Melissa Hensel
Roanoke
Summary
Well-rounded administrative/legal professional skilled in researching legal case information and preparing necessary correspondence with strong understanding of legal terminology and processes. Adept in maintaining confidential records and client information. Pleasantly assists attorneys in preparing for trials and other legal proceedings.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Forensic Administrator and Office Specialist III
Commonwealth Of VA, Department Of Forensic Science
03.2017 - Current
- Preparation of technical/scientific reports to provide legal documentation of laboratory results to law enforcement agencies and the judicial system
- Prepares correspondence and administrative documents, such as, termination letters, certified copies of Certificates of Analysis
- Maintains tracking system of mailings to Commonwealth's Attorneys Offices and law enforcement agencies
- Maintains filing for all scientific laboratory results and assures all files are signed in and out properly and performs QA reviews
- Provides excellent customer service to law enforcement agencies and attorneys
- Cross training of all new employees in the Administrative office
- Purchasing official for eVA for laboratory supplies
- Team member for safety committee
Administrative Legal Assistant
Roanoke County Attorney's Office
03.2014 - 03.2017
- Enhanced attorney-client communication by managing correspondence, scheduling appointments, and providing timely updates on case progress.
- Serve as contact for the County Attorney's Office in relations with Legislative Services for the General Assembly and the public.
- Ensured accuracy of legal documents by proofreading, editing, and verifying proper formatting according to court guidelines.
- Facilitated smooth daily operations by coordinating office schedules, preparation of the departmental budget and assist in overseeing expenditures, managing supply inventory, and addressing technical issues as needed.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of court procedures and filing requirements for deeds and easements to ensure compliance with all regulations.
- Assisted in drafting legal memoranda, ordinances and resolutions, briefs, motions, and pleadings under the guidance of supervising attorneys.
- Increased efficiency in handling confidential information with discretion while maintaining strict adherence to professional ethics standards.
Legal Secretary
Roanoke County Department Of Social Services
07.2012 - 08.2014
- Supported attorneys during trials by efficiently coordinating exhibits, witness interviews, and other essential tasks.
- Created and printed legal documents for attorneys to review.
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Scheduled all appointments, appearances and briefings.
- Diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling.
- Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
Legal Accounts Specialist
SCA Credit Services
08.2009 - 07.2012
- Executed the flow of collection versus budget through legal action and bad debt accounts
- Prepare legal documents to obtain judgment, garnishment and interrogatories for assigned attorneys
- Research debtors account via computer and hard files to qualify and combine accounts for legal action
- Conduct location and financial investigations to locate missing debtors and to qualify uncooperative debtor accounts for garnishment
- Conduct negotiations with debtors and determine the acceptability of payment arrangements.
Legal Secretary
Jonathan Rogers, PC
04.2002 - 05.2005
- Managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
- Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
- Coordinated meetings, conferences, and travel arrangements for attorneys, ensuring seamless scheduling across the firm.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs, contributing to successful case resolutions.
- Provided exceptional customer service when greeting clients and answering phone calls, fostering a welcoming environment.
- Contributed to positive client experiences by offering attentive support during consultations with attorneys.
- Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
- Organized files for court proceedings.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
- Scheduled all appointments, appearances and briefings.
- Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
- Prioritized and handled multiple assignments and maintained firm commitment to deadlines.
- Assisted with preparation of trial materials and documents.
Legal Secretary
Anthony Anderson, Attorney At Law
10.2001 - 04.2002
- Scheduled all appointments with clients; All Federal and State court hearings.
- Process voluminous filing
- Maintain office finances and inventory
- Draft court documents including briefs, pleadings, appeals and wills
- Coordinate delivery of subpoenas
- Prepare office correspondence.
- Assist in trial preparations and coordinating witness for trial and depositions
Legal Secretary/Victim-Witness Advocate
Office Of The Commonwealth Of Attorney, Bedford Co
05.1996 - 10.2001
- Served as liaison between public and Commonwealth's Attorney
- Assisted prosecutors in preparing witnesses for trial, resulting in stronger testimonies and increased conviction rates.
- Developed tailored safety plans for victims, ensuring their well-being during the legal process.
- Coordinated restitution efforts between victims and the courts, ensuring fair compensation for losses incurred due to crime.
- Managed caseloads efficiently by maintaining accurate records and consistently meeting deadlines for documentation submissions.
- Provided court accompaniment services that ensured victims felt supported during difficult hearings.
- Accompanied clients to court to clarify processes and procedures.
- Supported victims, family members and witnesses through law enforcement, healthcare and social services.
Education
Paralegal Studies
Virginia Western Community College
Roanoke, VAAssociate of Applied Science - Health Information Management
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Roanoke, VA05.1996
Timeline
Forensic Administrator and Office Specialist III
Commonwealth Of VA, Department Of Forensic Science
03.2017 - Current
Administrative Legal Assistant
Roanoke County Attorney's Office
03.2014 - 03.2017
Legal Secretary
Roanoke County Department Of Social Services
07.2012 - 08.2014
Legal Accounts Specialist
SCA Credit Services
08.2009 - 07.2012
Legal Secretary
Jonathan Rogers, PC
04.2002 - 05.2005
Legal Secretary
Anthony Anderson, Attorney At Law
10.2001 - 04.2002
Legal Secretary/Victim-Witness Advocate
Office Of The Commonwealth Of Attorney, Bedford Co
05.1996 - 10.2001
Paralegal Studies
Virginia Western Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Health Information Management
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
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