Sonia Penaloza
Losantville,CA
Summary
Legal professional with extensive experience in providing top-tier administrative and legal support. Proven track record of managing case files and cultivating great client relationships and Highly reliable team player with strong focus on efficiency and adaptability in fast-paced legal environment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Sauda Johnson
04.2025 - 09.2025
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, IEP meetings, and other important dates.
- Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
- Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
- Responded to client inquiries, providing accurate legal advice and offering assistance.
- 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.
- Delivered exceptional service to clients by assisting them with routine needs like obtaining copies of pertinent records or directing them to appropriate resources when needed.
- Supported attorneys in achieving favorable outcomes through thorough research and analysis of complex legal issues.
- Managed correspondence with clients, courts, and opposing counsel, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- 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.
Legal Secretary
Law Offices of Stoll Nussbaum & Polakov
06.2015 - 04.2025
- 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.
- Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Organized files for court proceedings.
- Answered and directed calls using multi-line switchboard.
- Organized and maintained an efficient electronic filing system for easy access to critical documents and data.
- Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
- Provided exceptional customer service when greeting clients and answering phone calls, fostering a welcoming environment.
- Managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
- Screened telephone calls and forwarded to appropriate departments.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs, contributing to successful case resolutions.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
- Reduced errors in legal documents by implementing thorough proofreading processes.
- Created, indexed, and maintained client binders.
- Scheduled all appointments, appearances, court calls and depositions.
- Coordinated scheduling of client meetings and court dates, improving firm's ability to meet clients' needs promptly.
- Improved client satisfaction by providing detailed case updates and maintaining open lines of communication.
- Transcribed information from typed or handwritten notes, shorthand or dictation and confirmed accuracy and correct formatting of documents.
- Communicated professionally with clients, colleagues and legal partnership verbally and in writing.
Receptionsist
Law Offices of J Schaffer Smith
08.2014 - 06.2015
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Streamlined front desk operations for increased efficiency by effectively managing phone calls, emails, and walk-in clients.
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Maintained a well-organized reception area with updated materials, contributing to a welcoming environment for visitors.
- Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
- Supported office efficiency by performing clerical tasks such as data entry, photocopying, scanning, and faxing documents.
- Corresponded with clients through email, telephone, or postal mail.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities while managing numerous tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion while maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
- Managed multiple tasks and met time-sensitive deadlines.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and providing accurate information.
- Provided administrative support to staff members by handling correspondence, filing documents, and managing office supplies inventory.
- Provided clerical support to company employees by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
- Cultivated positive relationships with clients through professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Assisted with onboarding new clients and securing paperwork completion.
- Facilitated smooth communication channels by promptly forwarding messages to appropriate departments.
- Organized, maintained and updated information in computer databases.
- Sorted, received, and distributed mail correspondence between departments and personnel.
- Handled assignments independently with good judgement and critical thinking skills.
- Routed incoming mail and messages to relevant personnel without delay.
- Assisted with Legal Assistant and Paralegal tasks.
Education
Paralegal Certificate - Paralegal Studeis
ICDC College
Los Angels, CA07-2008
Skills
- Fast learner
- Scheduling/Planning
- Microsoft office
- File organization
- Calendar management
- Client communication
- Administrative support
- Document preparation
- Legal research
- Client relations
- Document drafting
- Document filing
- Client support
- Proofreading
- Organizational efficiency
- Bilingual
Timeline
Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Sauda Johnson
04.2025 - 09.2025
Legal Secretary
Law Offices of Stoll Nussbaum & Polakov
06.2015 - 04.2025
Receptionsist
Law Offices of J Schaffer Smith
08.2014 - 06.2015
Paralegal Certificate - Paralegal Studeis
ICDC College
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