Deborah Curtis Ross
Neptune, NJ 07753
 [Send email to request phone number] 49-4040 (  cell )
[Send email using form at bottom]

RESUME

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE

A highly experienced professional legal assistant with a strong background in
litigation, business, international finance, office management and educational
training in computer technology seeking challenging position in a professional
environment.  Recognized for ability to resolve problems in a timely manner,
leading to increased efficiency and revenue.  Has developed various databases to
streamline operations and files, leading to collection of unpaid accounts and
facilitating easy access to documentation within files.  Known for attentiveness
to details and discretion in handling confidential matters.  Possesses superior
communication skills, both written and verbal. Candidate is a self-starting team
player that takes pride in the work while easily adapting to challenges. 

COMPUTER & TECHNICAL SKILLS

Software Applications: Microsoft Office 2003 & 2000: (Word, Excel, Access,
PowerPoint, Publisher, Works, Outlook, Project), Adobe (Full Version), Visio,
WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3/Lotus Version 2/Lotus Graphics, Fastback Plus, Xtpro,
Dbase 111, Smartcom 11, and Wang OIS-140/Wang VS-10OMang PC. Syntrex (Aquarius &
Libra); Xerox 860; IBM Displaywriter (Txtpks 4, 6); IBM Displaywrite III/IV; and,
Multimate. Hardware: IBM Aptiva/PC/AT/XT/SYSTEM 2 MODEL 30/50/70/3270 and
compatibles. Xerox Memory 6015, 6030, variety of Dictaphones, and console
switchboard.

Typing & Steno Speed: 80 wpm

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:

DRAZIN AND WARSHAW – 2008 – Present

Personal Injury/Legal Assistant – (Dennis A. Drazin, Esq.) to personal injury
partner of central New Jersey law firm.  Responsible for management of
approximately 75 injury files for trial partner, including, but not limited to
opening files, scheduling client interviews, initiating Personal Injury
Protection (“PIP”) claims with insurance carriers. Position requires the
interviewing of clients; preparation and submission of complaints for filing;
preparation of summonses to effect service of process upon defendants;
preparation of correspondence to involved parties, including defendants,
insurance carriers, medical providers; preparation and filing of motions; and,
follow-up of all court mandated guidelines.  Ensures the systematic maintenance
of correspondence, pleadings, investigative materials and medical documentation
of clients, as well as those received from adverse parties. The position also
requires the composition, typing and filing of a variety of legal documents
throughout the New Jersey judicial system, as well as e-filing tasks in the U.S.
District Court for the District of New Jersey.

WILENTZ, GOLDMAN & SPITZER, P.A. – 2002 – 2008

Personal Injury/Legal Assistant – (Barry A. Cooke, Esq.) to personal
injury/product liability shareholder of major New Jersey law firm.  Responsible
for management of several hundred injury files for trial partner, including, but
not limited to opening files, scheduling client interviews, initiating Personal
Injury Protection (“PIP”) claims with insurance carriers. Position requires the
preparation and submission of complaints for filing, as well as the preparation
of summonses to effect service of process upon defendants. Oversees heavy
calendar schedule. Maintains correspondence, pleadings, investigative and medical
documentation of clients, as well as those received from adverse parties. The
position also requires the composition, typing and filing of a variety of legal
documents throughout the New Jersey judicial system, as well as e-filing tasks in
the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and Southern District of
New York.

Documentation Specialist – (2002-2004) Lead operator in Word Processing
Department for evening shift of the firm. Monitors workflow and follows up as
necessary with various attorneys, paralegals and secretaries for clarification of
instructions pertaining to work orders. Communicates requester’s instructions to
shift operators to ensure that finished product meets the demands of the
requester. Types, formats, retrieves, revises, compares, combines, edits,
spell-checks, proofreads, prints, saves and tracks various documents from simple
tape transcriptions to complicated and "difficult to read" handwritten copy.
Continues to completion work orders commenced by earlier shift as well as floor
legal secretaries and ensures that required document protocols have been met by
prior operator. Responsible for transcribing various documents on tapes, audio
upload, Lanier system. Proficient in creating Styles, generation of TOC/TOA,
creating columns, etc. in Word, WordPerfect, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, PDF
scanning, Payne Numbering Assistant, DTE, conversions in Comparite and Deltaview.
Lead Operator is responsible for communicating with various attorneys throughout
the firm in an effort to coordinate emergent situations by arranging coverage.



LAWRENCE, LESLIE & KAIN, Asbury Park, NJ 1998 – 2002

Litigation Paralegal – (Herbert Lawrence, Esq.) responsible for management of
all personal injury cases for trial partner. Responsible for opening files,
interviewing clients, and initiating claims with insurance carriers. Prepared
complaints and summons for submission to various courts. Oversaw calendar
schedule. Maintained correspondence with clients and opposing law firms.
Responsible for the composition, typing and filing of variety of legal documents
in the Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean, and Essex County judicial systems under the
supervision of the partner. Developed and implemented database system, organizing
hundreds of PIP claims, significantly increasing efficiency of operations and
facilitating easy retrieval of files. This PIP claim process created an
additional six-figure profit for the firm. Communicated with medical providers,
insurance adjusters, and clients, maintaining open interaction toward the
successful conclusion of the claims filed. 

E. ALLEN MAC DUFFIE, JR., ESQ., Lavallette, NJ 1996 – 1998

Litigation Paralegal – (E. Allen MacDuffie, Esq.) managed all personal injury
and general litigation for sole practitioner. Opened files, interviewed clients,
and initiated claims with insurance carriers. Wrote and filed complaints, service
of process, proof of service, and discovery process. Assisted counsel in
preparation for trial as well as settlement proceeds processing and closing out
files. Authorized to participate in settlement negotiations, leading to 70% of
cases settled before arbitration. Significantly increased the efficiency of
office utilizing strong organizational skills. 

SONNENBLICK, PARKER & SELVERS, P.C., Freehold, NJ 1994 – 1996

Legal Assistant - supporting senior partner and associate (Jerome M. Selvers,
Esq. and Chad N. Cagan, Esq.) in defense of variety of securities matters before
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, New Jersey Bureau of Securities, and
other state securities bureaus. Prepared and filed all pleadings. Provided
technical support for office, ensuring computers were functioning at optimum
performance. Troubleshot and resolved technical problems in a timely manner.
Generated tables, forms, spreadsheets, and other organizational tools to improve
efficiency. 

PARK TOWER ASSOCIATES, Newark, NJ  - 1994 – 1994

Legal Secretary for temporary placement agency.

 
CAMPBELL, FOLEY, LEE, MURPHY & CERNIGLIARO - Asbury Park, NJ 1992 – 1994

Legal Secretary – (John Lee, Esq.) provided support and assistance to senior
partner (John J. Lee, Esq.) of personal injury defense litigation firm. Oversaw
approximately 200 cases with 12 insurance carriers, generating interrogatories
and maintaining calendar and correspondence filed. Responsible for opening of
files, verification of proofs of service, discovery process, settlement
negotiations, trial preparation, processing of settlement proceeds, and closing
out files. 

DAVID A. WEINSTEIN, ESQ., Ocean Township, NJ 1990 – 1992

Office Manager – (David A. Weinstein, Esq.) responsible for hiring, training,
and managing office assistant. Oversaw office operations for sole practitioner in
busy general practice. In addition to strong real estate client base, practice
consisted of up to 20 municipal court cases, nearly 10 matrimonial/family law
cases, and up to 20 personal injury cases at any given time. Developed and
maintained highly effective billing system, inclusive of collection of overdue
accounts, leading to collection of thousands of dollars of unpaid accounts.
Originated new filing system for opening and closing cases to facilitate easy
retrieval of documentation necessary during trials. Created and implemented
operating procedures for new staff members, facilitating smooth transition.

Paralegal Secretary - performed dictation and transcription services into final
form of documentation. Prepared, typed and filed a variety of legal documents
throughout New Jersey judicial systems under minimal supervision of attorney. 

FORUM PERSONNEL/GEN-TEMPS, New York, NY 1989 – 1990

Legal Secretary/Word Processor supporting variety of firms throughout New York
City area, including Maritime Corporation, Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc.; Bank
of Tokyo; Levi, Phillips & Konisberg; First Boston Corporation; and Putnam
Publishers. 

DICKSTEIN, SHAPIRO & MORIN, Washington, DC 1987 – 1988

Legal Secretary - Assisted senior partner involved in the defense of nearly
every type of economic crime and enforcement matter, including those proceedings
before the IRS, SEC and Congress. Coordinated travel arrangements for partner and
associates involved in litigation of domestic and international cases. Created
indexing system for correspondence and pleadings within file, creating order
where there was none and facilitating easy retrieval of information during trial.
Resolved open files, closed out inactive files, and developed billing procedures
to collect unpaid balances before closing files, significantly increasing revenue
of firm.
 

WORLD BANK GROUP/IFC - Washington, D.C. - 1980 – 1988

Staff Assistant - Investment Departments for Europe/Middle East and West African
regions. Provided support to Senior Investment Officers in the project processing
cycle from initial project identification through disbursement/ completion cycle
for infrastructure projects in third world Europe, Middle East and West African
countries. Responsible for production of major lending documents including
editing, copying and distribution to members of the Investment Board considering
loan packages. Coordinator of consultant travel roster, arranging travel
arrangements (inclusive of hotel/per diem), as well as, other related travel
documents, monitoring of direct communications charges, preparation of
communications report for presentation before the Board of Directors.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and
Network Administration at University of Phoenix Online, anticipated graduation in
Fall of 2010, GPA 3.67. Has completed coursework at George Washington University,
Alfred University, Brookdale Community College, Prince George’s Community College
and The Institute for Paralegal Studies.

References available upon request.

Salary is negotiable.