Sharon Pinkham-Lerner
Wetumpka,AL
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal Group Supervisor
Social Security Administration, OHO
Montgomery, AL
08.2022 - Current
- Lead and supervise a team of paralegals and legal assistants supporting administrative law judges in disability hearings
- Oversee two key operational components: Master Docket and Scheduling, ensuring accurate case tracking and efficient calendar coordination
- Assign cases to decision writers, legal assistants, and legal specialists based on workload, deadlines, and complexity
- Routinely review and analyze workload reports to identify bottlenecks and implement corrective strategies
- Audit workloads to ensure compliance with Agency policies and performance standards
- Work closely with struggling employees to develop individualized improvement plans; coordinate with the regional legal team to support performance growth and accountability
- Manage all aspects of facility operations, including security protocols, maintenance coordination, and contractor access
- Coordinate monthly guard service for the Montgomery office and previously for the Permanent Remote Site (PRS) in Anniston and Claimant only Video (COV) in Selma
- Enroll new contractors and employees into the security system; maintain and update clearances annually for all personnel
- Conduct monthly security system tests for judges and contractors; compile and report findings to regional management quarterly
- Serve as liaison with the SSA Field Office and Disability Determination Services (DDS), ensuring seamless communication and coordination on case-related matters
- Participate in hiring panels for OHO and other regional offices, contributing to candidate evaluation and selection
- Implement workflow improvements and staff training programs to enhance operational efficiency including mock panel interviews for staff.
- Collaborate with legal professionals, medical experts, and administrative staff to ensure timely and accurate hearing outcomes
Hearings Office Management Specialist
Social Security Administration, OHO
Montgomery, AL
07.2019 - 08.2022
- Managed office operations, including budget oversight, purchasing, and travel arrangements.
- Streamlined filing systems, mail distribution, and equipment maintenance for optimal efficiency.
- Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines.
- Generated and distributed weekly and monthly performance reports to upper management.
- Trained new hires on office equipment and software applications to ensure proficiency.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing on products and services.
- Administered payroll processes and maintained accurate employee documentation.
- Implemented office systems and layouts to sustain organizational effectiveness.
Administrative Assistant
Social Security Administration, OHO
Montgomery, AL
08.2013 - 07.2019
- Organized meetings and prepared materials to support staff effectively.
- Managed phone calls and emails, facilitating efficient business correspondence.
- Entered data into spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel, improving data management.
- Maintained filing systems for physical and electronic documents, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Handled confidential documents according to established protocols, preserving integrity.
- Composed letters, memos, reports, and presentations as required by management.
- Maintained office supplies inventory, assessing stock levels to ensure availability.
- Processed invoices for payment using accounting software applications efficiently.
Legal Assistant
Social Security Administration, OHO
Montgomery, AL
02.2010 - 08.2013
- Organized case files and maintained accurate records for efficient retrieval.
- Assisted Administrative Law Judges in preparing for hearings by gathering relevant information.
- Maintained client confidentiality in all matters.
- Answered phones promptly while providing courteous customer service.
- Scanned physical documents into electronic format for storage in a secure database system.
- Updated databases with new information received from attorneys or clients.
- Ensured that all paperwork was properly filed according to established procedures.
- Analyzed data related to cases for use in hearings.
- Compiled financial records related to specific cases.
- Coordinated the distribution of legal materials to other parties as required.
- Drafted correspondence, documented data and submitted materials to appropriate parties.
- Processed closing documents and transactional documents for legal review.
- Redacted confidential information from legal documents on case-by-case basis.
- Conducted thorough research and review of case information to assist Administrative Law Judges.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Cognitive Psychology
Troy University
MontgomerySkills
- Team Leadership
- Legal Research
- Workflow Optimization
- Administrative Management
- Security Protocols
- Case management and analysis
- Policy compliance and research
- Document drafting and preparation
- Office administration and support
- Scheduling and calendar management
- Budget and performance management
- Project management and reporting
- Exceptional communication skills
- Problem solving and troubleshooting
- Vendor relations and engagement
- Time management and organization
- File and records management
- Contract review and evidence analysis
- Attorney support and case summaries
- Proofreading and editing
Accomplishments
Recognized as an Outstanding Employee consistently since 2010
Affiliations
Leader of Connect, Greeter and Host Teams at RLC Church since 2021
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Paralegal Group Supervisor
Social Security Administration, OHO
08.2022 - Current
Hearings Office Management Specialist
Social Security Administration, OHO
07.2019 - 08.2022
Administrative Assistant
Social Security Administration, OHO
08.2013 - 07.2019
Legal Assistant
Social Security Administration, OHO
02.2010 - 08.2013
Some College (No Degree) - Cognitive Psychology
Troy University