Vicky M. Zavala
San Jose,CA
Summary
Detail-oriented Senior Paralegal experienced in managing complex legal documents and ensuring compliance with court procedures. Skilled in collaborating with attorneys to develop trial strategies and streamline filing processes, contributing to efficient case management.
Comprehensive experience in legal support, adept at managing complex caseloads, legal research, and document preparation. Known for strong collaboration within teams and delivering high-impact results. Skilled in legal drafting, case management, and client communication. Reliable, adaptable to changing needs, and consistently prioritizes effective outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Paralegal
Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
San Jose, CA
12.2022 - Current
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Drafted, reviewed, and filed legal documents to ensure compliance with court procedures.
- Managed case files and documentation for multiple ongoing cases, enhancing organization and accessibility.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop trial strategies and prepare exhibits for courtroom presentations.
- Prepare all discovery requests from the DDA' s and Defense Counsel. Request and release e-discovery using Axon Justice Premiere.
- Acts as a liaison with public and private agencies, law enforcement agencies, State and Federal agencies, the Court, attorneys, clients, relatives of clients, and witnesses.
- Drafts and prepares a variety of legal documents, correspondence, and reports that are complex and require a great amount of original writing (SART Requests and OTP' for Sexual Assault Crimes)
- Responsible for redactions related to Gang, Sexual Assault and Truancy cases. Which require a great deal of discretion, while using the Adobe program to watermark & password protect police reports and supplemental discovery.
- Analyzed complex legal issues to identify potential risks and provide strategic recommendations to legal team.
- Ensured compliance with court deadlines by closely monitoring schedules and assigning tasks accordingly.
- Implemented best practices in managing large volumes of documents during complex litigations.
Legal Clerk
County of Santa Clara County Counsel Office
San Jose, CA
07.2021 - 12.2022
- Drafted legal documents, including pleadings and briefs, ensuring compliance with court requirements.
- Conducted legal research using Westlaw and LexisNexis to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Organized case files and maintained document management systems for efficient retrieval and review processes.
- Collaborated with attorneys to prepare for hearings, gathering relevant materials and summarizing key case issues.
- Reviewed incoming legal correspondence, identifying critical deadlines and facilitating timely responses from the counsel team.
- Streamlined filing processes by implementing electronic document systems, enhancing accessibility and reducing processing time.
- Maximized office efficiency through proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite tools such as Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Assist IDO in assigning counsel to inmates who have a conflict, schedule zoom interviews with clients and their attorneys, assess eligibility for inmates through a financial screening, document calls and inquiries in Prolaw.
- Open and close criminal cases, create compensation forms and email attorneys. Review and process incoming emails and distribute discovery to attorneys.
Member Services Representative/Administrative Office Specialist
Santa Clara County Valley Health Plan
San Jose, CA
09.2020 - 07.2021
- Facilitated member inquiries, providing accurate information on plan benefits and services.
- Resolved complex member issues, enhancing overall satisfaction and service quality.
- Coordinated with healthcare providers to streamline referral processes for members.
- Implemented training sessions for new staff on customer service best practices.
- Helped large volume of customers every day with positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction.
- Provided exceptional service through active listening, understanding member needs, and offering appropriate solutions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently addressing and resolving inquiries and concerns.
- Verified customer identification and documentation for compliant transactions.
- Assisted members with account management, including updating personal information and setting up automated payments.
- Processed account transactions accurately, ensuring proper documentation and timely processing.
Bowman and Brooke, LLC
Legal Administrative Assistant II
San Jose, CA
06.2017 - 03.2020
- Managed document preparation and filing for legal cases, ensuring organization and accessibility.
- Coordinated communication between attorneys, clients, and vendors to facilitate case progress.
- Prepared trial binders and exhibits, optimizing presentation of case materials.
- Supported scheduling of depositions and court appearances, enhancing time management efficiency.
- Trained junior staff on office procedures, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Streamlined administrative processes by implementing digital filing systems for improved retrieval speed.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Evergreen Valley College
Student Assistant
San Jose, CA
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Assisted in organizing and maintaining student records and databases.
- Supported faculty with administrative tasks, ensuring timely communication and coordination.
- Facilitated orientation sessions for new students, enhancing their onboarding experience.
- Developed resource materials to improve student engagement and access to information.
- Trained new student assistants on office procedures and technology systems.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA 05-2020
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Evergreen Valley College
San Jose, CA05-2018
Associate of Arts - Administration of Justice
Evergreen Valley College
San Jose, CA05-2017
Skills
- Court filing procedures
- Client communication
- File and records management
- Legal software proficiency - Ciber/Prolaw
- Corporate governance insight
- Document drafting proficiency
- Case management efficiency
- Witness interviewing techniques
- Legal writing excellence
- Family law proficiency
- File organization
- Office administration
- Proficient in MS office/Excel/Powerpoint
- Attorney support
Timeline
Senior Paralegal
Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
12.2022 - Current
Legal Clerk
County of Santa Clara County Counsel Office
07.2021 - 12.2022
Member Services Representative/Administrative Office Specialist
Santa Clara County Valley Health Plan
09.2020 - 07.2021
Bowman and Brooke, LLC
Legal Administrative Assistant II
06.2017 - 03.2020
Evergreen Valley College
Student Assistant
08.2015 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies
San Jose State University
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Evergreen Valley College
Associate of Arts - Administration of Justice
Evergreen Valley College