Carmen Y. Contreras
Senior Paralegal & Office Manager at Clouthier Law, PLLC- Claim this Profile
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Spanish -
Topline Score
Bio
Credentials
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Notary Public
State of Texas
Experience
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Clouthier Law, PLLC
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United States
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Law Practice
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Paralegal & Office Manager
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Feb 2022 - Present
Responsible for handling civil and criminal appeals in both State and Federal court and for meeting all appeal deadlines and filings in both State and Federal Court. Draft and electronically file (e-file) initial appeal documents. Document and track all appeals and activity pertaining to them. Responsible for the gathering of all record on appeals. Correspond verbally and in writing with court reporters, court clerk, and attorneys to gather supporting documentation to assist in resolution of appeals and to provide status updates as needed. Assisting attorneys with criminal and civil appeals cases in Texas and Federal Circuit Courts. Also, with criminal appeals writs of habeas corpus for felony convictions under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 11.07 in Texas, ect and petitions for Writ of Certiorari at the United States Supreme. Provide training and assistance to current and new employees regarding - in - appeals procedures. Prepare initial drafts of documents (e.g., notice of appeal, motions in both trial and appellate courts, shells for briefs). Assist with preparation for oral argument, hearings, and trial. Designate and review appellate records, work on record cites, correct and supplement appellate records as necessary. Work with court personnel and court reporters (from county court to the U.S. Supreme Court). Interact with clients to obtain additional documentation as needed for preparing briefs and other pleadings. Monitor Courts of Appeals and Supreme Court opinions. Responsible for handling civil and criminal appeals in both State and Federal court. Responsible for meeting all appeal deadlines and filings in both State and Federal Court. Document and track all appeals and activity pertaining to them. Responsible for the gathering of all record on appeals. Work with clients to obtain additional documentation as needed for preparing briefs and other pleadings. Monitor the courts of appeals and Supreme Court opinion. Show less
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StolzenbergCortelli, LLP
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United States
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Law Practice
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Litigation Paralegal/Business Manager
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Jan 2006 - Jan 2022
Preparation of litigation document and electronic filing of forms on New York State Courts Electronic Filing Intake and Case Maintenance: the gathering of pertinent client information, data entry into case management software, communication with clients, law firms, insurance companies, courts, medical offices, real estate agencies, etc. Investigate facts to help in the negotiation of legal disputes Conduct research to support legal proceedings Prepare trial documentation and exhibits Preparing draft Petitions, discovery requests, and responses, motions, and responses Calendaring and tracking all deadlines and ensuring timely compliance with the same Gather medical and billing records, review and summarize same Prepare draft settlement demand letters and packages for attorney review Negotiate personal injury claims with adjusters pursuant to attorney direction and oversight Discuss options and settlement authority with clients pursuant to attorney direction and oversight Research causes of action, party identity, etc. Using Westlaw, Lexis/Nexus, and other electronic research systems E-filing state and federal Hospital lien searches Negotiate reductions on medical bills, liens, and subrogation claims pursuant to attorney direction and oversight Review and preparation of releases and settlement disbursement documents. Client interaction, including review of discovery, deposition preparation, etc. Manage staff of 6+ employees Human Resources/Payroll administrator responsible for the onboarding of new employees and processing of payroll Supervise and train incoming staff in connection with office-related duties/case management software and the general processes involved in setting up a claim/legal file Comprehensive knowledge of No-Fault, Liability/Bodily Injury, and Workers Compensation Claims Run/review case management reports and lead staff meetings, presentations, and workshops Clerical and Administrative duties Show less
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Geller & Associates, P.C.
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United States
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Legal Services
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Office Manager/Senior Litigation paralegal
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May 2002 - Jan 2006
Assisted in the plaintiff aspects of various legal cases with a high concentration in motor vehicle cases; drafted discovery responses, legal research, and gathered evidence as advised by attorneys. Heavy typing and preparation of various corporate and legal documents for cases and firm; support attorney in all aspects of the legal cases; compliance with legal deadlines; review status of cases and prepare summary reports for high-profile clients; interviewing prospective employees; handling payroll and company benefits; maintaining employee attendance records and personnel files; accounts payable/receivable; maintaining and ordering of office supplies; complex meeting and travel planning for high-profile clients and partners; budget analysis; type and maintain meeting minutes; answering of multiple phone lines and arranging complex conference calls; preparation and organization of conference room for meetings; interact with clients; organizing corporate functions; assist partners during trial time; file and maintain corporate documents; perform legal and background research for various matters; process and maintain time sheets; maintain and file all folders and files related to various cases; maintain suppliers contact list for various office-related functions; perform research and price comparisons for company website administration; maintain office equipment in working order. Show less
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Paralegal/Assistant Office Manager
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Jan 2000 - May 2002
Heavy client interaction, heavy typing and preparation of various legal documents, support attorneys in all aspects of the legal cases, compliance with legal deadlines, answering telephones, maintaining office calendar, arranging appointments with clients, meeting with clients, serve as an interpreter as needed, organizing and maintaining files, interact with clients, overlook mail and prioritize important documents that needed immediate attention, draft correspondence and create report summaries of cases for attorneys, office voice mail messages for new cases and return calls for new client intakes, negotiate settlement of property damage cases, other miscellaneous tasks as needed. Show less
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Education
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2006 - 2008
Queens College
Certificate, Paralegal Studies -
1995 - 2000
University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras
Bachelor's degree, Labor and Industrial Relations -
1998 - 1999
City University of New York-Hunter College
Bachelor's Degree, Labor and Industrial Relations
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