Evolution of a Career – From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of my profession, a chronology of growth over the past 34 years.
1988 – Investigator. Personal injury matters (Virginia Cook) – Photographing property damage, scene of injury, injuries, Obtaining reports and witness statements, analyzing physical evidence and summarizing in reports to attorney. Ending Salary $8/hr
1989 – Receptionist/Calendar Clerk/File Clerk (Virginia Cook)– Front office receptionist, responsible for all case files in the office, lead employee on calendaring statutes of limitations and all deadlines during litigation including 2, 3 and 5 year statutes, discovery and trial deadlines. Ending salary $10/hr
1991 – 1993 – Litigation Secretary/Paralegal (McKiernan law firm) – Responsible for all litigation following the filing of complaints including all discovery, law and motion, arbitration and trial prep for up to 6 attorneys with a litigation caseload of 120+ cases. Full Responsibility for litigation calendaring. Ending Salary $15/hr
1993 – Paralegal/Office Administrator (David Eckhart) – Responsible for all aspects of cases from intake to resolution. Extensive work in domestic and offshore asset protection, federal litigation including removal of state cases to federal court, bankruptcy, state court civil litigation of business matters. Preparation of all pleadings, motions, discovery and briefs, including appellate matters. Administration of new personal injury firm including setting up all in house forms and procedures, advertising and marketing, compliance, accounting, staffing, overseeing entire staff to ensure progress on cases. Ending Salary $15/hr
1995 – 2000 & 2005-2009 – Paralegal/Office Manager – Sole practitioner (David Stronge) family law practice 60 – 100 active litigation cases. Responsible for all aspects of family law matters from intake to trial/settlement. Office manager/Administrator responsible for all case files, staffing, overseeing staff, client contact, maintaining office equipment, supplies and systems. Responsible for all IT systems including maintenance of computers, choice of relevant computer programs, training of staff. Responsible for preparation of all pleadings, law and motion documents including preparation of points and authorities and declarations/exhibits, discovery, mediation, trial preparation, settlement. Attended hearings/trials as necessary. Negotiated settlements and prepared settlement agreements. Ending salary $27/hr
2000 – 2014 – Senior Paralegal for solo practitioner (Tammi Faulks) – specialized in complex family law matters, responsible for all legal and factual arguments at law and motion hearings and trials. Additionally, worked on appellate matters which set new precedent in California. Ending Salary $35/hr.
1997 – Present – Owner/operator of H.E.L.P. Inc., Legal Ink and 111 N. Hill Attorney Support Services legal consulting firms. Responsible for all aspects of fact gathering, case analysis, formulation and implementation of recommended strategy. Ending Salary $50/hr