Customer Service Assistant

Marlene Merritt

Litigation Legal Assistant

Strengths and Skills Summary:

Highly proficient in organizing projects with heavy caseloads and strict deadlines

without direct supervision

Initiate case set-up and follow through to completion

Create, organize and maintain database and electronic or hard-copy files

Initiate and strengthen client relationships with a positive "can-do" attitude and

attentive customer service

Protect client and document confidentiality

Proofreader with strong attention to detail, accuracy, grammar and formatting

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication; constructive problem solver

Professional, mature, self-motivated, and flexible team player, good attendance and

punctual

Advanced in dictation transcription; Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint; ProLaw;

Elite; Carpe Diem; Adobe Acrobat and E-Filing; Intermediate in Excel; Typing 80 wpm

Relevant Professional Experience and Accomplishments

Current NCH Corporation's World Headquarters in Irving, Texas

Employer Litigation Legal Assistant for a privately held International corporation

September Assistant to three attorneys and two legal assistants

2010 to Draft various documents, track changes, proofread, finalize and distribute

present

Draft pleadings and contracts; review same to ensure compliance with

company policies & procedures, and applicable laws.

Create and maintain files and filing systems with focus on paperless files

Research and prepare subpoena responses, and discovery requests and

responses

Communicate with various outside counsel to gather necessary information

Answer multi-line phones and maintain department's calendars

Oversee all incoming and outgoing mail

Travel arrangements and expense reports

Agendas, outlines and PowerPoint presentations

Monitor and order department's office inventory and kitchen supplies

Volunteer team member on corporate-wide committees

Prior Foulston Siefkin LLP, Wichita, Kansas

Employer Litigation Legal Secretary for a large law firm

August Assistant to three attorneys and four paralegals

1979 to Initial set-up of case files and ongoing preservation of all documents,

September e-mails, etc.

2010 Drafted and finalize documents using tracked changes, dictation

transcription, and online research

E-Filed (ECF) pleadings with the courts

Monitored calendars and phones for all attorneys on team

Made travel arrangements and prepared expense reports for reimbursement

Created agendas, outlines and PowerPoint presentations

Maintained attorneys' time records and processed billing statements

First responder to provide assistance whenever requested or work overtime

Made preparations for seminars; researched venue, menu and equipment needs

Registered, greeted and aided attendees at firm seminars and social

functions

Notary Public ? notified firm's Notary Publics of recent law changes via

firm's newsletter

Accomplishments Lead litigation secretary on firm's first plaintiff class-action

at Prior lawsuit involving over 4,000 plaintiffs across the United States

Employer "Go-To" for all assistants in the firm due to seniority and skill

set

Firm's only full-time secretary/floater in all law departments for

12 years

Lead planner for annual events; i.e., American Cancer Society;

American Heart Association; Bosses Week; Christmas party; and firm

picnic

Co-developed Office Procedures Manual with HR Director

Legal Experience 12 years in Employment and Labor, Insurance Defense, Oil and Gas,

Real Estate, Healthcare, Business, Probate and Trust, and Tax

4 years in Medical Malpractice defense

3 years in Workers Compensation, Product Liability, and Immigration

3 years in Word Processing Department preparing documents in all

areas of law

Education Numerous work-related seminars through employers and "Legal

Professionals" organization

High School Diploma with focus on Office Practice courses

Recipient of college scholarship award for excellence

Volunteer 4-H Club Leader for 10 years

Experience Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor for 8 years

Communities in Schools Mentor for 8 years

Tutor for at-risk students for 6 years

American Cancer Society Team Leader for 6 years

American Heart Association Team Leader for 6 years

Affiliations National Association of Professional Women

References Available upon request

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