YUDI SMITH
Miami
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Paralegal to MP
Cozen O'Conner
03.2023 - 01.2024
- Reduced litigation costs for clients by negotiating favorable settlements in various cases.
- Ensured compliance with court deadlines by diligently tracking filing dates and submitting required documentation in a timely manner.
- Assisted attorneys in preparing for trials, leading to successful outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Increased accuracy of legal documents by implementing rigorous proofreading and editing procedures.
- Managed complex legal projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Ensured compliance with court deadlines by closely monitoring schedules and assigning tasks accordingly.
- Mentored junior paralegals, contributing to their professional development and growth.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- 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.
Paralegal to MP
Freelance /Contractor
01.2021 - 03.2023
- Enhanced team collaboration by coordinating efforts among attorneys, paralegals, expert witnesses, and support staff throughout the litigation process.
- Managed high-stakes cases involving large corporations or high-profile individuals while maintaining strict confidentiality standards at all times.
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
- Supported attorney success in trial preparation by conducting comprehensive research on legal issues, precedents, and opposing counsel strategies.
- Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
Paralegal to MP
Conrad & Scherer, LLP
09.2019 - 12.2020
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
- Facilitated efficient case resolution by attending depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials as necessary to assist attorneys in the presentation of evidence or arguments.
- Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
Paralegal to CFO
Twenty-Two Construction Group
03.2018 - 09.2019
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Facilitated efficient case resolution by attending depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials as necessary to assist attorneys in the presentation of evidence or arguments.
- Supported risk mitigation efforts by assisting in the preparation of due diligence reports on potential clients or business partners.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
Paralegal Litigation
Freelance/ Contractor
01.2018 - 03.2018
- Prepare legal documents, binders, and draft Court pleadings for attorney's review/edit
- Maintain database systems, and performing basic bookkeeping work; Assist gathering document production, exhibits, and provide experts with case related documents in preparation of their expert witness testimony/attendance at trial/mediation
- Summary of medical records and office memos.
Paralegal to CFO
Robert H. Fernandez, PA
09.2016 - 01.2018
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Aided settlement negotiations with effective summary reports outlining key points from discovery materials for use during mediation sessions or pretrial settlement talks.
- Supported risk mitigation efforts by assisting in the preparation of due diligence reports on potential clients or business partners.
- Enhanced case strategy development with comprehensive legal memoranda summarizing research findings for attorney review and consideration.
Paralegal to MP
Fuerst Ittleman David & Joseph
10.2015 - 09.2016
- Facilitated efficient case resolution by attending depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials as necessary to assist attorneys in the presentation of evidence or arguments.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
- Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- 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.
Paralegal to Sr. Attorneys
Infante Zumpano LLC
08.2013 - 10.2015
- Assisted in successful settlements by developing persuasive negotiation tactics and strategies.
- Maintained accuracy in all document filings by reviewing court rules and requirements before submission.
- Supported litigation team by efficiently coordinating discovery requests and responses between parties.
- Contributed to favorable case outcomes through diligent monitoring of relevant statutes, regulations, and developments in the law.
- Expedited resolution of disputes by assisting attorneys in preparing effective settlement proposals for negotiation purposes.
- Supported attorneys during trials by organizing exhibits, taking notes on witness testimony, and coordinating logistics in the courtroom.
- Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases.
Contract Paralegal
Cole, Scott & Kissane, PA
01.2013 - 07.2013
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
- Enhanced case efficiency by managing and organizing legal documents, evidence, and client files.
Paralegal to MP
Colson Hicks Eidson, PA
10.2011 - 12.2012
- Expedited trial preparation by drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs under attorney supervision.
- Assisted with deposition preparation, including gathering relevant documents and preparing witness outlines for attorneys.
- Collaborated with opposing counsel to facilitate the exchange of documents during discovery, promoting efficiency in litigation proceedings.
- Increased accuracy of billing records by meticulously tracking hours spent on each task related to assigned cases.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while handling high-profile cases that involved public figures or corporations.
- Prepared comprehensive settlement proposals based on thorough analysis of damages calculations and liability assessments under attorney guidance.
- Aided in the development of case strategies through insightful observation and analysis of deposition transcripts and evidence materials.
Legal Assistant Litigation
Fowler White, Burnett, LLC
08.2010 - 10.2011
- Prepare and process legal documents and papers, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, and pretrial agreements
- Perform general office duties, such as maintaining records management database systems, and performing basic bookkeeping work.
Paralegal
Robert H. Fernandez, PA
07.2008 - 08.2010
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case; Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system
- Insert attorney's billing time and reimbursements.
Paralegal to MP
Akerman & Senterfitt, PA
09.2006 - 07.2008
- Supported attorney success in trial preparation by conducting comprehensive research on legal issues, precedents, and opposing counsel strategies.
- Expedited case resolutions through skilled negotiation tactics during settlement discussions with opposing counsel.
- Successfully managed multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and meeting strict deadlines.
- Facilitated cost savings by effectively utilizing technology tools such as document management systems and e-filing platforms to streamline procedures.
- Assisted in obtaining key evidence through efficient use of subpoenas duces tecum, requests for production, and interrogatories.
- Supported the continuous improvement of litigation team performance by providing constructive feedback, sharing best practices, and participating in ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Organized evidence, exhibits, motions and subpoenas to support cases and prepare for trial.
- Completed electronic court filings at state and federal levels.
Paralegal Corporate
Duane Morris, LLP
03.2005 - 09.2006
- Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases; Draft and type summary of medical records and office memos
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
Legal Assistant
Cole, Scott & Kissane, PA
02.2001 - 01.2005
- Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Streamlined administrative processes for better efficiency in handling caseloads, reducing paperwork backlog, and ensuring timely completion of tasks.
- Assisted with trial preparation, including creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials.
- Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
- Handled billing tasks efficiently and accurately, ensuring smooth financial operations for the legal team.
- Organized documents to manage paper and electronic filing systems of clients.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Prepared for court hearings by organizing and summarizing documents, preparing exhibits and reviewing evidence.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Paralegal Studies
Jones College - Miami
Miami, FL08.1998
Skills
- Bilingual-Spanish/English
- Time and Expense Billing
- Brief Summarization of records
- Proficient in MS Office
- Records Management
- Document filing
- Litigation Support
- Exhibit preparation
- Document drafting
- File and Records Management
- Case Management
- Legal Compliance
- Administrative Support
- Notary Public
- Calendar Management
Certification
- Notary Public
- Member Federal Association of Paralegals
Proficient Skills
- ATO (Aderant Total Office)
- Citrix (remote access)
- Microsoft Word/Microsoft Outlook
- Lexis/Nexis (Case Law Search)
- Court Web Search/Online Scheduling
- E-filing (State & Federal)
- Imagine
- Adobe Acrobat- PRO
Legal Education
Bachelor's Degree, Paralegal Studies, Graduate
References
Direct Supervisor References Available Upon Request only after initial interview.
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Sr. Paralegal to MP
Cozen O'Conner
03.2023 - 01.2024
Paralegal to MP
Freelance /Contractor
01.2021 - 03.2023
Paralegal to MP
Conrad & Scherer, LLP
09.2019 - 12.2020
Paralegal to CFO
Twenty-Two Construction Group
03.2018 - 09.2019
Paralegal Litigation
Freelance/ Contractor
01.2018 - 03.2018
Paralegal to CFO
Robert H. Fernandez, PA
09.2016 - 01.2018
Paralegal to MP
Fuerst Ittleman David & Joseph
10.2015 - 09.2016
Paralegal to Sr. Attorneys
Infante Zumpano LLC
08.2013 - 10.2015
Contract Paralegal
Cole, Scott & Kissane, PA
01.2013 - 07.2013
Paralegal to MP
Colson Hicks Eidson, PA
10.2011 - 12.2012
Legal Assistant Litigation
Fowler White, Burnett, LLC
08.2010 - 10.2011
Paralegal
Robert H. Fernandez, PA
07.2008 - 08.2010
Paralegal to MP
Akerman & Senterfitt, PA
09.2006 - 07.2008
Paralegal Corporate
Duane Morris, LLP
03.2005 - 09.2006
Legal Assistant
Cole, Scott & Kissane, PA
02.2001 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Paralegal Studies
Jones College - Miami
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