Senior Paralegal/Contract Manager

LITIGATION PARALEGAL LEGAL RESEARCH CONTRACTS

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:

Over 15 years of paralegal experience overseeing litigation law firms’ operations and supervising staff

Excelling within a fast-paced environment, assessing, and prioritizing competing demands to provide the highest quality of legal representation to clients

Legal document preparation (agreements, contracts, memoranda & motions)

Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and depositions

Database and records management

Experienced in auditing and process improvements

Ability to work in fast-paced environments and prioritize varied workloads to meet deadlines

Excellent communication and critical thinking skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, TEAMS, Outlook), Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, Court calendaring, and internet applications

EDUCATION:

Cornell Law School, Ithaca, NY

Business Contracts, Certification Program, 09/14/2022 - present

Mercy College, White Plains, NY

Paralegal Studies Certificate Program, ABA Approved, 2006

University of Baltimore

B.S., Criminal Justice, 2000

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Law Offices of Emeka Njoku, P.C., Baltimore, MD 11/2014 - Present

Senior Paralegal/Office Manager

Overseeing daily operations, preparing pleadings, exhibits, motions, judgments, court orders, inventories, and discovery for a premier personal injury law firm

Interfaces daily with clients, legal teams, opposing counsel and court officers

Overhaul file system; made reception area more inviting; and created document templates

Enhances records organization, elevates efficiency, and improves service levels

Diligent and resourceful in conducting legal research and case investigations; trustworthy in handling confidential information; and articulate in preparing persuasive legal arguments, motions and agreements

Knowledge of personal injury law rules of procedure, mandatory disclosure requirements, preparation of pleadings, correspondence, and e-filing

Manages complete cycle of Personal Injury cases from beginning to end

Negotiates settlement offers with insurance companies

Completes payroll bi-weekly

Creates weekly receptionist schedule

Responsible for hiring and terminating employees

Creates and regularly updates office policies within employee handbook

Vendor engagement and management

Completes employee yearly reviews

Accounts payable and receivable with respect to case settlements and general business operations

Prepares demand packages

Meet with new clients and potential clients for consultation

Assigns cases to paralegals

Manages attorney fee checks from litigation attorneys

Liaise with medical providers to request liens and review medical records

Internship program coordinator

Wise Law, LLC, Baltimore, MD 06/2012- 11/2014

Senior Paralegal/Office Manager

Oversaw daily operations preparing pleadings, exhibits, motions, judgments, court orders, inventories, and discovery for a premier personal injury law firm

Handled the daily operations of the firm

Managed complete cycle of Personal Injury cases from beginning to end

Supervised legal assistants and administration staff

Requested and reviewed medical records

Prepared demand packages

Negotiated settlements with insurance companies

Reviewed files for litigation

Assisted with workers compensation claims

Liaise with law officials and police departments for case information

Assigned cases to legal assistants

Law Offices of Brian D. Lloyd, Baltimore, MD 03/2010 – 04/2012

Senior Paralegal/Office Manager

Oversaw daily operations preparing pleadings, exhibits, motions, judgments, court orders, inventories, and discovery for a premier personal injury law firm

Managed the daily operations of the firm

Prepared bi-weekly payroll for employees

Hired new employees

Completed employee yearly reviews

Requested and reviewed medical records

Reviewed legal assistant’s caseload

Prepared demand packages

Negotiated settlements with insurance companies

Reviewed files and determined if needed to file suit

Law Offices of Christopher Brannigan, Baltimore, MD 11/2008 – 03/2010

Senior Paralegal

Oversaw daily operations preparing pleadings, exhibits, motions, judgments, court orders, inventories, and discovery for a premier personal injury law firm

Handled auto accidents from beginning to end

Completed personal injury claims

Requested and reviewed records medical records for demand package

Prepared demand packages

Negotiated settlements with insurance companies

Completed PIP applications

Supervised legal assistants

Butler Legal Group, P.L.L.P., Washington, D.C. 04/2007 – 11/2008

Senior Litigation Paralegal

Assisted attorneys with daily operations preparing pleadings, exhibits, motions, judgments, court orders, inventories, and discovery for a premier litigation law firm

Performed legal research under the direction of supervising attorneys

Assisted supervising attorneys in drafting pleadings, motions and memoranda on legal issues pertaining to criminal and post-conviction law

Proof-read and cite checked filings, briefs, memoranda, and correspondence

Prepared, reviewed, and organized information pertaining to client files

Assisted attorneys in document review, discovery, and trial preparation

Performed electronic and physical filings in state and federal courts

Located expert witnesses

Corresponded with clients and opposing counsel

Supervised paralegals and law clerks

Narco Freedom, Inc., Bronx, N.Y. 07/2003–03/2007 Substance Abuse Counselor

Provided alcohol and drug abuse counseling to clients

Interviewed clients, reviewed records, and conferred with other professionals to evaluate condition of client

Monitored client condition to evaluate success of therapy and adapted treatment as needed

Formulated program for rehabilitation using knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse problems, counseling, and treatment techniques

Prepared and maintained reports and case histories

Referred client to other support services such as medical evaluation, treatment, social services, and employment services

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