Real Estate Legal Secretary

DONNA I. VALENZUELA

**** *********** **** • San Diego, CA 92154

****************@*****.*** 619-***-****

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Bilingual (English/Spanish) Paralegal with extensive experience supporting attorneys and legal teams in estate planning, corporate law, immigration, litigation, and real estate. Proven ability to draft legal documents, conduct research, manage client communications, and oversee administrative functions in both law firm and corporate environments. Recognized for strong organizational, billing, and multitasking skills. Certificate in Paralegal Studies from NYU. Open to new opportunities in legal support and administration.

EXPERIENCE

Century Design, Inc. – San Diego, CA

Sales Administrator Mar 2025 – Present

Manage multi-million-dollar sales orders, generate reports, support contract processing, and maintain customer records.

Law Office of David W. Foley – San Diego, CA

Paralegal Apr 2024 – Jan 2025

Conducted legal research in estate and probate law.

Drafted wills, trusts, and other legal documents.

Assisted with client consultations and provided administrative support to the supervising attorney.

Express Professionals (Various Assignments) – San Diego, CA

Administrative Temp Aug 2019 – Mar 2025

Assisted in front desk operations, invoice processing, IT equipment handling, and meeting coordination.

H&R Block – Oceanside, CA

Receptionist (Tax Seasons 2021, 2023 & 2024)

Greeted clients, matched them with appropriate tax professionals, and scheduled appointments.

Hertz Corporation – San Diego, CA

Manager Associate II Dec 2021 – Feb 2023

Oversaw branch operations, rentals, customer satisfaction, and sales targets.

Robert Half International (Various Clients) – New York & San Diego

Temp Administrative/Legal Support Jun 2008 – Dec 2022

Provided receptionist, research, legal admin, and customer service support.

Sidley Austin LLP – New York, NY

Legal Secretary (Corporate, Real Estate) Jan 2007 – Jul 2008

Provided high-level support to attorneys and paralegals; drafted, proofed, and formatted legal documents.

Managed client files, billing statements, expense reports, and travel coordination.

Performed notary public services and ensured document accuracy and compliance.

Heller Ehrman LLP – New York, NY

Legal Secretary (Corporate, Litigation, Real Estate) Sep 2004 – Jan 2007

Filed court documents and monitored dockets.

Organized client correspondence and case materials.

Active member of the firm’s morale committee, coordinating internal events.

Wormser, Kiely, Galef & Jacobs LLP – New York, NY

Legal Secretary (Immigration, Bankruptcy, Tax, Real Estate) Jun 2002 – Sep 2004

Supported senior partner with billing and document preparation.

Monitored payment recovery for delinquent client accounts.

E-Quest Partners, Ltd. – New York, NY

Office Administrator Apr 2000 – Jun 2002

Managed full-cycle accounting and supervised administrative team operations.

Bingham McCutchen LLP – New York, NY

Legal Secretary (Corporate) Aug 1998 – Apr 2000

Supported managing partner during sensitive firm merger.

Maintained strict confidentiality and coordinated schedules and filings.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP – New York, NY

Legal Secretary (Corporate, Real Estate) Aug 1997 – Aug 1998

Provided Spanish-English translation for Latin America practice.

Supported attorneys in corporate and real estate transactional work.

College of Mount St. Vincent – Riverdale, NY

Executive Secretary to CFO Nov 1995 – Aug 1997

Filed legal documents, reconciled bank accounts, and managed financial reporting.

New York Academy of Sciences – New York, NY

Development Manager May 1994 – Nov 1995

Wrote and submitted federal grants; coordinated U.S. and international conference.

EDUCATION

New York University (NYU) – New York, NY

Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Accelerated Program) Jan 2009 – May 2009

SKILLS

Legal Research & Writing

Estate Planning & Probate

Legal Document Preparation

Bilingual (English & Spanish)

Client Relations & Intake

Microsoft Office Suite & Legal Software

Notary Public (Experience)

Billing & Invoicing

Calendar & Case Management

Administrative Support

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