KAREN LEWIS

**** ***** ***** ****, ****, NC, ****5, US 919-***-**** adsg6j@r.postjobfree.com

Professional with 13 years of progressive experience in the field who is highly organized and detail-oriented. Paralegal with extensive experience writing, organizing, and managing cases involving trial court criminal law and Appellate law. Expert at gathering evidence and analyzing legal documents. Skilled in conducting legal research, gathering witness statements, and organizing files. Exceptional at reading and summarizing court transcripts with appropriate page references for briefs and other appellate filings to assist attorneys with due date compliance. Experience in writing and drafting the Statement of the Facts for Appellate Court documents and briefs. While reviewing documents, checking websites, and searching titles, experienced Paralegal pays close attention to detail. Devoted paralegal with a background in criminal trial and Appellate law and legal research expertise. Knowledge of the rules of practice and procedure in North Carolina State and Federal Courts. Legal research, time management, and trial preparation are among my strengths. Expert at gathering evidence and analyzing legal documents. Devoted paralegal with a background in criminal Appellate law and legal research expertise. Skilled in complex scheduling, office administration, and special project support. Criminal law

Document preparation

Case management

Proficient in MS Office

Legal Research

Document filing

Litigation support

Document scanning

Organization

Project organization

Court transcription

Exceptional writer

Document preparation

Materials preparation

Clerical support

Case management

MS Office

Supervision

Team building

Team Leadership

Staff development

Communications

Process implementation

Data Management

Paralegal Studies - Associate of Applied Science - 2009 Kaplan - Chapel Hill, NC

Graduated with a 3.87 GPA, honor graduate, and dean's list. Appellate Paralegal - August, 2018 to May, 2019

Easley Appellate Practice - Miami, Florida

Wrote and filed pleadings with [Type] court on time to maximize case success. Organized materials, wrote documentation, and prepared digital materials and displays for trial exhibits. Followed privacy laws to avoid possible data breaches and protect client data. Wrote correspondence and legal documentation, as well as distributing materials to the appropriate people. Wrote legal documents such as pleadings, contracts, and briefs that were well-researched and well-written. Worked closely with legal teams to develop performance documents for curative action planning. Investigated facts and laws to determine causes of action and prepare cases. Created polished legal documents, such as motions and briefs, to aid in the litigation and court processes. Ensured the accuracy of the law library database by maintaining legal records to regulate disparities and perform updates. Local, state, and federal agencies provided me with documents, clearances, certificates, and approvals. Examined and analyzed government and judicial structures, as well as arbitration and negotiation concepts and techniques. Looked into the causes and outcomes of [Type] and [Type] cases, as well as the damages, losses, and settlement procedures. Investigated various aspects of civil litigation, including evidence gathering and presentation, client counseling, and jury selection methods. Copied, logged, and scanned supporting documents before filing everything in the client's files. Implemented emergency procedures to save time and spearhead specific legal projects. Examined and generated memos on statutory law, case law, and federal and state regulations using online research databases such as Westlaw and print sources. Assessed a variety of substantive law issues, including domestic relations, property law, and bankruptcy. Was able to effectively respond to customer requests via phone and email, as well as answer questions and inquiries. Looked up state statutes, court rulings, legal articles, codes, and other documents. Examined departmental documents to determine how they should be distributed and filed. In charge of billable hour tracking, payroll, client invoicing, and schedules for [Number]-attorney office. Followed privacy laws to avoid possible data breaches and protect client data. Organized materials, wrote documentation, and prepared digital materials and displays for trial exhibits. Wrote and filed pleadings with the Florida Appellate and trial courts on time to maximize case success. Conducted an initial client assessment and analysis to begin the research process. Wrote and filed pleadings with trial and appellate court on time to maximize case success. Paralegal - January, 2012 to November, 2018

NC Department of Justice - Raleigh, NC

Up to 1000 cases were developed and managed by me. Oversaw and coordinated the activities of the Appellate Section of the North Carolina Department of Justice, including the delivery of subpoenas. Wrote and filed pleadings with the North Carolina Court of Appeals, North Carolina Supreme Court, United States Supreme Court and state trial courts on time to maximize case success. Trained and managed three employees in best practices and protocols to ensure maximum productivity. Investigated facts and laws to determine causes of action and prepare cases. Was in charge of drafting legal briefs, motions, and pleadings. Trained and managed three employees in best practices and protocols to ensure maximum productivity. Wrote legal documents such as pleadings, petitions, responses, and briefs that were well-researched and well-written. Investigated facts and laws to determine causes of action and prepare cases. Conducted research into all types of criminal laws and regulations, but specialized in crimes against women and children and provided the attorneys with analysis and assessments. Helped lawyers prepare for legal arguments for the cases calendared at all Appellate Courts and assist in additional legal research. Created polished legal documents, such as motions and briefs, to aid in the litigation and court processes. Oversaw day-to-day legal activities for the Appellate attorneys at the North Carolina Department of Justice with 18 attorneys, such as subpoena services, petitions, responses, writ of certiorari. Contributed to, maintained, and updated online data repositories for accessibility and to reflect the North Carolina Department of Justice standards. Assisted attorneys in locating records and documents relevant to the case. Organized materials, wrote documentation, and prepared digital materials and displays for trial exhibits, Appellate Court arguments, and CLE classes taught by attorney's. Conduct factual and legal research.

Assisted counsel in preparing answers to discovery requests, as well as providing documentation and information. Oversaw the scheduling of 18 attorneys' appointments and made adjustments and changes using the Microsoft Office Calendar and adding same to each attorneys calendar by invite. Completed timely project management within budgetary constraints on multi-faceted legal problems for executive leaders. Built relationships with lawyers to help them share their knowledge and expertise. Took client calls and responded to inquiries by asking open-ended questions and providing relevant information. Reduced project delays by coaching employees on best practices and company processes. Relayed important information to clients via phone, email, and regular mail. Keep track of and organize case files.

Am a legal document drafter.

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

SKILLS

EDUCATION

WORK HISTORY

Deputy Clerk - April, 2008 to January, 2011

Clerk of Superior Court - Smithfield, NC

Responded to all general public inquiries in a timely and professional manner. Had an excellent attendance record and was always on time for work. Labeled and kept track of exhibits that were used as evidence in court. Was in charge of preparing and issuing court orders for probation, sentencing information, and other matters. Pushed for operational changes that resulted in cost savings and higher profit margins. File stamp documents for court proceedings upon request. Read charges and indictments to defendants and recorded their pleas in court. Kept track of internal legal documents and double-checked that they were sent to the Clerk's office for signature and execution in accordance with predetermined procedures. Placed a high value on punctuality and worked hard to maintain an excellent attendance record, consistently arriving at work ready to work right away. Was in charge of the criminal court's docket calendar and database. All exhibits admitted during hearings were documented by me. Answered general public questions about court appearances, trial dates, judicial procedures, and fines. Responded to information requests from the general public, attorneys, and other interested parties in person and over the phone. Drafted professional court correspondence to help judges, Assistant District Attorneys and Defense Attorneys.

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