Christine Beckwith

Well rounded, established and familiar in Arizona law, primarily family law for over twelve years. Effective problem solver; prioritize and manage heavy work flow without direct supervision. "Can do" attitude; work very cooperatively with legal and non-legal staff. Excellent working relationship with billing attorneys. Additional skills include customer service, general office support and flexibility in office/remote and schedule.

Freelance/Contract Paralegal - Self-employed - Phoenix, Arizona

(2012-03)

Providing paralegal/legal assistance in the Phoenix area on a contractual hourly rate based upon case/company assignment.

• Responsible for all aspects of legal document preparation, client relations, court/legal professional communications, calendaring, docketing in a time-efficient, prominent manner ensuring deadlines are met.
• Hourly 1099 compensation provided which ultimately promotes limited overhead expenses to contract employer – service for assignments available in office or remotely.

Paralegal - DeShon Pullen & Associates, PLC

(2006-08 - 2012-03)

• Create Petitions for Dissolution of Marriage/Paternity packages, Motions, Responses and Replies for family law cases including the main body contents with factual basis.
• Extensive calendaring, docketing and research in all areas of family, personal injury, civil and criminal law as well as formal pleadings and interaction with the legal system.
• Calendar all incoming/outgoing pleadings, Minute Entries, Court hearings for attorneys and support staff.
• Legal Research initiation and summary review for attorney case notes/citations in pleadings and/or Court.
• Prepare and/or compile discovery requests and responses for clients as well as extensive review of the same for non-compliance issues and sanctions.
• Senior level communication with clients, opposing parties, opposing counsel and Judicial Assistant's pertaining to all aspects of each client's case on a daily basis.

Paralegal - Bishop & Martin Law Office

(2004-02 - 2006-08)

Work immediately under owner of medium-sized law firm specializing in family law as well as administered under the Arizona State Bar as Judge Pro Tempore.

• Create various pleadings for limited review and revisions for filings with Court.
• Direct professional communication with clients, Judge's divisions and opposing counsel/party in person, via e-mail and extensive telephone contact on a constant basis.
• Create in depth Property Settlement Agreements, Parenting Plans and Consent Decrees based upon previous Rule 69 Agreements for attorney review.
• Assist in hiring support staff, billing pre-bills and finals; overall office management.
• Review and assist in collections; prepare Summons and Complaints for past due accounts.

Certification - Bookkeeping/Accounting - PCDI (1995 - 1997)