Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
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Sulaiman Shittu

Newark,New Jersey

Summary

Dynamic Paralegal Specialist with extensive experience at the City of Newark, NJ, excelling in legal research and client communication. Proven track record in enhancing case efficiency and expediting claims processing. Adept at drafting precise legal documents and fostering collaboration within teams, ensuring favorable outcomes in litigation and claims investigations.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Paralegal Specialist/Notices of Claims Supervisor

City of Newark, NJ
02.2005 - 03.2022
  • Prepared comprehensive trial materials, ensuring cases were well-prepared for court proceedings.
  • Supported attorneys during trials by organizing exhibits, taking notes on witness testimony, and coordinating logistics in the courtroom.
  • Investigated claims and prepared processing documentation.
  • Drafted accurate legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs to effectively present the city's defense.
  • Reduced errors in document production through meticulous proofreading of legal drafts before submission.
  • Expedited resolution of disputes by assisting attorneys in preparing effective settlement proposals for negotiation purposes.
  • Enhanced case efficiency by managing and organizing legal documents, evidence, and litigants' files
  • Contributed to favorable case outcomes through diligent monitoring of relevant statutes, regulations, and developments in the law.
  • Maintained law and administrative library, as well as department files and records.
  • Conducted thorough legal research to support attorneys in developing strong case strategies.
  • Served as a reliable liaison between litigants, opposing counsel, experts, witnesses, and court personnel throughout the course of litigation matters.
  • Ensured compliance with ethical guidelines by maintaining confidentiality of litigants' information at all times.
  • Maintained accuracy in all document filings by reviewing court rules and requirements before submission.
  • Managed complex cases effectively using advanced technology tools such as e-discovery software and document management systems.
  • Facilitated efficient trial preparation by creating detailed witness lists, exhibit lists, and deposition summaries for attorneys'' review.
  • Collaborated with attorneys to successfully prepare witnesses for depositions, mediation sessions, and court appearances.
  • Supported litigation team by efficiently coordinating discovery requests and responses between parties.
  • Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases.
  • Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
  • Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of the municipality.
  • Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
  • Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of law department operations.
  • Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
  • Researched and analyzed legal issues and cases to provide accurate advice to clients.
  • Created weekly, monthly, and quarterly expense reports.
  • Conducted background investigations on defendants.
  • Improved customer satisfaction rates by providing clear explanations of claim decisions and addressing concerns professionally.
  • Increased team productivity through effective collaboration and sharing of investigation insights with colleagues.
  • Continuously improved personal expertise in claims investigation through attending professional trainings and staying current on industry trends.
  • Assisted in training new employees on best practices for claims investigation, improving overall team performance levels.
  • Streamlined communication between departments by maintaining detailed records of case findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Expedited legitimate claims processing by prioritizing caseloads based on complexity and urgency of cases.
  • Ensured accurate claim settlements with timely gathering of relevant evidence, witness statements, and expert opinions.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by handling various types of claims, including property damage and personal injury claims.
  • Reduced fraudulent claims by utilizing strong analytical skills to identify inconsistencies in claimants' statements and documentation.
  • Identified insurance coverage limitations with thorough examinations of claims documentation and related records.
  • Reviewed police reports, medical treatment records, and physical property damage to determine extent of liability.
  • Documented information gathered in field and uploaded data to company database for efficient processing using Docushare and Legistar.
  • Pursued insurance property claims and also recovered millions of dollars for the City of Newark.

Education

Master Of Public Administration - Public Administration

Rutgers State University
Newark, NJ

Skills

  • Alternative dispute resolution
  • Evidence analysis
  • Deposition summaries
  • Litigation support
  • Personal injury claims
  • Witness interview skills
  • Witness preparation
  • Research and data collection
  • Proficient in MS office
  • Case summaries
  • Notary public
  • Risk management
  • Case management
  • Negotiation
  • Legal research skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Customer service
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Organizational skills
  • Reliability
  • Legal analysis
  • Document preparation
  • File and records management
  • Calendar management
  • Effective multitasking
  • Motion drafting
  • Pre-trial preparation
  • Workload management
  • Court document filing
  • Discovery management
  • Deadline monitoring
  • LexisNexis

Accomplishments

    Received Mayor Ras Baraka's Outstanding Law Department Employee Award

Affiliations

National Honor Society of Public Affairs & Administration, 'Pi Alpha Alpha'

Graduated with Honors from Nigeria Law School (LLB)

Certification

NJSC certified Paralegal Specialist

NJSC certified Administrative Analyst

NJSC certified Fiscal Analyst

Timeline

Paralegal Specialist/Notices of Claims Supervisor

City of Newark, NJ
02.2005 - 03.2022

Master Of Public Administration - Public Administration

Rutgers State University
Sulaiman Shittu