Sharon Ryan
Newport News,VA
Summary
Accomplished Paralegal with proven expertise in legal research and client communication, significantly reducing attorney workload at Stuart Law Firm LLC. Skilled in document drafting and preparation, enhanced case management, and fostering client relationships. Demonstrates a results-driven approach with a focus on efficiency and accuracy in legal proceedings.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
Stuart Law Firm LLC
11848 Rock Landing Dr, Suite 102, Newport News, VA
11.2022 - 04.2024
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of 4 court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- 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.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining 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 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.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule
- Improved document organization by implementing comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits
- Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings
- Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases
- 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
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status
- Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations
- Facilitated efficient case resolution by attending depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials as necessary to assist attorneys in presentation of evidence or arguments
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality
Paralegal
Cowardin & Kim
601 Thimble Shoals Blvd Suite 210 Newport News, VA
01.2013 - 11.2022
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- 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 for 80 + files.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- 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.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- 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.
Education
Master of Science - Legal Studies
Kaplan University
Davenport, IA05.2014
Bachelor of Science - Paralegal Studies
Kaplan University
Davenport, IA05.2011
Skills
- Court Filing
- Legal Analysis
- Interviewing witnesses
- Legal writing
- Scheduling
- Case Management
Timeline
Paralegal
Stuart Law Firm LLC
11.2022 - 04.2024
Paralegal
Cowardin & Kim
01.2013 - 11.2022
Master of Science - Legal Studies
Kaplan University
Bachelor of Science - Paralegal Studies
Kaplan University