Legal Assistant adept at working in professional business environments. Driven to maintain ethical standards while providing exemplary work,seeking the position of Legal Assistant
to serve
as staff to
top-notch attorney in law firm.
Knowledge of administrative principles, concepts and methodology and skilled in carrying out complex assignments, operations, and procedures. Knowledge of technical methods to perform assignments such as carrying out limited projects that involve specialized techniques. Outstanding verbal and written communicator. Far beyond the technical expertise, by preparing project plans, presenting cases, and coordinating/assisting trial teams in strategic planning of projects and litigation. Advanced technology skills; litigation support and e-discovery, database management, Cloud and distributed computing, social media marketing. Ability to work both independently under self-direction in all aspects of litigation, as well as, team-oriented environment. Ability to think flexibly, prioritize assignments and balance the demands of multiple supervisors and clients. Efficient multitasking skills, with ability to complete complex assignments while providing an excellent client service experience. Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet crucial deadlines.
Skills
70 WPM typing speed
Exceptional telephone etiquette
Fluent in legal terminology
Advanced word processing
Conflict resolution
Legal research
Writing and editing
Computer-savvy
Work History
Litigation Legal Assistant08/2011
to 08/2012 OGWYN LAW FIRM, LLC – Baton Rouge,
LA
Prepared and interpreted legal documents, first draft pleadings, summons, complaint, and supporting affidavits.
Formulated and drafted responses to all discovery.
Took the lead in pre-claim investigation; located and interviewed witnesses, (witness statements, gathered documents and evidence, created case discovery notebooks, organized documents and created chronology of facts).
Served as liaison between trial team, third parties, witnesses, clients, vendors, experts and courtroom personnel, fulfilled firm's goal of providing excellent customer relations.
Created and maintained pleading/discovery indexes and filed pleadings with court.
Organized and reviewed case files, documents for production, performed weekly case assessments.
Drafted all correspondence (Clients, Opposing Counsel, and Judges).
Prepared deposition summaries; organized, summarized, analyzed medical records.
Researched both factual and legal issues.
Gathered information from police departments, newspapers, media, self-directed investigations, then crafted memos for Attorney's review.
Maintained time records for billing purposes.
Coordinated out of town depositions, (hotel, office space and equipment).
Organized and gathered data and information needed for settlement; drafted settlement agreements and releases, created settlement brochures, distribution statements.
Created, maintained client dockets and files, electronic litigation database and filing system.
Maintained office operations, scheduled appointments, court appearances, and served as firm's receptionist.
Drafted and filed appellate documents; gathered documents for record on appeal.
Produced legal documents, including contracts and real estate closing statements.
Filed all pleadings with the court clerk.
Prepared for trials by organizing exhibits and other key evidence.
Prepared for trials by organizing exhibits and other key evidence.
Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles and codes.
Investigated facts and law of cases, using pertinent sources to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
Directed and coordinated law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
Developed a working relationship with courts, clients, debtors and attorneys.
Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss the progress of cases.
Pre-screened and interviewed legal assistant candidates.
Dictated all weekly and bi-weekly calendar meetings.
Managed accounts and records of clients with the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion.
Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
Legal Assistant05/2010
to 08/2011 KELLY & TOWNSEND LAW FIRM, LLC – Natchitoches,
LA
Filed all pleadings with the court clerk.
Prepared for trials by organizing exhibits and other key evidence.
Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles and codes.
Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.
Directed and coordinated law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
Worked as a team with attorneys, administrative assistants and fellow legal assistants.
Compliance Officer/Legal Research Assistant03/2004
to 08/2006 LOUISIANA SECRETARY OF STATE – Baton Rouge,
LA
Worked with Division Director overseeing compliance of state records.
Conducted research, needs analysis for the protection of state records.
Oversaw record policy compliance within various state agencies.
Conducted training seminars for state agencies on Louisiana Records Retention law.
Researched legal issues vast in nature, and broad spectrum.
Floater Legal Secretary
for four (4) Attorney's within law firm.
Assisted in preparation and production of documents for trials.
Worked on cases from any given point and progressed such case.
Performed quantum research, prepared memos, submitted to lead attorney for review.
Prepared deposition summaries; organized, summarized, analyzed medical records.
Prepared first draft pleadings including; summons, complaint, supporting affidavits.
Performed daily office procedures.
Served as firm's receptionist.
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Social Work1998Northwestern State University-
Natchitoches,
LASocial Work
JD: 1 2003Southern University Law School-
Baton Rouge,
LAInternships: Natchitoches Parish School Board Pupil Appraisal Services
