Amber Rowe
Mathews,Virginia
Summary
Highly organized and empathetic Family Law Paralegal with 15+ years of experience managing high-volume caseloads, specializing in contested divorces, child custody and support matters. Proven ability to draft complex pleadings, managing discovery, and supporting attorneys to achieve favorable client outcomes. Skilled at managing court filings and adhering to case related deadlines as prescribed by Rules of Court.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
Amy VanFossen, P.C.
Gloucester
01.2017 - Current
- Drafted and filed legal documents, ensuring compliance with court procedures.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation by organizing exhibits and witness lists.
- Managed case files, maintaining accurate records for ongoing and closed cases.
- Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and external parties to streamline processes.
- Reviewed discovery materials for relevance and accuracy, enhancing case strategy formulation.
- Implemented process improvements that increased operational efficiency within the firm's workflow.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Prepared answers and documentation for discovery requests.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
- Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Fastcase.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
Paralegal
Hunter Law Firm
Gloucester & Hampton, VA
09.2008 - 01.2017
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation by organizing exhibits and witness lists.
- Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and external parties to streamline processes.
- Reviewed discovery materials for relevance and accuracy, enhancing case strategy formulation.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
- Conducted in-depth legal research for supporting case strategy development, significantly contributing to positive outcomes.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
Skills
Proficient in drafting legal documents (complaints, petitions, affidavits, settlement agreements, decrees, etc), legal research (LexisNexis/Fastcase), and knowledge of local, state, and family court procedures
Ability to manage high-volume case load
Skilled in tracking and billing legal tasks/case management
Excellent written, communication, and organizational skills
Exceptional team player with the ability to work independently with limited supervision
Timeline
Paralegal
Amy VanFossen, P.C.
01.2017 - Current
Paralegal
Hunter Law Firm
09.2008 - 01.2017