Susan Lynn
Powell
Summary
Skilled paralegal with background in supporting legal teams in fast-paced environments. Experience includes managing case preparation, conducting legal research, and drafting documents which contributed to the successful outcomes of numerous cases. Strong organizational skills, ability to communicate complex information clearly, and adept at multitasking under tight deadlines. Made significant impact by improving document management processes, resulting in increased efficiency and accessibility for team members.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
OEB Law, PLLC
Knoxville
01.2020 - Current
- Drafted legal documents and correspondence for various case types at OEB Law.
- Conducted legal research to support attorneys in case preparation and strategy development.
- Organized and maintained case files, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
- Communicated with clients to gather information and provide updates on case progress.
- Reviewed discovery materials to identify relevant information for litigation purposes.
- Coordinated scheduling of depositions, court appearances, and client meetings efficiently.
- Managed electronic filing systems, ensuring timely submissions to courts and agencies.
- Maintained client files according to established protocols.
- Maintained calendars for upcoming court dates or deadlines related to cases.
- Drafted correspondence to clients and other attorneys.
- Reviewed and organized legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Proofread documents prior to filing them with courts or submitting them to opposing counsels.
- Filed pleadings and paperwork with court clerk to meet strict deadlines.
- Organized client calendars, prepared mailings and handled high call volumes.
- Interviewed clients and obtained vital case information to support associates.
- Organized exhibits for trial by preparing materials and supporting documentation.
- Drafted discovery responses including interrogatories and requests for production of documents.
- Collaborated with attorneys in all stages of litigation process.
- Interpreted various types of legal documents including contracts and agreements.
- Coordinated subpoena services and other support activities for legal office.
- Communicated with witnesses regarding deposition scheduling.
- Coordinated witness testimony for depositions.
- Prepared and organized materials for trial, including exhibits, witness lists, and evidence.
- Assisted in drafting and reviewing legal correspondence, including letters, emails, and faxes.
- Managed case files and documentation, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Coordinated and managed case files, ensuring all documents were accurately filed and easily accessible.
- Called witnesses to give testimonies during court hearings.
Co-Director
Beauty 4 Ashes Freedom House
Lenoir City
09.2018 - 01.2020
- Coordinated outreach efforts to raise awareness of services offered.
- Managed community partnerships to strengthen resource availability for clients.
- Oversaw case management ensuring holistic support for each client's needs.
- Developed strategies to improve operational efficiency within the organization.
- Advocated for policy changes to benefit vulnerable populations served by the house.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to promote the organization's mission and vision.
- Collaborated with other directors on operational activities, including fundraising campaigns, staff management, and program development.
- Provided leadership and guidance to team members in developing innovative solutions to organizational challenges.
- Assisted in the coordination of special events and corporate functions.
- Assisted with grant writing and fundraising efforts to secure additional resources.
- Oversaw the maintenance and updating of organizational databases and records.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Paralegal
Menefee & Brown
Knoxville
05.2010 - 03.2013
- Organized and maintained case files, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
- Managed case files and maintained accurate documentation for collection accounts.
- Assisted attorneys in preparing legal documents for court proceedings and negotiations.
- Conducted research on debtors to gather essential information for collections.
- Communicated with clients regarding payment plans and outstanding debts.
- Collaborated with court personnel to file necessary legal documents accurately.
- Maintained contact with clients regarding their accounts receivables or debts owed.
- Conducted lien searches to identify potential creditors and and or liens on property.
- Developed strategies for collecting delinquent payments from debtors.
- Prepared post-judgment collection documents such as wage garnishments, bank levies, writs of execution.
- Monitored court dockets for updates on cases filed by attorneys or opposing counsels.
- Negotiated settlements with debtors on behalf of clients.
- Corresponded with debtors via telephone or mail regarding payment plans or settlement agreements.
Paralegal Supervisor
Finkelstein, Kern, Steinberg & Cunningham
Knoxville
02.2005 - 07.2009
- Supervised paralegal team to ensure timely case preparation and document management.
- Coordinated communication between attorneys and clients for case updates and inquiries.
- Reviewed legal documents for accuracy, compliance, and procedural adherence.
- Trained new paralegals on office procedures and legal research methodologies.
- Responded to client calls and inquiries to deliver applicable information.
- Filed pleadings and paperwork with court clerk to meet strict deadlines.
- Identified and analyzed legal documents, discoveries and contracts.
- Trained staff on office procedures and case-specific duties.
- Identified and solved complex problems to elevate legal team and business direction.
- Coordinated subpoena services and other support activities for legal office.
- Worked with internal departments on loss mitigation.
- Researched documents and publications to establish case-altering details and evidence.
- Assisted in settlement negotiations and mediation preparations.
- Performed administrative duties such as photocopying, scanning, and organizing legal documents.
- Utilized legal software and databases for case management and legal research.
Foster Care Provider
Smoky Mountain Childrens Home
Sevierville
06.2001 - 05.2009
- Provided nurturing care to children in foster program at Smoky Mountain Children's Home.
- Assisted children with daily routines and personal development activities.
- Communicated effectively with families about children's needs and progress.
- Maintained accurate records of children's activities and wellbeing.
- Collaborated with social workers to support children's emotional needs.
- Ensured safe and clean living environment for all children in care.
- Provided foster care services to children in need of a safe and nurturing environment.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities related to foster care services.
- Assisted in developing life skills such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning, job searching.
- Attended court hearings when necessary to advocate for the best interests of the children.
- Supervised visits between biological parents and their children while ensuring safety protocols were followed.
- Assisted in completing homework assignments and school projects to support child's education.
- Monitored the physical and mental health of children in the foster care system.
- Worked collaboratively with other providers within the community network on behalf of children in need.
- Conducted home visits to ensure safety and well-being of all involved parties.
- Fostered positive relationships with biological families, facilitating visits and communication where appropriate.
Paralegal
Meares & Morton
Maryville
02.1987 - 07.1995
- Conducted legal research to support attorneys in case preparation and strategy development.
- Organized and maintained case files, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
- Assisted in trial preparation by assembling exhibits and preparing witness outlines.
- Communicated with clients to gather information and provide updates on case progress.
- Reviewed discovery materials to identify relevant information for litigation purposes.
- Coordinated scheduling of depositions, court appearances, and client meetings efficiently.
- Provided administrative support such as answering phones or scheduling appointments.
- Maintained client files according to established protocols.
- Maintained calendars for upcoming court dates or deadlines related to cases.
- Drafted correspondence to clients and other attorneys.
- Reviewed and organized legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Proofread documents prior to filing them with courts or submitting them to opposing counsels.
- Filed pleadings and paperwork with court clerk to meet strict deadlines.
- Organized client calendars, prepared mailings and handled high call volumes.
- Interviewed clients and obtained vital case information to support associates.
- Organized exhibits for trial by preparing materials and supporting documentation.
- Drafted discovery responses including interrogatories and requests for production of documents.
- Attended court proceedings to observe trials or hearings.
- Collaborated with attorneys in all stages of litigation process.
- Assisted in the preparation of legal arguments and memoranda of law.
- Communicated with witnesses regarding deposition scheduling.
- Coordinated witness testimony for depositions.
- Prepared and organized materials for trial, including exhibits, witness lists, and evidence.
- Assisted in drafting and reviewing legal correspondence, including letters, emails, and faxes.
- Managed case files and documentation, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Knowledgeable dealing with pleadings, affidavits, motions and exhibit preparation.
- Performed extensive research to prepare for court cases and gathered pertinent case information.
- Booked travel arrangements for firm attorneys and support staff.
- Called witnesses to give testimonies during court hearings.
Education
Certified Paralegal - Law
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN05-2010
Skills
- Legal research
- Document drafting
- Case management
- Litigation support
- Electronic filing
- Client communication
- Problem solving
- Organizational skills
- Subpoena coordination
- Attention to detail
- Calendar management
- Legal writing
- Document filing
- Proofreading
- Civil litigation
- Attorney support
- Troubleshooting complex problems
- Deposition scheduling
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Paralegal
OEB Law, PLLC
01.2020 - Current
Co-Director
Beauty 4 Ashes Freedom House
09.2018 - 01.2020
Paralegal
Menefee & Brown
05.2010 - 03.2013
Paralegal Supervisor
Finkelstein, Kern, Steinberg & Cunningham
02.2005 - 07.2009
Foster Care Provider
Smoky Mountain Childrens Home
06.2001 - 05.2009
Paralegal
Meares & Morton
02.1987 - 07.1995
Certified Paralegal - Law
University of Tennessee
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