Sarita Govin Gonzales
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Experienced and highly skilled Senior Paralegal with over 15 years of experience in supporting attorneys and legal teams across various practice areas, including litigation, real estate, toxic torts, and corporate law. Adept at legal research, drafting legal documents, managing complex case files, and coordinating trial preparation. Proficient in managing client communications, supervising support staff, and implementing efficient systems for case management. Committed to delivering high-quality, timely, and precise legal services to support successful outcomes.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Paralegal/Legal Administrator
Law Office of Terron East
07.2022 - Current
- Conducted thorough legal research to support case strategies and provide accurate information for legal proceedings
- Drafted and filed legal documents, including pleadings, discovery requests, and deposition summaries
- Managed case files, ensuring accurate documentation and timely submissions for court hearings and trials
- Interviewed clients and witnesses to gather case-related information
- Communicated effectively with opposing counsel, clients, and other parties to facilitate case progress
- Prepared trial exhibits, coordinated discovery responses, and ensured all deadlines were met
- Supported attorney all legal aspects of start-up cannabis company, including corporate governance and compliance; cannabis regulatory compliance; and oversight of retainment of employees
Legal Assistant/Paralegal/Legal Administrator
Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy
08.2019 - 07.2022
- Provided comprehensive support to over 14 attorneys and paralegals across multiple litigation cases
- Promoted from a hybrid assistant/paralegal role to Legal Administrator due to exemplary performance
- Actively participated in case strategy meetings and provided organizational support to the Managing Partner
- Drafted motions, subpoenas, and discovery requests, and handled all administrative aspects of case management
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
- Improved efficiency in document production and management through introduction of advanced software tools.
Paralegal
McCreary & Associates
06.2018 - 08.2019
- Solely maintained and administered contract and document databases for over 80 active employee/employer wage disputes
- Handled litigation in consumer, real estate, personal injury, and business matters, offering essential support to a sole practitioner
- Managed the law firm's business operations in the attorney's absence, demonstrating strong organizational skills and leadership
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
- Enhanced case preparation efficiency by organizing and maintaining comprehensive digital filing system.
- Strengthened case presentations with detailed investigative work and evidence gathering.
Senior Calendar Administrator, Toxic Tort Team
Selman Breitman
03.2017 - 06.2018
- Managed case intake, calendaring, and e-filing for over 250 active litigation cases
- Developed and maintained systems to streamline case management and improve efficiency for 38 attorneys
- Supervised and trained support staff, including paralegals, secretaries, and clerks, on firm systems and processes
- Conducted legal research and ensured compliance with legal procedures for all case documents
- Developed filing system to organize company documents and improve accessibility.
- Prepared reports for management to assist in decision-making processes.
- Enhanced data entry accuracy through meticulous record-keeping practices.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
- Supervised administrative support staff members, offering guidance, feedback, and mentorship that contributed to their professional growth and development.
- Served as a liaison between departments, fostering open communication channels that improved overall organizational function.
Independent Contractor/Legal Assistant
Various
06.2015 - 11.2016
- Assisted attorneys in managing case files, drafting pleadings, and conducting discovery under attorney supervision
- Coordinated scheduling and calendaring for multiple law firms, ensuring deadlines were met
- Provided essential support in real estate and employment litigation, including unlawful detainer actions and eviction processes
- Adapted quickly to changing demands or unforeseen challenges within a project''s scope without compromising results.
- Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
- Reduced errors in court filings by meticulously proofreading documents for accuracy before submission.
- Handled billing tasks efficiently and accurately, ensuring smooth financial operations for the legal team.
- Enhanced office productivity by implementing efficient document management systems for easy retrieval and storage.
- Gathered key information during initial client intake interviews that contributed significantly to the formulation of effective legal arguments.
Litigation Paralegal
Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson
11.2012 - 05.2015
- Supported Managing Partner and attorneys with complex litigation and case strategy
- Drafted pleadings, demand letters, and discovery responses, as well as prepared witness lists and trial exhibits
- Coordinated with outside vendors and maintained accurate corporate records and legal files
Docket Clerk - Toxic Tort (Contract)
Berkes Crane Robinson & Seal
04.2012 - 11.2012
- Maintained docket calendars and e-filed court documents for the Asbestos Division
- Managed deadlines and tracked case progress to ensure compliance with court requirements
- Played a significant role in reducing case delays by consistently meeting critical deadlines for filings.
- Balanced competing priorities effectively under high-pressure situations while adhering to strict time constraints.
- Managed sensitive information discreetly while maintaining confidentiality standards at all times when handling client data or case details.
- Reduced case backlog with diligent scheduling and prioritizing of court hearings.
- Streamlined docket management processes for improved efficiency and time savings.
Conflicts Assistant
Latham & Watkins (GSO)
09.2010 - 04.2012
- Performed conflict checks for corporate entities, identifying potential conflicts of interest
- Supported the Ethics and Client Intake committees, managing sensitive conflicts issues
- Enhanced client satisfaction with responsive communication and problem-solving.
- Improved data accuracy with meticulous data entry and record-keeping.
- Supported project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks.
- Increased productivity, handling multiple tasks with efficiency.
Education
Post-Baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate -
Kaplan University
07.2010
Master of Arts - Organizational Management
University of Phoenix
03.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Communications Arts & Sciences
University of Southern California
06.1998
Skills
Calendar management
Client communication
Contract review expertise
Court filing procedures
Discovery
Document preparation
Evidence analysis
File organization
Legal research
Litigation support mastery
Microsoft Office Suite
Legal/Office administration
Team leadership qualities
Trial preparation assistance
Professional Development And Certifications
Certificate of Completion - Management Effectiveness, USC MBA Extension
Timeline
Senior Paralegal/Legal Administrator
Law Office of Terron East
07.2022 - Current
Legal Assistant/Paralegal/Legal Administrator
Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy
08.2019 - 07.2022
Paralegal
McCreary & Associates
06.2018 - 08.2019
Senior Calendar Administrator, Toxic Tort Team
Selman Breitman
03.2017 - 06.2018
Independent Contractor/Legal Assistant
Various
06.2015 - 11.2016
Litigation Paralegal
Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson
11.2012 - 05.2015
Docket Clerk - Toxic Tort (Contract)
Berkes Crane Robinson & Seal
04.2012 - 11.2012
Conflicts Assistant
Latham & Watkins (GSO)
09.2010 - 04.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Communications Arts & Sciences
University of Southern California
Post-Baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate -
Kaplan University
Master of Arts - Organizational Management
University of Phoenix
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