Carmen Smith
Lexington
Summary
History of producing exceptional legal support work on real estate transactions. Organized and diligent professional with a keen eye for detail and a systematic nature.
Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Real Estate Paralegal
John C Thomas PA , Attorney At Law
04.2007 - 07.2011
- Prepared legal documents for real estate transactions, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Conducted title searches and analysis to verify property ownership and identify liens.
- Assisted attorneys in drafting contracts, closing statements, and other necessary documentation.
- Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and third parties during the transaction process.
- Managed case files and maintained organization of client records using case management software.
- Reviewed legal documents for accuracy, consistency, and completeness before submission.
- Researched zoning laws and property regulations to support legal arguments in real estate matters.
- Monitored deadlines for filings and ensured timely submissions of all required documentation.
- Provided exceptional customer service throughout the transaction process, earning repeat business from satisfied clients.
- Supported attorneys in drafting legal pleadings for real estate matters including foreclosures, evictions, or zoning appeals cases.
- Managed escrow accounts accurately and securely, ensuring proper distribution of funds upon closing.
- Collaborated with clients, attorneys, and lenders to address issues promptly and maintain positive working relationships.
- Prepared legal documents such as deeds, mortgages, and leases to facilitate smooth real estate transactions.
Legal Secretary
Candice A Lively Attorney At Law
03.2002 - 04.2007
- Managed scheduling and appointment coordination for attorney and clients.
- Prepared and filed legal documents in accordance with court requirements.
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and documentation.
- Drafted correspondence and maintained accurate records of client interactions.
- Assisted in discovery processes, organizing evidence and pertinent materials.
- Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and outside parties effectively.
- Organized files for court proceedings.
- Answered and directed calls using multi-line switchboard.
- Organized and maintained an efficient electronic filing system for easy access to critical documents and data.
- Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs, contributing to successful case resolutions.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
- Supported attorneys during trials by efficiently coordinating exhibits, witness interviews, and other essential tasks.
- Supported case preparation by drafting pleadings, motions, and other legal documents under attorney supervision.
- Transcribed information from typed or handwritten notes, shorthand or dictation and confirmed accuracy and correct formatting of documents.
- Created and printed legal documents for attorneys to review.
- Completed data entry of legal documents into electronic filing systems.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information, upholding ethical standards in legal practices.
- Supported trial preparation efforts with efficient document production and assembly tasks, leading to more organized presentations in court.
- Drafted legal documents and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
- Assisted in the preparation of court filings, adhering to deadlines and procedural requirements.
Legal Secretary
Caudle & Spears
10.2000 - 01.2002
- Implemented office procedures that improved workflow efficiency and document management.
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
- Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
- Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
- Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
Legal Secretary
William P. Hagenbuch, Jr. Allen County Attorney
01.1998 - 10.2000
- Managed case files and documentation for efficient record-keeping and retrieval.
- Coordinated scheduling and communication between clients and legal team.
- Prepared legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and correspondence.
- Assisted in trial preparation by compiling evidence and organizing exhibits.
- Screened telephone calls and forwarded to appropriate departments.
- Created, indexed, and maintained client binders.
- Scheduled all appointments, appearances and briefings.
- Assisted with preparation of trial materials and documents.
- Produced and filed various legal documents and electronically preserved updated case record system.
- Organized files for court proceedings.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs, contributing to successful case resolutions.
- Supported attorneys during trials by efficiently coordinating exhibits, witness interviews, and other essential tasks.
- Supported case preparation by drafting pleadings, motions, and other legal documents under attorney supervision.
- Transcribed information from typed or handwritten notes, shorthand or dictation and confirmed accuracy and correct formatting of documents.
Administrative Assistant Investment/Accountant
Farmers National Bank
05.1995 - 01.1998
- Assisted in budget tracking and expense reporting, contributing to financial accuracy and accountability.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping with diligent data entry and database management for vital company information.
- Managed expense reports for executive staff members, ensuring accurate documentation of spending for budgeting purposes.
- Transcribed and organized information to assist in preparing speeches and presentations.
- Managed investment accounting processes, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with regulations.
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth, and assets.
- Documented cash, credit, fixed assets, accrued expenses, and line of credit transactions.
- Wire Transfers and assisted in buying and selling of stocks and other related investment work
Education
High School Diploma -
Allen County Scottsville High School
Scottsville Kentucky High School Diploma -
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky, KYInformation Systems Associates Degree -
Draughons Junior College
Bowling Green, KY05-1997
Skills
- Transcription
- Settlement statements preparation
- Multitasking
- Legal correspondence
- Office administration
- Legal document preparation
- Document editing
- Document formatting
- Calendar management
- Billing and invoicing
- Drafting legal documents
- Administrative support
- Document drafting
- Typing speed
Timeline
Real Estate Paralegal
John C Thomas PA , Attorney At Law
04.2007 - 07.2011
Legal Secretary
Candice A Lively Attorney At Law
03.2002 - 04.2007
Legal Secretary
Caudle & Spears
10.2000 - 01.2002
Legal Secretary
William P. Hagenbuch, Jr. Allen County Attorney
01.1998 - 10.2000
Administrative Assistant Investment/Accountant
Farmers National Bank
05.1995 - 01.1998
High School Diploma -
Allen County Scottsville High School
High School Diploma -
Western Kentucky University
Information Systems Associates Degree -
Draughons Junior College