Carol Suto

Clifton, NJ *****

973-***-**** (Cell)

Attn: Office Administrator, Managing Partner

Re: Legal Secretary Position

Dear Sir/Madam:

I ask that you please read my cover letter because it goes hand-in-hand with my Resume.

I have attached a copy of my Resume along with this Cover Letter for your review and consideration for the possibility of scheduling an “in-person” interview. As you can see from my Resume, I have had the opportunity to work with both Partners and Associates. I also have had the opportunity to work on a file from inception to settlement/dismissal, etc. and possess a heavy litigation background as well as other types of law which makes me a strong candidate for this position. As my Resume reflects, I also have experience with QuickBooks and as an Assistant to an “Acting” Office Manager. With all of my experience, skills and qualifications, I have much to offer any law firm that hires me.

I am currently seeking employment as a Legal Secretary in a stable law firm environment and my ultimate goal is to be employed for a significant period of time. Working for different types of law firms, was and is beneficial to my legal career, as I did gain a great deal of experience in all phases of law.

I am the type of individual who will "take the ball and run with it.” I am able to perform all legal secretary duties, as well as, paralegal duties. As one would relate to the term of “changing of hats,” I have successfully accomplished that task. At times, I have “worn multiple hats at one time.” I have no problem prioritizing my work load. I am a “team player” which is quite important. I do take great “pride” in my work product also. I am able to work independently and/or with minimal supervision.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my credentials with you in an “in-person” interview. Thank you for your courtesies and consideration.

Very truly yours,

CAROL SUTO

CAROL SUTO

CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY 07013

973-***-****

acf8b5@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY PROFILE: Experienced legal and office professional with experience in aiding a 50+ staff in Administration; possess extensive experience working with diverse populations; conversational in Spanish, and, as a result possess exceptional interpersonal skills with a large diverse population; strong independent worker and communicator; able to adapt and build rapport with numerous types of people very quickly; highly organized with the ability to simultaneously manage diverse projects; a self-starter and detail-oriented individual; extremely dependable and reliable; able to maintain confidential information; highly trustworthy; excellent typing/grammar skills. Notary Public; Experienced with medical terminology as well.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Working knowledge with Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook, Computerized Financial Accounting (QuickBooks), Microsoft Word 98, WordPerfect, Word Perfect X3, GroupWise and Internet. Various billing systems-PC Law, Time Slips, Docs Open, PC Docs, Time Matters, Amicus, experience with Styles, etc. Quite computer literate. Type 65-70 wpm.

EDUCATON:

Avtech, Institute-– Microsoft Office Suite and Computerized Financial Accounting 09/09-02/10

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

07-13 to present John J. Feczko, Esq. (Elmwood Park, NJ) – Part-Time Responsible for all legal and secretarial duties. Also entering time into PC Law/Billing/Receptionist/Calendaring. Worked with minimal supervision

10-12 to 02-13 Michael J. Reimer, Esq. (W. Orange, NJ) Part-time Responsible for all legal and secretarial duties, including bookkeeping and time and billing entry. (Project ended)

04-08-9-12 In-Home Bookkeeper for Family Owned General Construction Company (North Jersey, NJ) Part-time basis-

Office Management/Bookkeeper/Receptionist Responsible for all aspects of Bookkeeping utilizing QuickBooks, compose collection letters, answer telephones, client contact, vendor contact, payroll, etc. (No longer in business)

07/11-11/11 Kaufman, Semeraro, Deutch, et al. (Fort Lee, NJ)

LEGAL OFFICE SUPPORT to named Partner ( Specialized in Litigation, Municipal Law, etc. Very

diversified position Responsible for named Partner’s 2 caseload ; use of Dictaphone; Dragon Dictation; Prepared pleadings; Motions;

Trial de novos and forwarded same to Court for filing; Compose correspondence; Deposition Summaries; Arbitration Reports;

Responsible for attorney’s calendar; Pre-Trial Reports; Answers to Interrogatories; Set-up Depositions;

Prepared Ordinances, Resolutions; Lengthy Agreements for Borough of Bloomingdale; Client/adversary contact; Opened new files;

Answer telephones; Bate-stamped documents; Worked Fund Raisers for Attorney Semeraro (after work)-collected contributions;

kept log; mailed contributions with correspondence to respective party; Worked with minimal supervision with respect to the above duties.

11/10 -12/10 Barrett Lazar, LLC (Maywood, NJ) – LEGAL OFFICE SUPPORT (Specialized in Defense Litigation, PIP)

(Temporary – Part-Time Position)

06/08-12/08 - Solo Attorney (Westwood, NJ) Specialized in Defense Litigation limited Real Estate; P.I. Litigation (laid off due to economy)

12-06-07 (F/T Temp. Hackensack, NJ) 12-07 to 06-08 (Newark, NJ) –Criminal Litigation, Workers’ Comp. & P.I.)

05/04-09/05 Stevens & Schwab, - Secaucus, NJ (Staff Counsel Office for AIG Insurance Company) Worked for 2 associates; a named partner with 1 associate (also Assistant to “Acting Office Manager) –Specialized in Defense Litigation. (budget cut-back)

Responsible for 2 attorney’s caseload (200+ files); heavy word processing; use of Dictaphone; prepared pleadings; Motions; Trial de novos and forwarded same to Court for filing; compose correspondence; Deposition Summaries; Arbitration Reports; Pre-Trial Reports; Answers to Interrogatories; set-up Depositions; IME’s; Subpoenas; and HIPPA medical authorizations. Dealt with medical profession; claims adjusters; adversaries; clients and Court personnel. Worked on PIP Arbitration files; spoke with NAF employees regarding arbitrations; i.e., Initial Arbitration letter; Supplemental Arbitration Submissions; and Post-Submission hearing letters. Input check requests for payment for AIG Centennial for Answer and Motion fees. Input check requests for invoices for the entire firm. Logged checks in and typed e-mail to persons who ordered checks. Worked with minimal supervision with respect to the above duties. Also involved with light legal malpractice. Utilized a tickle system and the Calendar in Outlook. Also relief Receptionist-8 times per month.

09/03-05/04 Free-lance temp. to generate revenue

04/01-09/03 CONNELL FOLEY LLP – Roseland, NJ (laid off) – Worked for named partner – Specialized in Defense Litigation for NJM Ins. Co./Floater secretary worked for various attorneys in different aspects of law. - Performed paralegal/legal secretary duties, as well as, personal secretary to George W. Connell, Esq.

05/00-03/01 Free-lance temp. after being laid off.

11/98-05/00 GARRITY, GRAHAM, FAVETTA & FLINN – Montclair, NJ (laid off) - Worked for named Partner/associates(s)/specialized in Product Liability, Environmental, Matrimonial, PIP and light NY Litigation. - Responsible for 2 attorney’s caseload; prepared and filed legal documents with the Court; NJDEP; etc., utilized Dictaphone; heavy word processing; client/adversary contact; responsible for attorney’s calendar; composed correspondence; opened new files; bate-stamped documents and worked with minimal supervision.

09/96-11/98 Free-lance temporary positions at major law firms.

07/95-01/96 SALVATORE A. INGRAFFIA, ESQ. – Elmwood Park, NJ (became Workers’ Comp. Judge – Practice dissolved) – Legal Assistant/Assistant Office Manager – Managed office, as well as, performed Legal/Paralegal duties. (General Practice).

06/94-01/95 D’ANTON & HUMMEL, - Ridgefield Park, NJ (Partners split up) – Legal Secretary to named Partner – specialized in Real Estate, Municipal Law, Litigation, Matrimonial and other aspects of law. - Heavy word processing; prepared and filed legal documents with the Court; utilized steno skills; composed correspondence; billed clients; maintained attorney calendar; opened/closed files; interaction with Zoning Personnel; utilized Attorney Trust Account; A/R and A/P. Worked with minimal supervision.

04/91-05/94 LAW OFFICES OF STEVEN WEINER- Secaucus, NJ – (Staff Counsel Office for Fireman’s Fund Ins. Co.) (budget cut-back) – Worked for 2 associates – specialized in Defense Litigation and Workers’ Compensation. - Heavy litigation workload; in charge of office calendar; client/adversary interaction; prepared and filed legal documents via Dictaphone; sent facsimiles, etc. Involved in setting up merge system for pleadings and letters. Worked with minimal supervision.

REFERENCES: Furnished upon request.

EXTRA CIRRUCULAR ACTIVITIES:

Volunteer at St. Phillips Church, Valley Road, Clifton, NJ

Active Member of the Friends of Vets (FAV) located at the Athenia Vets Post, Huron Avenue, Clifton, NJ

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