills to prioritize tasks effectively.
- Managed office flow by providing direct support to visitors.
- Managed day-to-day operations of the office, such as ordering supplies, maintaining equipment and managing calendars.
- Trained and onboarded new office staff members.
- Supervised administrative staff, driving front office operations and continuous workflow.
- Conducted vehicle assessments to identify necessary repairs and maintenance.
- Utilized CRM software to track customer interactions and improve service delivery.
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Chapman & Bowling PC
La Plata, MD
01.2022 - 03.2022
- Maintained confidential client files and other sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Drafted legal correspondence and managed the preparation of court filings.
- Updated case management system with notes, data and reports.
- Monitored court dockets and provided timely updates to attorneys.
- Drafted pleadings and motions for review by attorneys.
- Compiled and analyzed data for legal cases, delivering comprehensive updates to attorneys for informed decision-making.
- Scheduled depositions, hearings, mediations, trials, meetings with clients and witnesses.
- Created settlement packages by collecting and analyzing relevant data to support client interests.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation by compiling evidence and conducting legal research.
- Communicated with clients, providing updates and gathering necessary documentation for cases.
FRONT DESK
Classic Auto Body
Waldorf, MD
06.2021 - 12.2021
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks while remaining adaptable and flexible.
- Responded quickly to meet customer needs and resolve problems.
- Committed to delivering excellent customer service while working in a fast-paced environment.
- Participated in ongoing training to enhance own job skills and knowledge.
- Called and scheduled appointments for cars to get dropped off.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
JUDICIAL CLERK
Charles County District Court
La Plata, Maryland
11.2019 - 04.2021
- Proofread legal documents for accuracy prior to filing or distribution.
- Drafted and proofed legal correspondence to verify details and reduce errors.
- Monitored deadlines associated with filing dates or responses due from opposing parties.
- Filed pleadings with court clerk using established processes.
- Met with clients to conduct interviews and gain case information.
- Prepared legal briefs and statements in support of case preparation.
JUDICIAL CLERK
Prince Georges County District Court
Prince Georges County, MD
08.2018 - 11.2020
- Reviewed and processed legal documents to ensure accuracy and completeness of information.
- Communicated case status updates to attorneys, ensuring timely preparation and response to court proceedings.
- Drafted memoranda, letters, pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses.
- Prepared orders in response to motions submitted to the court.
- Managed judges' calendars, coordinating appointments, hearings, and conferences to optimize court schedules.
- Compiled and summarized data from multiple sources into reports, highlighting key findings to support court decision-making.
SECRETARY III
Office Of the Public Defender
Leonardtown, MD
06.2005 - 03.2013
- Liaised with attorneys to update them on case statuses, fostering clear communication and timely legal processes.
- Delivered administrative support to judge's office by efficiently filing documents electronically and manually, ensuring organized access to case materials.
- Maintained confidential records related to cases heard before the court.
- Proofread briefs for errors in grammar or syntax prior to submission.
- Maintained accurate case files and documentation using legal management software.
- Managed scheduling and calendar coordination for attorneys and clients.
- Compiled data from various sources into reports summarizing key findings.
Education
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
Chopticon High School
Morganaza, Md01-2005
Skills
- Case management support
- Document preparation
- Client communication
- Calendar management
- Administrative support
- Legal research and writing
- Interviewing clients
- Legal/Court processes
- File organization
- Document drafting
- Legal writing
- Fast learner
- Document editing
Certification
- Notary Public
Timeline
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission
03.2025 - Current
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Waldman & Associates PLLC
03.2023 - 03.2025
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Executive Improvements
10.2022 - 03.2023
OFFICE MANAGER
Value Auto Body
07.2022 - 10.2022
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVE
Service King Collision Repair
03.2022 - 07.2022
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Chapman & Bowling PC
01.2022 - 03.2022
FRONT DESK
Classic Auto Body
06.2021 - 12.2021
JUDICIAL CLERK
Charles County District Court
11.2019 - 04.2021
JUDICIAL CLERK
Prince Georges County District Court
08.2018 - 11.2020
SECRETARY III
Office Of the Public Defender
06.2005 - 03.2013
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
Chopticon High School