A smart, talented Litigation Paralegal with exceptional research, writing, and communication skills. An individual prepared through both undergraduate and Paralegal Studies programs, bringing 12 years of office management experience, as well as two years as a paralegal to the law office, with very little supervision required. One who has gained a reputation for having an eagle eye with attention to detail. Ready to take the initiative in your most challenging projects.
EXPERIENCE
Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division January 2015 to Present
Paralegal within the Georgia Department of Law Atlanta, Georgia
Research legal issues and draft pleadings
Manage case files, and assist at trial
Georgia Department of Law, Criminal DivisionJanuary 2013 to January 2015
Closed hundred of files through effective analysis, and drafting of orders
Managed case files
Law Office of Hugh G. Cooper, LLC March 2011 to January 2013 Litigation Paralegal, Personal Injury, Family, and Criminal Law McDonough, GA Used excellent legal and factual research skills in aiding attorney’s preparation for trial
Draft briefs, motions and pleadings on both routine and complex litigation including Motions to Set Aside, Contempt, Pension Division Orders, and assist at trial with exhibits
Expedite cases through administrative process to assist clients with Child Support claims
Office of the Circuit Public Defender, Clayton County Judicial Circuit October 2010-February 2011 Paralegal Intern Jonesboro, GA
Found critical data and summarized evidence for trial preparation, helping attorneys win crucial decisions for their clients through motions and pleadings
Thoroughly researched legal issues for attorneys and summarizing relevant information
Efficiently organized materials with minimal supervision
Faith of a Child Consulting April 2004-November 2011
Advocate and Owner McDonough, GA
•Won aids and services for clients to improve academic skills
•Utilized record analysis and knowledge of best-practices to guide parents towards needed services for their children
•Wrote persuasive letters for parents to use when advocating for their children
•Advocated for clients in meetings with schools and with community service providers
Cobb County Community Services Board August 2005-October 2007
Parent Advocate Smyrna, GA
Family Services Worker II
•Coordinated services for a large case load, scheduled appointments with fellow team members, with service professionals in other community organizations and court officers
•Aided parents in persuading schools to provide better services for children with disabilities, which included reading instruction and increased inclusion in the general education setting
•Targeted compliance issues with Individualized Education Plans, finding areas for needed improvement in student curriculum plans
Georgia State University Libraries April 2001-December 2004
Library Assistant III Atlanta, GA
•Awarded Best of Show for promotional presentation at staff development day
•Performed problem-solving analysis, increasing prompt fine payment and return of materials
•Increased positive reputation of the unit for advanced finding and provision of materials for Faculty publishing deadlines
Library Assistant II December 1998-April 2001
•Assisted co-workers in accomplishing Best GOLD Library for highest productivity
•Problem-solved orders, keeping borrowing librarians informed and supplied with needed materials
•Reliably prepared Unit deposits for accounts receivable
EDUCATION
Clayton State University Morrow, GA
Paralegal Certificate December 2011
GPA 3.6
Parent Leadership Support Project, Georgia Advocacy Office Decatur, GA
Advocacy Training –Special Education Law Spring 2004
Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Minor in Music December 1989
Tallahassee Community College Tallahassee, FL
Associate of Arts, Music May 1986
SKILLS
MS Word MS Excel MS Publisher
MS PowerPoint Data Entry Research & Writing
Document Delivery Westlaw Notary Public
Billing/Timekeeping LexisNexis Trial Preparation
Client Intake Inmate Interviews Adobe Photoshop
