SHARON GILLESPIE
El Paso,TX
Summary
Accomplished paralegal with extensive experience at Haskins & Gregan, excelling in case management and client communication. Enhanced legal processes by implementing efficient document management systems, boosting productivity by 20%. Proficient in legal writing and trial preparation, fostering strong attorney support and client trust through meticulous attention to detail and effective collaboration.
Experienced with legal research, document preparation, and case management. Uses organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate case files and support attorneys effectively. Knowledge of legal procedures and protocols ensures seamless workflow and contributes to successful case outcomes.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
Haskins & Gregan
01.2019 - 03.2025
- Managed electronic filing systems to ensure compliance with court rules.
- Supported trial preparation by compiling evidence and witness lists.
- 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.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
- Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
- Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
- Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
- Aided settlement negotiations with effective summary reports outlining key points from discovery materials for use during mediation sessions or pretrial settlement talks.
- Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
- Optimized legal proceedings with precise preparation of trial notebooks and evidence.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in laws or regulations relevant to practice areas through continuous professional development opportunities such as seminars or webinars.
- Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
- Assisted in achieving favorable legal outcomes by preparing persuasive legal arguments and briefs.
- Increased department efficiency, organizing continuing legal education seminars for paralegal staff.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
Paralegal
FRANK L. HART
10.2001 - 06.2020
- Managed case files and organized documentation for litigation support.
- Drafted pleadings, motions, and discovery requests with high accuracy.
- Coordinated with clients and witnesses to gather essential case information.
- Reviewed and summarized depositions, ensuring comprehensive records were maintained.
- Implemented document management systems to streamline workflow efficiency.
- Trained junior paralegals on legal procedures and best practices for case management.
- Increased case efficiency by streamlining document management and organization processes.
- Assisted in obtaining key evidence through subpoenaing records from various sources such as financial institutions or medical providers.
- Supported attorneys during trial proceedings, ensuring the availability of key exhibits and witnesses when needed.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping by maintaining up-to-date case files, both physical and electronic formats.
Paralegal
STEPHEN A. HINES
03.1999 - 10.2001
- Assisted attorneys with case preparation and documentation review.
- Conducted legal research to support case strategies and client needs.
- Organized and maintained case files for easy access and retrieval.
- Drafted legal documents, including pleadings and discovery requests.
- Communicated with clients to gather information and provide updates.
- Coordinated schedules for client meetings, hearings, and depositions.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
Education
Associate of Science - Legal Studies
El Paso Community College
El Paso, TX05-1999
Skills
- Proficient in MS office
- Case management
- Client communication
- Document drafting
- Office administration
- Calendar management
- Legal writing
- File organization
- Proofreading
- Attorney support
- Trial preparation assistance
- Exhibit preparation
Timeline
Paralegal
Haskins & Gregan
01.2019 - 03.2025
Paralegal
FRANK L. HART
10.2001 - 06.2020
Paralegal
STEPHEN A. HINES
03.1999 - 10.2001
Associate of Science - Legal Studies
El Paso Community College