Yohance Celestine
East Rockaway,NY
Summary
With a proven track record at The Legal-Aid Society, I excel in litigation support and client communication.
Legal professional with comprehensive experience in litigation support, adept at managing case files and assisting attorneys in trial preparation. Known for strong organizational skills and results-driven approach to legal processes. Excel in collaborative team settings, adapting to evolving case needs.
Experienced with legal research, case management, and document drafting. Utilizes strong analytical skills to support litigation efforts and ensure accuracy in legal documentation. Track record of contributing to successful case outcomes through meticulous preparation and effective teamwork.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Litigation Assistant
The Legal-Aid Society
01.2019 - 02.2025
- Maintained litigation database and document organization for Homicide cases.
- Managed exhibits, evidence and data related to criminal legal proceedings.
- Prepared, indexed and developed exhibits such as crime scene exhibits & discovery related exhibits for supreme court case trials.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive client information while managing extensive case files and correspondence records.
- Demonstrated professionalism and poise under pressure during high-stress situations, reflecting positively on the firm''s image.
- Strengthened the firm''s reputation with outstanding client service, responding to inquiries quickly and accurately.
- Achieved successful case outcomes by conducting thorough research, organizing evidence, and drafting legal documents.
- Improved trial preparation efficiency by managing electronic databases and updating case files with pertinent information.
- Supported attorneys in their professional development by providing valuable feedback on legal research and writing techniques, as well as offering guidance on case strategy.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels between colleagues at all levels within the firm.
- Maximized attorney productivity by anticipating needs, providing relevant research findings, and ensuring availability of key resources during trial preparations.
- Collaborated with paralegals to efficiently manage caseloads, delegating tasks appropriately and ensuring timely completion of assignments.
- Completed electronic court filings at state and federal levels.
- Organized evidence, exhibits, motions, and subpoenas to support cases and prepare for trial.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
- Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
- Conducted background investigations on defendant.
- Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.
- Uploaded data into [Software] for review and pre-processing.
- Used document review tools to discover and inspect records.
Paralegal
The Legal-Aid Society
04.2008 - 01.2019
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
Education
No Degree - Paralegal Studies ABA Certificate
Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn, New York08-2007
Associate of Applied Science - Electrical Engineering
Technical Career Institues
New York, NY08-2001
Skills
- Drafting pleadings
- Court filings
- Client communication
- Legal research
- Case analysis
- Discovery management
- Document management
- Calendar management
- Proofreading
- Litigation support
- Litigation review
- Court session management
- Courtroom assistance
- Document organization
- Microsoft office
- Document preparation
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication
- Trial preparation
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with team of 7 in the development of new job Classification of Homicide Defense Task Force, Litigation Assistant
Certification
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies – ABA-approved programs or recognized institutions.
Timeline
Litigation Assistant
The Legal-Aid Society
01.2019 - 02.2025
Paralegal
The Legal-Aid Society
04.2008 - 01.2019
No Degree - Paralegal Studies ABA Certificate
Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York
Associate of Applied Science - Electrical Engineering
Technical Career Institues
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