Our Team House Counsel
Resume:
Annette M. Handle
Homosassa FL *4446
*************@*****.***
linkedin.com/in/Annette-Handle
Summary
Highly organized professionals with experience in administrating legal offices and providing support to attorneys. Ability to complete minor investigations and solve problems related to countrywide litigation, non-litigation, and referrals. Demonstrated diligence and excellent analytical abilities in reviewing and maintaining documentation.
Skills
Intermediate Computer Skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft programs.
Good starter; adaptive learner.
Excellent Customer skills with the ability to meet or exceed customers’ expectations.
Possesses both verbal and written communication skills.
Collaborator with a pleasant demeanor.
Key Accomplishments
Problem solving, Collaboration, and Technology:
When the Florida Tort Reform Act of 2023 occurred our Team Unit received a voluminous amount of filed suits because of the new time restraints set in place because of the Tort Reform. My primary responsibility is the assignment of all suits in the State of Florida that will be going to outside counsel because of the lack of house counsel staffing, thus, I needed to find a solution to oversee this project. Collaborating with managers, attorneys, clients, and outside counsel and using technology, I was able to assign the voluminous number of complaints to the proper attorneys, before the Court deadlines.
Challenge ideas, Provide Feedback and Team Load Balancing:
Our team is responsible for assigning law pleadings in all fifty states in the United States. When any given state receives an unexpected influx of legal demands, it is up to the team members assigned to that state to manage the receipts of legal documents. Because of workflow affecting time restraints, I challenged the idea of having only one person with knowledge of only one given state. I provided my feedback and ideas for cross training for our team so anyone could jump in and help in any state when needed. My manager then implemented the new process.
Volunteer Experience
I have volunteered with Equine Assisted Therapies; I have been a puppy raiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs, and I am always happy to help with our local food drives.
Work Experience
Allstate Insurance Company, Legal Office, Remote 2014 - 2024
L&R – Assignment Team-Assoc III
Proof of Employment: Allstate Employer Code: 11197
www.theworknumber.com or 1-800-***-****
Reviewed claim file and legal documents to organize data necessary to route litigation projects, matters and legal tasks to attorneys in Client Legal Services, corporate legal, and outside counsel firms countrywide.
Reviewed litigation assignment documents to identify the litigation type to determine and find the appropriate house counsel defense attorney or retained firm.
Analyzed litigation assignment documents to perform conflict checks for house counsel defense attorneys.
Supported the local office in administrative duties when workloads permitted.
Coordinated communications involving attorneys, customers, claim personnel, and outside counsel firms.
Trained claim adjusters on the assignment process.
Allstate Insurance Company, Legal Office Miami FL 2010 - 2014
Sr. Legal Administrator
Proof of Employment: Allstate Employer Code: 11197
www.theworknumber.com or 1-800-***-****
Provided administrative support for the attorneys in an office under limited supervision.
Filed Court documents electronically on the Florida Court System platform including the initial set up for the office of six attorneys.
Updated and managed data including pleadings, motions and all trial, arbitration, and mediation letters, as well as calendars, files, and related events in case management systems.
Coordinated and scheduled hearings, depositions, EUO(s), IME(s), and mediations for three attorneys.
Formed a relationship and communication with our clients.
Confirmed events and activities.
Maintained, closed, and archived files.
Monitored and routed internal and external client inquiries.
Responsible for the order of supplies, maintaining all equipment and creating strong relationships with local vendors for an office of 12-15 employees.
Oversaw the temporary move of office while under construction and overseeing tradesmen questions and access to office while under renovation.
Education
Broward County Community College – liberal arts courses – Coconut Creek, Florida
Ft. Lauderdale Business College – business classes (accounting and bookkeeping) – Ft Lauderdale, Florida
References
Professional:
Chis Spinasanta
Managing Supervisor
Allstate Insurance Company
Northbrook, Illinois
*****.**********@********.***
10 years
Adriana Wojnar
Office Manager
Allstate Insurance Company
Northbrook, Illinois
*******.******@********.***
Personal:
Cynthia Swatt
Senior Accounting Manager
linkedin.com/in/cynthiaswatt
Lynn Handle
PT, DPT, OCS
linkedin.com/in/lynnhandle
Contact this candidate