Tonya C. Cooper

Cell Phone: 910-***-**** Home Phone: 910-***-****~ Email:

ablhrn@r.postjobfree.com

COMPUTER PROGRAMS

Microsoft Windows Microsoft Office Internet Typing:

** *** **********

PC Law Amicus Phoneslips Word

Perfect

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Paralegal at Richardson & Brittain (01/2009-Present)

Report directly to attorney(s) with broad-ranged responsibilities

which encompass the timely and complex preparation of cases from

initial client interview through finalization of trial

Prepare correspondence

Interview clients and witnesses

Prioritize and work under a tight schedule

Civil Litigation, Criminal, Traffic, Personal Injury, Medical

Malpractice, etc.

Assist in the preparation for trials

Manage calendars and appointments for attorneys

Prepare a wide variety of legal documents and file them in court

Assist attorney(s) in returning phone calls and screening calls for

new cases

Prepare accountings and inventories on Estate and Guardianship

files

Prepare monthly status reports for over 100 cases for case review

Order office supplies

Part-Time receptionist duties

Paralegal and Receptionist at The Law Office of C. Douglas Maxwell, Jr.

(formerly Maxwell & Melvin) (09-2004/11- 2008)

. Liaison between attorneys, clients, guardians, healthcare providers,

insurance carriers, law firms and government agencies

. Ensure open lines of communication and satisfaction of deadlines

. Perform computerized research to obtain and gather case-relevant data

. Prepare content-specific case files reflecting supporting forms,

documentation and photographs to use during client presentations

. Schedule daily appointments, handle phone communication, greet

clients, collect payments and post accurate record of office charges

and receipts into computer accounting software

. Prepare Legal documents to include Petition and Orders, Annual and

Final Accountings, Motions, Notices, etc.

. Research issues and cases and report findings to attorneys

. Pay bills, allowances, expenses, and keep a daily account for the

financial well being of up to 40 incompetent and or minor clients.

. Improve client service based on client feedback through the

development of new policies and procedures

. Liaison between the firm, insurers and solicitors regarding financial

transactions

. Responsible for monthly bank reconciliations and making sure

everything is reported to the attorney and the Veterans

Administration for my VA clients.

. Monitor and record daily activities and telephone conversations

. Preparation and execution of estate planning documents to include

wills, powers of attorney and advance health care directives;

. Handle all aspects of guardianship (incapacitated persons and minors)

administration process to include the declaration of incompetency,

qualification, collection of ward assets, daily maintenance of ward's

estate to ensure all needs of the ward are being met, modification of

guardianships as needed.

. Responsible for the well-being and property of all persons

adjudicated of having a legal incapacity and ensure the law firms

legal obligation to protect and preserve the interests of the ward

appointed by the courts, Veterans Administration and Department of

Social Services.

. Conduct annual accounting and initial 90-day inventories of each case

to ensure the law firm is in compliance with state and federal laws.

Paralegal at Alan Pittman, Law Offices (2003-2004)

. Managed workers compensation and personal injury files from initial

client interview until settlement or filing of suit.

. Prepared countless settlement/demand packages along with gathering

and organizing medical records and correspondence with physicians.

. Acted as liaison between the attorney and the insurance adjuster

while negotiating favorable settlement for our clients.

. General office work plus receptionist duties.

EDUCATION

Associates Degree in Paralegal Technology, Fayetteville Technical

Community College (Graduated with Honors {NTHS}) ABA Approved Program

o High School Diploma, Fayetteville Central Christian Academy

(Graduated with Honors/Valedictorian)

o Lay Leadership Certified, Rivers of Living Water (2 year

program)

References and Degrees/Certifications provided upon request

Contact this candidate