Sofia Vargas
Austin
Summary
Professional with strong background in legal support, equipped to handle variety of tasks in fast-paced environment. Expertise in legal research, document management, and case preparation, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Known for effective team collaboration and adaptability, always focused on achieving results and meeting deadlines. Strong organizational skills and proactive approach to problem-solving make for reliable asset.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paralegal
GrayBecker, PC
06.2021 - 04.2025
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Met or exceeded billing requirements on consistent basis.
- Facilitated smooth courtroom proceedings by ensuring all necessary documentation was prepared ahead of time for easy access during hearings or trials.
- Increased attorney productivity by drafting correspondence, maintaining calendars, scheduling appointments, and coordinating meetings related to family law cases.
- Scheduled meetings, hearings, mediations, and settlement conferences.
- Contributed to successful trial preparation through diligent organization of exhibits, witness interviews, and evidence analysis.
- Organized an extensive caseload, balancing multiple priorities simultaneously without compromising quality or attention to detail.
- Gathered, organized and maintained case files.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, providing compassionate guidance during difficult family law proceedings.
- Provided exceptional client service by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns in a professional manner.
- Assisted with estate planning activities including drafting wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, which ensured clients'' wishes were accurately represented.
- Streamlined probate processes by organizing and maintaining accurate case files.
- Thoroughly researched court records such as criminal cases, foreclosures, and probate estates.
- Improved client satisfaction by providing clear, concise explanations of probate procedures and requirements.
- Implemented an organized calendar system to ensure prompt completion of required court filings and deadlines in probate cases.
Legal Secretary
ScottHulse, PC
07.2019 - 06.2021
- Prepared Pleadings, Requests and Responses for Discovery, Answers, Complaints, etc.
- Prepared Correspondence relating to cases.
- Maintained calendars for attorneys.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Filed pleadings, etc. in Texas, New Mexico, and United States Federal District Courts.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
- Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
- Organized files for court proceedings.
- Managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
- Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- 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.
- Worked closely with estate planning attorneys to create comprehensive legacy strategies for high-net-worth clients, preserving wealth for future generations.
- Collaborated with estate planning attorneys and accountants to develop custom-tailored solutions that addressed clients'' unique legacy-planning objectives.
Legal Assistant
Law Office of Caroline Alonzo
01.2017 - 06.2019
- Met with clients to obtain discovery documents.
- Prepared Motions, Requests for Production, Petitions, etc.
- Prepared Correspondence relating to cases.
- Kept clients abreast of all matters related to their case.
- Prepared documents for attorney for all appointments, hearings, and trials.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
Legal Assistant
Semko &Minor, P.C.
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Met with clients to obtain discovery documents.
- Prepared Motions, Requests for Production, Petitions, etc.
- Prepared Correspondence relating to cases.
- Transcribed dictations.
- Maintained client files and kept clients abreast of all matters related to their case.
- Organized and prepared all documents for Attorney to send to the appropriate agency.
- Prepared documents for attorney for all appointments, hearings, and trials.
Legal Assistant
The Pablos Law Firm, P.C.
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Met with clients to discuss possibility of residency and citizenship.
- Assisted Attorney with all matters relating to Personal Injury, Civil, and Criminal proceedings.
- Prepared Motions, Briefs, and all other correspondence relating to cases.
- Managed over 150 client files.
- Translated various legal documents for submittal to government agencies.
- Organized and prepared all packets for Attorney to be sent to the appropriate agency.
- Prepared documents for attorney for all appointments, hearings, and trials.
- Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
- Increased client satisfaction by efficiently managing case files and promptly addressing inquiries.
- Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
- Responded to client inquiries, providing accurate legal advice and offering assistance.
- Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
- Reduced errors in court filings by meticulously proofreading documents for accuracy before submission.
- Compiled client application packets and included relevant documentation to present strongest case for successful outcome.
- Conducted client intake interviews to determine client service need and eligibility.
- Contributed to the development of internal resources, such as templates and checklists, streamlining workflow processes.
- Streamlined immigration case processing by efficiently organizing and maintaining client files.
- Consulted with foreign nationals on non-immigrant and immigrant visas and resolved routine and non-routine questions.
- Analyzed client documentation and history to determine eligibility for immigration-related benefits.
Education
Business Administration and Translation
University of Texas, El Paso
El Paso, TX01.1993
Paralegal Certification - undefined
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX01.2009
Skills
- Type 45 wpm
- Fluent in Spanish
- Proficient in various programming and software systems, such as Microsoft Office
- Legal research
- Proficient in MS office
- Case management
- Client communication
- Document drafting
- Notary public
- Research and data collection
- Calendar management
- Document preparation
- Legal writing
- Attorney support
- Trial preparation assistance
Accomplishments
- Maintained more than 90 files, while tracking and managing filing service for up to 15files per day.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
- Paralegal Certification
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Paralegal
GrayBecker, PC
06.2021 - 04.2025
Legal Secretary
ScottHulse, PC
07.2019 - 06.2021
Legal Assistant
Law Office of Caroline Alonzo
01.2017 - 06.2019
Legal Assistant
Semko &Minor, P.C.
01.2011 - 01.2017
Legal Assistant
The Pablos Law Firm, P.C.
01.2005 - 01.2007
Paralegal Certification - undefined
University of Texas at El Paso
Business Administration and Translation
University of Texas, El Paso
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