Leah Oettinger
Durham
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented Post-Conviction Criminal Defense Paralegal at N.C. Prisoner Legal Services, adept in legal research and document preparation. Demonstrated exceptional client communication and case management skills, successfully streamlining trial preparation processes and enhancing collaboration among legal teams. Proven ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards in litigation support.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Post-Conviction Criminal Defense Paralegal
N.C. Prisoner Legal Services
Raleigh
11.2009 - 05.2013
- Provided administrative support to attorneys throughout all phases of litigation process.
- Conducted investigations into potential witnesses and obtained statements from them.
- Assisted with document production requests from opposing counsels.
- Drafted witness declarations and pretrial statements.
- Researched and analyzed federal, state, and local laws related to defense cases.
- Organized and prepared case exhibits and evidence for trial.
- Met with clients and attorneys to discuss case details and evidence.
- Stayed abreast of changes in legislative and regulatory guidelines.
- Filed pleadings and appeals with court clerks to expedite trial proceedings.
- Created and updated case management and client account databases.
- Responded to client calls and inquiries to deliver applicable information.
- Analyzed facts of cases to identify issues that needed further research or investigation by attorneys.
- Organized legal documents in company filing systems and databases.
- Processed closing documents and transactional documents for legal review.
- Maintained electronic filing systems of case materials in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Drafted motions, briefs and other legal documents.
- Coordinated meetings between clients and attorneys when necessary.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Performed extensive research to prepare for court cases and gathered pertinent case information.
- Organized legal documents for trial preparation, including pleadings and motions.
- Analyzed legal statutes, codes and previous court decisions to determine optimal course of action.
- Organized and executed court calendar with daily cases and supervisor meetings.
- Knowledgeable dealing with pleadings, affidavits, motions and exhibit preparation.
- Drafted legal documents such as briefs, memoranda of law, correspondence, affidavits, discovery requests and responses.
- Drafted correspondence, documented data and submitted materials to appropriate parties.
- Reviewed evidence submitted by prosecution teams in criminal cases.
- Conducted legal research using online databases such as LexisNexis and Westlaw.
- Organized exhibits and arguments to present evidence on behalf of clients.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
Customer Service Manager
Pottery Barn
Durham
08.2007 - 08.2008
- Assisted staff with resolving complex customer issues and implementing targeted solutions.
- Established positive rapport with customers, managers and customer service team members to maintain positive and successful work environment.
- Assisted in developing an effective system for tracking client requests from initial contact through resolution.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
- Maintained knowledge of company products and services to promptly resolve complaints and concerns.
- Evaluated and authenticated returns, exchanges and voids.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of company products, services, pricing structures, promotions.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills in resolving product and consumer complaints.
- Provided exceptional customer service to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Delivered fast, friendly and knowledgeable service for routine questions and service complaints.
- Organized client contracts, records, and reports to strengthen traceability.
- Coordinated between various departments to resolve complex problems that require multiple steps or involve multiple teams.
Education
Post-Graduate Certificate - Paralegal
Duke University
Durham, NC05-2008
Master of Arts - Liberal Studies
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC07-2004
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC05-1993
Skills
- Legal research
- Document preparation
- Case management
- Trial preparation
- Client communication
- Evidence organization
- Witness interviewing
- Database management
- Time management
- Document drafting
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration
- Litigation support
- Discovery coordination
- Case analysis
- Regulatory research
- Legal writing
- Calendar management
- Notary public
- Legal document review
- Drafting pleadings
- Deadline management
- Document management
- Court filings
- Interrogatory responses
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Effective communication
- Legal correspondence
Affiliations
- Creative Non-Fiction and Fiction Writer
- Fiber Arts
- Photography
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Post-Conviction Criminal Defense Paralegal
N.C. Prisoner Legal Services
11.2009 - 05.2013
Customer Service Manager
Pottery Barn
08.2007 - 08.2008
Post-Graduate Certificate - Paralegal
Duke University
Master of Arts - Liberal Studies
North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
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