Microsoft and Apple operating systems
Sonia K Gwilliam
Certified Paralegal. Masters Of Science In Criminology (MSc)
Bargteheide
Summary
Goal-oriented paralegal experienced in providing administrative support to legal departments with focus on document management. Demonstrated ability in interpreting legal policies. Motivated to continually improve and extend personal skills and knowledge to attain increased responsibility and opportunities for professional growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Paralegal
Babbel GmbH
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Supported risk mitigation efforts by assisting in the preparation of due diligence reports on potential clients or business partners.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Monitored changes in laws, regulations and other legal matters to keep firm compliant with requirements.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Legal Manager
Cloud Imperium Games, Ltd.
11.2022 - 03.2023
- Established strong relationships with external counsel, enabling efficient collaboration on complex legal issues and cost-effective services.
- Advised executive leadership on corporate governance best practices, contributing to the development of a robust organizational structure.
- Supported business development initiatives by analyzing relevant laws and regulations to ensure full compliance during expansion into new markets or industries.
- Coordinated responses to regulatory inquiries and audits, ensuring prompt action and comprehensive documentation of compliance efforts.
- Improved legal department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new case management systems.
- Enhanced communication within the legal department through regular meetings, progress reports, and open dialogue, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
- Drafted clear and concise contracts that protected the company''s interests while fostering positive business relationships with clients and partners.
- Reduced company's legal risk exposure by conducting thorough contract reviews and providing sound legal advice to executives.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Paralegal
Oracle Solicitors
10.2020 - 02.2022
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
- Increased collaboration among team members by coordinating meetings, conference calls, and video conferences with internal staff and external parties involved in cases.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in laws or regulations relevant to practice areas through continuous professional development opportunities such as seminars or webinars.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Monitored changes in laws, regulations and other legal matters to keep firm compliant with requirements.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
Paralegal
Stenger Rechtsanwälte
03.2019 - 07.2020
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
- Increased collaboration among team members by coordinating meetings, conference calls, and video conferences with internal staff and external parties involved in cases.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in laws or regulations relevant to practice areas through continuous professional development opportunities such as seminars or webinars.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Monitored changes in laws, regulations and other legal matters to keep firm compliant with requirements.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
Managing Director
Speakeasy24 Language Solutions
07.2007 - 03.2019
- Implemented robust financial controls and reporting systems, ensuring accurate forecasting and budget management.
- Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
- Cultivated a strong organizational culture built on integrity accountability teamwork which resulted in higher retention rates among freelance staff.
- Directed large-scale projects from inception to completion on time/budget with strict adherence to quality standards.
- Oversaw complex negotiations with suppliers/vendors for favorable contract terms that led to cost savings.
- Launched innovative products/services that captured new market share while maintaining competitive pricing structures.
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding service offerings.
- Negotiated new annual contracts and service agreements with vendors to achieve prime pricing.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning by investing in employee development programs and resources.
English Legal Advisor
Brinkmann & Partner
06.2005 - 07.2007
- Maintained strict confidentiality while managing sensitive information related to clients' legal affairs.
- Streamlined contract negotiation processes, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Reduced potential litigation risks by conducting thorough research and providing preemptive solutions to clients.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay up-to-date on the latest legal developments within the industry.
Key Account Manager
Wall Stree Institute
08.2002 - 04.2005
- Presented accurate sales forecasts based on detailed analysis of market trends, ensuring optimal resource allocation for maximum results.
- Proactively identified potential issues within key accounts, taking corrective action to prevent loss of business or dissatisfaction.
- Negotiated contract renewals with existing clients, securing long-term commitment and fostering ongoing collaboration.
- Increased overall efficiency while reducing operational costs through continuous evaluation and adjustment of key account management strategies.
- Monitored competitor activity within the industry, adjusting strategies accordingly to maintain a competitive edge in key accounts management.
- Established strong rapport with clients by consistently exceeding their expectations in quality and service delivery.
- Strengthened client relationships through regular communication and effective problem solving.
Education
Master of Science - Criminology
University of Wales, Bangor
Bangor, Wales06.2000
Bachelor of Science - Administration of Justice
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia06.1997
Graduate Level Paralegal - Paralegal
George Washington Unviersity
Washington, D.C.06.1992
Skills
- Attorney Support
- Legal jargon knowledge
- Database Research
- Document filing
- Proficient in MS Office
- Contract Review
- File and Records Management
- Proofreading
- Legal Research
- Legal Analysis
- Project Management
- Conflict Resolution
Software
Confluence
ContractSafe
LinkedSquares
Google Suite
Interests
Hiking
Chess
Cooking
Timeline
Paralegal
Babbel GmbH
05.2023 - 10.2023
Legal Manager
Cloud Imperium Games, Ltd.
11.2022 - 03.2023
Paralegal
Oracle Solicitors
10.2020 - 02.2022
Paralegal
Stenger Rechtsanwälte
03.2019 - 07.2020
Managing Director
Speakeasy24 Language Solutions
07.2007 - 03.2019
English Legal Advisor
Brinkmann & Partner
06.2005 - 07.2007
Key Account Manager
Wall Stree Institute
08.2002 - 04.2005
Master of Science - Criminology
University of Wales, Bangor
Bachelor of Science - Administration of Justice
George Mason University
Graduate Level Paralegal - Paralegal
George Washington Unviersity
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