Sara McGonagle

Very knowledgeable and extremely talented legal assistant with a Paralegal Studies degree conferred with Highest Honors and over a decade of substantive legal training and experience in a variety of legal settings from private practices to corporate settings. Well versed in civil practice, corporate law, appellate procedure, and litigation. Attuned legal researcher.

Recognized for delivering precise and thoughtful support to attorneys and corporate counterparts in complex business, property, and procedural matters. Able to maintain state and federal cases from notice through final opinion. Active member of the ABA (Paralegal Division), Illinois State Bar Association (affiliate), with continuous professional development through credited CLE coursework and ongoing university studies.

Selected ABA Diversity Speaker and licensed Illinois Notary Public.

Advanced Paralegal / Sole Proprietor - Hudlegal - Freeport, Illinois

(2023-01 - 2025-01)

• Provided support in complex civil liability and property cases.
• Drafted motions, contracts, subpoenas, briefs, and research memoranda for practicing attorneys.
• Managed case deadlines and ensured compliance with procedural rules in state and federal courts for private lawyers.
• Supported corporate mergers, buyouts, and shareholder agreements at attorney's directive.
• Utilized real estate and commercial contracts for specific transactions in real estate firms.

Legal Assistant to General Counsel - Law Office of Donald J. Tegeler (Now Judge Donald Tegeler; 16th Judicial Circuit- Kane County, IL) - Geneva, IL

(2010-01 - 2012-12)

• Supported trial preparation and research for high-volume criminal defenses.
• Coordinated discovery, maintained client communication, and managed filings.
• Assisted in legal research and record management throughout all case phases.

Assistant to Corporate Counsel - Phoenix Energy Services - Creston, IL

(2018-01 - 2020-12)

• Supported audits, union inquiries, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Drafted mechanics liens, negotiation letters, and regulatory responses.
• Ensured adherence to local union rules and handled regulatory communication.

County Clerk - Kane County Circuit Clerk - Geneva, IL

(2007-01 - 2009-12)

• Digitized and organized marriage and other court records for electronic storage.
• Assisted the public with accessing case records and processing fines and tickets.
• Retrieved archived case filings and supported record management.

Law Clerk & Law Library Assistant - 16th Judicial Circuit Kane County - Geneva, IL

(2002-01 - 2004-12)

• Completed legal research and compiled case law for judges.
• Assisted pro se litigants with orders of protection.
• Designed a microfilm storage and retrieval system in the law library.
• Assisted judges with assignments tailored to each individual justice's instruction and preference.

Energy Efficiency Advisor - ComEd Energy Efficiency Program - Wood-Dale, IL

(2017-01 - 2020-12)

• Introduced businesses to energy efficiency program, conducted site visits, coordinated inspections, and ensured contract compliance with legal teams.

Team Leader - Fitbit-IL

(2016-01 - 2019-12)

• Organized international Fitbit challenges for up to 200 participants, managed group engagement via social media, and provided data to corporate representatives.
• Created and ran Fitastic Fitbit Group.

Bookkeeper and Director's Aid - The Learning Tree Child Development Center - Geneva, IL

(2007-01 - 2010-12)

Cashier and Team Leader - Meijer - St. Charles, IL

(2002-01 - 2006-12)

Cashier and private event Host - Kane County Cougars - Geneva, IL

(2000-01 - 2005-12)

• Hostess for corporate and private deck and lawn parties.

JD & B.A. - Law and Arts - University of Chicago (2024-01 - 2028-12)

A.S. - Paralegal Studies (ABA-Accredited) - Elgin Community College (2010-01 - 2012-12)

High School Diploma - St. Charles East High School (1998-01 - 2002-12)