GetHiredToday

Legal Assistant

Posted on: 2010-01-26

Summary of Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate certification with emphasis in criminal justice discipline, including specific training in interviewing and taking witness statements, report writing, collecting, preserving, and packaging evidence, police photography, and fingerprinting.
  • Good understanding in conducting legal research through use of Internet.
  • Knowledgeable in New Mexico applicable statutes and Rules of Civil Procedure as applicable in Tort Law.
  • Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to utilize and review data and information to assess issues, evaluate options, form conclusions, and make recommendations based on findings.
  • Sound understanding of rules of evidence/ chain of custody necessary to protect integrity of evidence gathered during investigations.
  • Ability to work with the public and deal with adversity.
  • Hands-on skills in computer operating systems and applications including Mac OS X, MS Windows XP/Vista, MS Word, Excel and other word processing programs, Adobe Acrobat, and FileMaker Pro database.

           

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:

Alexander Wold & Associate, PC, Albuquerque, NM, January 2008-Present

Legal Assistant

  • Report directly to lead attorney of personal injury firm.
  • Conduct potential client interviews and collaborate with attorney in determining validity of case.
  • Initiate contact with defendant and gather medical reports and billing, witness statements, photographs, police reports, and other evidence necessary in building a strong case.
  • Locate and interview witnesses; draft subpoenas.
  • Draft pleadings, demand letters, and facilitator letters to mediators for attorney review and approval.
  • Summarize medical treatment histories.
  • Proficient in use of tickler system; responsible for calendaring upcoming dates.
  • Prepare discovery responses for attorney review in accordance with New Mexico Statutes and Rules of Civil Procedure.
  • Responsible for keeping attorneys up-to-date in meeting Court Scheduling Order deadlines.
  • Maintain database information using FileMaker Pro database application.
  • Upon settlement of case, calculate attorney fees, final costs, reimbursement of subrogation claimants after negotiating subrogation reductions according to New Mexico subrogation law.
  • Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.

 

Elijah Security & Private Investigations, Rio Rancho, NM, April, 2007- August, 2007

Deputy Investigator

  • Retained as primary investigator for investigation into bank fraud.
  • Assigned to computerize and update existing company website and develop corporate marketing brochure in order to create more competitive corporate image.
  • Introduced company’s investigative and corporate security services to potential clients through personal and telephone contact.

 

Inter-Tel Detective Agency, Seattle, WA, 2003 – 2005

Private Investigator                        

  • Followed leads provided from employers, relatives, or anonymous informants.
  • Researched multiple computer databases to develop to locate confidential information used to develop investigations.
  • Performed field surveillance through use of binoculars, still/digital cameras, and cell phones.
  • Prepared detailed and thorough written investigative reports.
  • Obtained legal documents in accordance with established statues, laws, and regulations.

 

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, AND LICENSES:

 

  • Kaplan University, Boca Raton, Florida; completed Crime Scene Technician Certification.  4.0 GPA (President’s Honor Roll)
  • Private Investigator Certification classes, Seattle, Washington; certified, 2004
  • Notary Public State of New Mexico
  • Washington State Real Estate School, Seattle, Washington
  • Electronics Institute, Kansas City, Missouri; completed Electronics Technician Certification in Computer Resource and Information Management.

 

           Honor Roll (3.2 GPA)

           Student Council Treasurer

           First Class FCC Licensed, Kansas City, MO

 

Plan to complete Paralegal Certification in 2010.

 

OTHER WORK HISTORY:

 

Advantage Sales & Marketing, Renton, WA/ High 5 Partners, LLC, Auburn, WA,   2005- 2007

Retail Sales (Northern New Mexico territory)

  • Developed and maintained sound relationships with store/department managers to effectively meet company and client objectives.
  • Practiced in verbal/written communication skills necessary to communicate effectively with ASM management and Clients.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in territory management with ability to build rapport with Clients and Customers.
  • Competent in completion of accurate and timely paperwork and reports, recaps, itineraries, timesheets and expense reports.
  • Consistently achieved above average effectiveness rate on assigned work.
  • Skilled at planning and prioritizing to meet deadlines.
  • Solicited new business by contacting potential new clients.
  • Prepared sales materials and appropriate sales presentations.
  • Responded to and solved customer problems that arose, and provided customers with creative ideas for new types of advertising in order to maximize profits.
  • Position required analytical skills, a high level of motivation, persuasiveness, and excellent written and oral communication skills.

 

Adaptive Equipment Company/Colorado Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Company, Denver, CO, 1999-2002

Funding Specialist

  • Instructed new A/R Representatives in funding procedures, coding, and HIPAA regulations.
  • Determined eligibility of clients applying for medical assistance from government and/or commercial insurance companies.
  • Funded outpatient rehabilitations services and verified insurance eligibility.
  • Billed inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation services on HCFA 1500/UB92 claim forms
  • Reviewed claims for proper ICD-9/CPT and HCPC procedure coding.
  • Reconciled patient accounts.
  • Achieved month-end goals and objectives.
  • Posted insurance payments, refunds, returns, and adjustments.
  • Prepared/interpreted quality analysis report.
  • Communicated with physicians and physical therapists for letters of medical necessity, CMNs, and all other required documentation.

 

Wilkerson Corporation, Englewood, CO, 1997- 1999

Line Supervisor

  • Supervised and coordinated activities of workers engaged in the assembly of compressed air treatment components and control products to meet service level commitments.
  • Managed and evaluated multiple projects.
  • Responsible for employee supervision and personnel management.

 

Extracurricular activities include running and reading books on a variety of subjects.

 

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST