__________________________    Heather Burrus    ________________________ hburrus@email.itt-tech.edu132 South David Street, Springfield, IL 62702              217-816-1883 (cell)

Profile:    

I recently Graduated in December 2014 from ITT Technical Institute in the Paralegal Program and have my Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies.  I am proficient at providing excellent customer service, with the bulk of my career in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.  Experience has allowed me to develop responsibility, self-motivation, and excellent communication and problem solving skills.  My goal, at this time, is to obtain an entry level position where I can utilize my education and work experience to benefit the community and society as a whole.

Education:

ITT Technical Institute, Springfield, IL

Associate of Applied Science Degree, Paralegal StudiesSeptember 2012-Dec. 2014

President of NTHS (National Technical Honors Society)September 2013-Present

Treasurer and Photographer of The Paralegal ClubDecember  2013-Present

Kaplan University

Medical Transcription 2009 - 2011

Ashford University Healthcare

Administration 2007 - 2008  

  Lincoln Land Community College

Business Management 2002 - 2003

 

RELEVANT COURSEWORK: 

·  Introduction to Paralegal Studies- the American legal system, the role of courts, lawyers and responsibilities of paralegal/legal assistant.

·  Technology in the Law Office- computer technology and applications.  Hands-on instruction with emphasis on software common to the paralegal/legal assistant.

·  Wills Trusts and Estates- preparation and handling of wills, trusts, and estates.  Responsibilities and duties in the field of estate administration that can be performed by a paralegal, emphasizing the drafting of estate planning documents, such as wills and trusts.  Probate proceedings, preparation of probate court pleadings, collection and valuation of assets, review of claims, distribution of assets among beneficiaries and accounting.

·  Real Estate Law- legal concepts and specialized terminology related to real property law, title examination, title insurance, and transfer of interests in real property.  Students review title examination and title searches, and the procedures and documents used in real estate closings.

·  Ethics for Paralegals- provides a foundation of legal and ethics necessary for the paralegal/legal assistant to properly deal with the public, clients, and professionals in a legal setting.  It reviews ethical considerations and responsibilities regulating the paralegal/legal assistant.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Governor’s Office of Constituent Affairs

InternAugust 2014 - Present

·    Responsible for sending letters and Student Packets out to constituents that send requests by mail or email.

·    Responsible for taking care of Boards and Commissions and sending them out.

·    Responsible for having the Proclamations signed by the Governor and Sec. of State Jesse White.

·    Responsible for sending Proclamations out.

·    Responsible for inputting the Annual Reports that come in the office into Excel Spreadsheet and making digital copies.

·    Answer phones and help constituents with there requests and issues.  Direct them to the right Liaison in that department to further assist them.

·    Responsible for putting the Student Packets together.

·    Responsible for scheduling all of the Governor’s invitations that come into the office.

Daycare Provider

Owner June 2009 - Present

·   Provide daycare in my home for parents who need daycare while they are working and/or going to school.

Manpower-Dept. of Revenue

Data Processor Aug. 2008 - May 2009

·   Entered tax return checks into the computer

·   Responsible for balancing of checks prior to delivery to bank

·   Monitored and entered Circuit Breaker Tax forms

·   Confirmed accuracy of information on the Circuit Breaker Tax forms                                                                                                               

Adecco-Wells Fargo

Claims Specialist March 2008 - July2008

·   Entered information from insurance claims that came in from closing of houses.

 

Kelly Services

INB Bank, Data Processor         November 2007

·   Entered checks into the computer and reconciled balances.

Blue Cross Blue Shield, Claims ProcessorMay 2007 – June 2007

·   Viewed medical claims for different providers and corrected any errors.

 

Cingular Wireless

Customer Care RepresentativeNov. 2003 - May. 2007 

·   Answered phones when customers called in about issues with phones and plans, troubleshot tech issues with equipment and plans, and entered notes into the account. Called customers back when commitments or cases had been completed and updated them on their account status.

 

Sylvian Identix

Customer Service RepresentativeOct. 2002 - Nov. 2003  

·   Answered phones and scheduled finger printing appointments for out of state customers for job requirements.

 

Weststaff Temporary Services

Springfield Clinic, Data Processor Aug. 2001 - Nov. 2001  

·   Entered new patient’s files into the computer and ensured that all the patients’ information was current and accurate.

Ackerman Law Office, Secretary     November 2000

·   Answered phones and responded to client requests. Typed letters from a Dictaphone and processed for mailing to clients.

 

Kelly Services- Lexis Nexis Document Services

On Line-Tcer Nov. 2000 - July 2001  

·   On-line searches for different companies, lawyers, banks, etc. Gathering all information, putting it together, printing it out and giving it to a specific team for review prior to mailing. Responsible for writing and dispensing checks to field representatives.

 

Additional Skills: 

Extensive Experience in Data Entry, Excel, Lotus, Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, Windows 95, 97 & 98, Windows Vista, 10-Key.

Achievements:    

1998 Manpower Award for service with Manpower Temporary Services, 2004 Certificate for Great Customer Service with Cingular Wireless, 2005 Certificate for Great Customer Service with Cingular Wireless, 2005 Certificate for 100% Call Quality for Customer Service with Cingular Wireless, 2006 Certificate for Great Customer Service with Cingular Wireless, 2006 Letter of Acknowledgement for Customer Service by a Customer, ITT Connectors Certificate 2012, ITT Connectors Certificate 2013, ITT Connectors Certificate 2014, ITT Tech Highest Honors Certificate 2012 Fall Quarter, ITT Tech Highest Honors Certificate 2012 Winter Quarter, ITT Tech Highest Honors Certificate 2013 Spring Quarter, ITT Tech Honors Certificate 2013 Summer Quarter, ITT Honors Certificate Fall Quarter 2013, ITT Honors Certificate Winter Quarter 2013, ITT Highest Honors Certificate Spring Quarter 2014, ITT Highest Honors Certificate Summer Quarter 2014.