MELANIE NATIONS
**** ******** ***** ● Byram, Mississippi 39272
**********@****.*** ● Home: 769-***-**** ● Cell: 601-***-****
PARALEGAL/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Trial Preparation ● Litigation Support ● Legal Assistant
Professional and certified paralegal/legal assistant with extensive experience in plaintiff and
defense litigation; also experienced in managing, supervising and training staff to top
performance using motivating leadership style; project oriented and highly organized and
efficient in maintaining client files; experienced in summarizing medical records, drafting
discovery requests and responses, motions, notices, answers, complaints, jury instructions and all
other legal documents. Possess strong leadership and people skills with proven ability to
effectively manage and meet time requirements while leading legal cases from commencement
through the trial and/or appeal process.
CORE COMPETENCIES
● Legal Technology & Software ● Client Relationships ● Type 85 WPM
●Paralegal Certification (CO State University) ● Team Leader
●Microsoft Word, Excel, Timeslips, WordPerfect, Westlaw, Outlook Express, TABS, ECF/CEF
Online Document Filing, PACER
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
JAMES D. SHANNON, ESQ. –Hazlehurst, Mississippi May 1, 2009 – September, 2010
JOE NORTON, JR., Esq. (Supervising Associate 601-***-****)
Paralegal
Sole Paralegal for small plaintiffs’ firm working in areas of mass tort (asbestos, welding rod and
Propulsid litigation), domestic and chancery court matters, tort and accident cases, wrongful
death cases, criminal defense, product liability cases, some defense cases and other misc.
matters. Responsible for the drafting of discovery documents, notices, motions, document
production, correspondence and oversaw the scheduling of hearings, depositions, conferences,
etc. I also researched case law for inclusion in various motions and briefs.
Key Achievements:
Assisted attorneys in four trials in Federal, State and Supreme courts, including participating in Voir
Dire and jury selection.
Coordinated and assisted in medical examinations and summarized medical records for settlement
purposes.
Was solely responsible for successfully getting four EEOC Complaints dismissed against a client’s
business.
JOHN M. MOONEY, JR., ESQ. – Jackson, Mississippi January 2008 – April 2009
Jennifer Peacock (Office Manager 601-***-****)
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Performed all responsibilities including preparing all legal documents from time of client’s
consultation through the trial of their case. Ensured productive client relationships and provided
organized and accurate client files for trial preparation. Drafted all discovery documents,
…continued…
Page 2 of 4
notices, motions, document production, correspondences and oversaw the scheduling of
hearings, depositions, conferences, etc. I also researched case law for motions and briefs. I
scheduled appointments for new clients, and assisted in initial consultation meetings and
facilitated staff meetings.
Key Achievements:
Assisted attorney in four trials in Federal and State courts.
Oversaw the settlement of at least six contingency accident cases.
Assisted in the implementation of TimeSlips for billing purposes.
SHEILA M. BOSSIER, ESQ. – Jackson, Mississippi December 1999 – March 2005
JOHN T. KITCHENS, ESQ.
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
I held full responsibility for drafting all legal documents from time of client’s consultation
through the trial of their case. Ensured productive client relationships and provided organized
client files for trial preparation. I was responsible for drafting all discovery documents, notices,
motions, document production, correspondence and scheduling of hearings, depositions,
conferences, etc. I maintained the attorneys’ calendar and assisted attorneys in meeting with
clients and all court appearances, as well as prepare clients for depositions and trial.
Key Achievements:
Assisted attorneys in three trials in Federal and State courts.
Assisted attorneys in numerous depositions.
Traveled to review documents at various places for document production.
THOMAS G. GERITY, ESQ. – Jackson, Mississippi January 1994 – December 1999
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
I ensured productive client relationships and provided organized client files for trial preparation.
I drafted all discovery documents, notices, motions, document production, correspondence and
oversaw the scheduling of hearings, depositions, conferences, etc. I also worked with the
Associates working under Mr. Gerity to ensure the timely and efficient completion of every day
procedures on all cases.
Key Achievements:
Assisted attorney during two trials in Federal and State courts.
Assisted attorney during numerous depositions and court appearances.
Oversaw move of firm and reorganization of filing system.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
CURVES FOR WOMEN Byram and Gluckstadt, Mississippi March 2005--January 2008
Owner
Had the opportunity to open my own franchise of Curves for Women, International.
Responsibilities included hiring and training of employees, payroll, advertising, accounts
payable, accounts receivable and maintaining professional relationships with hundreds of
members. Traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada for annual conventions and training seminars.
Key Achievements:
Became largest Curves franchise in Mississippi within one year of opening.
Was recognized as one of only two clubs in Mississippi as a “Shining Star” club for
the successful implementation of Curves International, Inc.’s policies and procedures.
Page 3 of 4
Page 4 of 4
REFERENCES
1. Mr. Steve Pickett
Hinds County Deputy Sheriff
Years Known: 18
2. Ms. Heather Tudor
Insurance Agent Staff
State Farm Insurance
Years Known: 30
3. Sheila Bossier, Esq.
Bossier & Associates
Years Known: 14
4. Paige Slade
Paralegal
Years Known: 20
5. Matt Kidder, Esq.
Kidder & Norton, PLLC
Years Known: 3