Sunny C. Payne
Miami
Summary
Legal professional with progressive experience advancing from legal assistant to paralegal within multi-practice law firm environments. Skilled in case management, legal document drafting, e-filing, and trial preparation, with a strong foundation in legal administration. Known for meticulous attention to detail, dependable deadline management, and clear communication with clients and counsel.
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
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
Johnson | Dalal
03.2025 - Current
- Manage probate, guardianship, trust, and civil litigation matters from intake through resolution, including drafting and e-filing pleadings, motions, and proposed orders.
- Oversee procedural compliance, deadline tracking, hearing/deposition scheduling, service coordination, and publication requirements.
- Maintain discovery records, financial documentation, subpoenas, and Bates-stamped productions.
- Serve as primary contact for clients, opposing counsel, judicial assistants, and third-party vendors.
- Provide administrative support to the Treasurer of the Broward County Guardianship Association.
Family Caregiver (Career Break)
03.2020 - 01.2025
- Provided full-time care for a terminally ill parent, managing medical coordination, scheduling, and daily support.
Paralegal / Legal Secretary
Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel
10.2017 - 03.2020
- Drafted and proofread pleadings, motions, and subpoenas; maintained legal databases and case management software.
- Assisted in trial preparation including trial binders, exhibits, and PowerPoint presentations in compliance with State and Federal procedures.
Paralegal / Legal Secretary
Bressler, Amery & Ross
04.2015 - 03.2017
- Prepared legal documents for e-filing and service, ensuring compliance with court rules and deadlines.
Paralegal / Legal Secretary
Wadsworth Huott
03.2014 - 04.2015
- Managed incoming communications, coordinated calendars, and scheduled depositions and court appearances.
- Prepared correspondence, pleadings, motions, and discovery requests using standard templates.
Legal Secretary
Hinshaw & Culbertson
11.2006 - 08.2011
- Prepared, proofread, and formatted settlement documents, pleadings, and correspondence.
- Coordinated depositions, mediations, EUOs, conferences, and court hearings; managed attorney calendars.
Education
A.A. - Paralegal Studies
Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, FL01-2008
Skills
- LEGAL COMPETENCIES
- - Legal document drafting, filing & trial preparation
- - Calendar & deadline management
- - Legal writing, editing & proofreading
- - Florida Notary Public
- - FL State & Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
- TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY
- - E-Filing: PACER, CourtMaps, CMS
- - Microsoft Office Suite
- - MerusCase, Clio, PerfectLaw (AIM)
- - ProLaw, FileSite, CaseFriend
- - Aderant (formerly Client Profiles)
- Legal research
- Proficient in MS office
- Case management
- Client communication
Accomplishments
adding later
EDUCATION & LANGUAGES
English & Spanish (Native)
Timeline
Paralegal
Johnson | Dalal
03.2025 - Current
Family Caregiver (Career Break)
03.2020 - 01.2025
Paralegal / Legal Secretary
Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel
10.2017 - 03.2020
Paralegal / Legal Secretary
Bressler, Amery & Ross
04.2015 - 03.2017
Paralegal / Legal Secretary
Wadsworth Huott
03.2014 - 04.2015
Legal Secretary
Hinshaw & Culbertson
11.2006 - 08.2011
A.A. - Paralegal Studies
Keiser University