Paralegal
Resume:
Leah Elizabeth Cuadra
*** ** ***** ****** #***, Miami, FL 33172
Email: **************@*******.***
OBJECTIVE: To obtain a full time position as Paralegal in a welcoming, fast paced, team oriented environment that is
receptive to growth and continuing education, allowing me to share my advanced communication skills and professional
leadership qualities.
SKILLS
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Positive Fast Learner Trainable Retains Information
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Personable Reliable Takes Initiative Excellent Communicator
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Honest & Trustworthy Approachable Ambitious Resolves Conflict
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Ownership Mentality Never Idle Self-Sufficient Advanced Microsoft Skills
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Team Player Multi-Tasker Motivational Excellent Phone Etiquette
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Responsible Organized Energetic Advanced Computer Skills
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Respectful Creative Technology Savoy Adapts Easily To Change
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Westlaw Research Procure Legal Forms Strong Written and Strong Analytical Skills
Verbal Skills
• Able to conduct independent legal research and apply critical-thinking skills to identify areas of law that are relevant and applicable to
various legal issues.
• Draft legal correspondence, memoranda, pleadings and other legal documentation while applying critical thinking, organizational, and
legal research and legal writing skills.
• Applies modern and legal technology to the performance of legal documentation, tasks and other assignments.
• Demonstrate the ability to assist an attorney in preparing legal cases for trial through the use of interviewing and investigation skills, legal
research and legal document preparation skills.
• Identify and analyze ethical issues that may arise in the performance of work as a paralegal.
• Perform law office management tasks such as maintaining case files and other relevant case information in an organized and effective
manner suitable for the legal environment.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills and how they are used in relation to the profession of a paralegal.
EDUCATION
HEALD COLLEGE, San Francisco, California [08/2012 – 07/2014]
A.A.S., Paralegal Studies [Graduated July 2014]
Relevant Courses: Legal Terminology and the Profession, Fundamentals of Torts, Business Organizations and Corporations, Legal
Research and Writing I, Legal Research and Writing II, Civil Litigation for Paralegals I and II, Fundamentals of Contracts, Law Office
Management and Ethics for Paralegals, Criminal Law and Procedures, and a Paralegal Internship.
SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE, Santa Rosa, California [2006-2012]
Conflict & Resolution Management, Introduction to Veterinary Terminology, Business Management, and Business Technology Courses.
COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO, San Mateo, California [1998]
General Academics, History, English, Anthropology and Oceanography.
CAPUCHINO HIGH SCHOOL, San Bruno, California [1993-1997] {Diploma}
English/ History Advanced Placement, Spanish, Child Growth, Publications/ Computers and General Academics.
Swimming (4yrs), Track and Field (3yrs), Wrestling (2yrs), Water Polo (1yr) and Soccer (1yr)
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS
DEGREES: Paralegal Degree, AAS
MEMBERSHIPS: Member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
CERTIFICATES: Six President Awards through Heald College for 4.0 GPA, One Directors Award through Heald College for 3.5 GPA,
Level II Completion of VLA (Veterinary Leadership Academy), MSPA Silver Certification 2007, Communication & Conflict Management II
through www.vspn.org, Communication & Conflict Management III through www.vspn.org, Veterinary Terminology through www.vspn.org,
TRAX completion of: Client Calls Presentation, Come In Now Presentation, Group Curriculums, Quality Image Presentation, Inbound
Calls Presentation, Outbound Calls Presentation, Communication Skills Presentation, How To Work With Negative People &
Procrastinators, Interpersonal Communications, Leadership Communication Skills, Listening Basics and The Mechanics of
Communicating Effectively.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Boyd & Berkowitz, IBOR, San Francisco, California [01/28/14 – 04/10/14]
Position: Paralegal (Internship)
Business Description: Personal Injury and Civil Rights Law Firm, Non Profit Organization IBOR (International Bill of Rights)
• Performed the duties of a paralegal under the supervision of an attorney.
• Assisted in the operation of a non-profit organization for civil rights (IBOR).
• Entrusted with the responsibility of case sensitive and confidential documents.
• Knowledge of HighRise software (legal data base), Ringcentral, Microsoft Word, and general office software.
• Performed procedural duties for the acceptance and finalizing of personal injury cases.
• Kept clients regularly informed and demonstrated professionalism.
• Responded quickly and diplomatically to concerns to ensure superior service and satisfaction.
• Prepared letters and emails to clients and involved parties.
• Scanned letters and documents on a daily basis to be stored in the firm’s case management system.
• Created master templates for the firm’s operational use.
• Analyzed and researched correspondence from all parties.
• Processed contractual documentation.
• Performed extensive note taking and was always prepared for it.
• Prioritized tasks and executed deadlines with efficiency.
VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists, San Francisco, California [02/01/13-Present]
Position: Lead Client Services
Business Description: 24 Hr Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital
• Extensive high-end customer support.
• Answered heavy multi-lined phones, completed complex administrative duties and A/R.
• Managed a customized schedule for fourteen specialists, four emergency clinicians & seven interns including consultations and
procedures in the following departments of Behavior, Cardiology, Dermatology, Holistics, Internal Medicine, Oncology,
Neurology, and Surgery.
• Entrusted with case sensitive and confidential documents.
• Counseled clients and staff with varying degrees of emotional stress.
• Managed client finances; large estimates and invoices.
• Opening & closing procedures.
• First responder to critical and emergency cases.
• Knowledge of DVMax software, When2work, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe, PC, Efilm Work Station.
• Assisted in training of new hires and minor training of entry level staff.
VCA ANIMAL CARE CENTER of SONOMA COUNTY, Rohnert Park, California [06/06/02-9/27/12]
Position: Interview Chair/ Lead Client Services
Business Description: 24 Hr Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital
• Supervision of four employees specific for interview and recruitment.
• Responsible for the organization of interviews via phone or panel for potential hires.
• Constructed customized interview questions, specific for all departments and individual positions; Board Certified Specialists, HR
and Recruitment Coordinators, CSR’s, Administration, Environmental Services and Support Staff.
• Assisted with the hiring process specific to screening, background checks, training, performance reviews, coaching/ mentoring
and compensation packages.
• Managed a front office team consisting of one phone operator and eight client service representatives.
• Extensive high-end customer support.
• Assisted with marketing and graphic design.
• Administered, recommended and ensured compliance of policies and procedures and the creation of SOP’s.
• Answered heavy multi-lined phones, completed complex administrative duties and A/R.
• Managed a customized schedule for thirteen board certified specialists & five emergency clinicians including consultations and
procedures in the following departments of Cardiology, Dermatology, Hydro Therapy & Canine Rehabilitation, Internal Medicine,
Oncology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Radiology, Surgery and Therioginology.
• Entrusted with case sensitive and confidential documents.
• Counseled clients and staff with varying degrees of emotional stress.
• Managed client finances; large estimates and invoices.
• Opening & closing procedures.
• First responder to critical and emergency cases.
• Knowledge of DVMax software, When2work, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe, Mac & PC, Efilm Work Station,
Profiling X International, Genesis.
AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
(AFLAC), Santa Rosa, California [11/04/01-02/01/03]
Position: Self Employed Life Agent
Business Description: Fortune 500 Company providing Supplemental Insurance
• Independent contractor of insurance sales, under legal agreement to represent AFLAC and AFLAC products.
• Licensed through The Department of Insurance (license #0D51968); exclusivity to California only.
• Marketing of supplemental benefits to payroll markets and direct markets.
• Constructed presentations to Employers, CEO’s, CFO’s, Controllers, HR Managers and enrolled their employees.
• Established a clientele base within Sonoma County, Novato, Marin and San Francisco.
• Aggressive outbound prospecting.
• Constructed Flex accounts, Section 125’s, Cafeteria Plans, POP’s and DDC’s
• Maintained favorable relationships with potential and existing clients.
• Knowledge of Smart App software, ACT 4.0, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office programs.
LIVING EARTH CRAFTS, Rohnert Park, California [11/17/00-09/11/01]
Position: North Atlantic Territory Manager
Business Description: The Massage Industries Leading Manufacturer of Spa & Salon Equipment
• Control of all sales made in ten states on the east coast. Territories included: Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
• Managed agents, distributors and massage schools.
• Assisted with corporate accounts including fitness centers, hotels and casinos.
• Worked with massage therapists, medical professionals, physical therapists, students and schools within holistic centers, massage,
chiropractic, and aromatherapy industries.
• Dealt with complex marketing, graphic design and product specifications.
• Traveled to trade shows exclusive to the east coast.
• Handled shipping arrangements with freight companies and freight forwarders.
• Created commission and discount programs for agents, distributors and schools.
• Managed all consulting for spa, salon and massage equipment within east coast territories.
• Extensive product knowledge for portable massage tables, portable massage chairs, stationary salon and spa tables and all manual
and electric hydraulic lifts.
• Handled heavy financial transactions.
• Knowledge in software programs: ACT PAC, TeleMagic, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Adobe, Windows 95 & 98, Microsoft
Publisher and Microsoft Outlook.
DRiWATER, INC., Santa Rosa, California [01/05/99-11/17/00]
Position: Sales/ Customer Service/ Team Member
Business Description: Manufacturer of 100% Natural Gelled Water for Foreign & Domestic Markets/ Horticultural
• Sales for commercial, retail, wholesale and international markets.
• Extensive customer service.
• Participation with vending, exhibitions, and tradeshows,
• Marketing and assigned exclusivity to specific territories.
• Arranged shipments by boat, air and truck, domestically and over seas.
• Knowledge of various software programs consisting of ACT 4.0, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, MGI
Photo Suite, DOS, Windows 95 & 98.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
Snowboarding, Cooking, Art, Salt Water Aquariums, Graphic Art Design, Architectural Design, Corporate Law, Fitness, Fishing,
Swimming, and Entrepreneurial Undertakings.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Contact this candidate