Suzanne Kulihaapai
Vista,CA
Summary
At Paul Gavin, Esq., I honed my expertise in legal document preparation and case management, guiding junior paralegals with a blend of strong organizational skills and empathetic client communication. My proactive approach and dedication to confidentiality significantly enhanced case efficiency and courtroom operations, showcasing my ability to thrive in fast-paced legal environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Courtroom Clerk II
San Diego Superior Court
02.2007 - Current
- Improved communication between court staff and attorneys by promptly distributing necessary paperwork and providing regular updates on case statuses.
- Contributed to the fair administration of justice by diligently processing court orders, warrants, and judgments according to established protocols.
- Provided assistance to attorneys and court personnel in the courtroom as well as through telephone inquires.
- Managed confidential information securely, upholding the integrity of the court system.
- Increased court efficiency by processing legal documents and maintaining accurate case records.
- Supported courtroom operations during trials, ensuring all parties had necessary materials and equipment for smooth proceedings.
- Maintained court dockets and updated disposition of cases after court hearings and trials.
- Answered telephone calls, took messages and transferred calls to appropriate colleagues.
- Processed financial transactions for fines, fees, and other court-related costs accurately and efficiently.
- Performed routine data entry or document management.
- Strengthened public trust by providing exceptional customer service to individuals seeking assistance or information about their cases.
- Reviewed court documents to process subpoenas, motions and pleadings.
- Assisted judges in streamlining court proceedings through diligent research and preparation of case materials.
- Prepared court documents for filing in alignment with established protocols to support compliance.
- Maintained and updated electronic databases to accurately and securely store court documents.
- Prepared court orders and judgments for signature.
- Responded to in-person and telephone requests for information from general public, attorneys and other involved parties.
- Examined legal documents submitted to courts for adherence to laws and court procedures.
- Assisted court in scheduling hearings, meetings and other events to support seamless operations.
- Processed payments for fines and fees, maintained accurate drawers, issued receipts, and updated account balances.
- Promoted transparency within the judicial system by accurately entering case details into electronic databases.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by collaborating effectively with colleagues and legal professionals.
- Drafted professional court correspondence to facilitate legal proceedings.
- Collected court fees and fines and recorded amounts collected in .
- Coordinated courtroom proceedings and enforced adherence to proper procedures.
- Assisted newly hired clerks in learning about application reviews and verification procedures, performance strategies and customer service techniques.
- Supported successful jury selection processes through proficient organization of jury pools and thorough pre-screening of potential jurors.
- Enhanced courtroom efficiency by accurately maintaining and organizing case files, transcripts, and other legal documents.
- Expedited trial processes with efficient docket management, ensuring timely hearings for all parties involved.
- Ensured timely submission of required court documents to relevant parties, contributing to a smoother legal process.
- Maintained a professional courtroom environment to facilitate smooth proceedings by effectively managing logistics and addressing any issues that arose during trials.
- Safeguarded sensitive information with meticulous record-keeping practices, ensuring the confidentiality of all court-related data.
- Optimized workflow for court personnel through effective coordination with bailiffs, attorneys, witnesses, jurors, and other courtroom staff.
- Contributed to the integrity of the justice system through diligent execution of administrative duties, including case management, docketing, and recordkeeping.
- Optimized workflow for court personnel through effective coordination with bailiffs, attorneys, witnesses, jurors, and other stakeholders.
- Maintained organized filing systems for easy retrieval of case files and supporting documentation.
Lead Paralegal
Paul Gavin, Esq.
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Served as a key resource for junior paralegals, offering guidance on best practices for research, drafting, and filing procedures.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations, ensuring full compliance with applicable laws for each case.
- Enhanced case efficiency by streamlining processes and managing complex litigation matters.
- Maintained strict adherence to ethical standards while handling highly sensitive information concerning clients'' cases.
- Ensured accuracy of court filings by diligently proofreading and editing all legal documents before submission.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
Education
Associate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
Palomar College
San Marcos, California05-2004
High School Diploma -
Vista High School
Vista, California06-1986
Skills
- Strong Organization
- Document Preparation
- Proofreading expertise
- Calendar Management
- Legal Terminology Proficiency
- Courtroom Procedures Knowledge
- Case file preparation
- Data Entry
- Filing systems
- File Management
- Court Procedures
- Payment Collection
- Records Management
- Proficient in [Software]
- Proofreading
- Court processes
- Civil and criminal law expertise
- Docket preparation
- Court operations support
- Legal documents
- Confidentiality
- Court records research
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Organizational Skills
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Money Handling
- Decision-Making
- Relationship Building
- Office Administration
- Legal Research
- Scheduling appointments
- Professional ethics
- Team building
- Task Prioritization
- Self Motivation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Analytical Thinking
- Deadline Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Goal Setting
- Professionalism
- Adaptability
- Document Management
- Workflow Coordination
- Compliance Management
- Data Analysis
- Telephone Etiquette
- Professional Demeanor
- Case Management
- Legal Documentation
Certification
- Certified Legal Assistant. National Association of Legal Assistants. Certified in 2005 [Year Month]
Timeline
Courtroom Clerk II
San Diego Superior Court
02.2007 - Current
Lead Paralegal
Paul Gavin, Esq.
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Certified Legal Assistant. National Association of Legal Assistants. Certified in 2005 [Year Month]
Associate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
Palomar College
High School Diploma -
Vista High School
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