Cynthia Cunningham

(708) 217-6882

cynlloyd@yahoo.com

19000 Baker, Country Club Hills, IL 60478

Objective

To pursue a career in with an organization where I can utilize my education, experience, and skills to become an effective and successful team member.

 

Experience             

8/2008 – 3/2013

Paralegal                            Mauck & Baker, LLC                            Chicago, IL

·                      Assisted attorneys in investigating and litigating civil rights violations, consumer protection, real estate,               and attorney fee shifting in Federal, State, Appeals, and Supreme Courts.

·                      Assisted with commercial real estate transactions.

·                      Interviewed clients to develop a time-line of factual events.

·                      Drafted declarations and affidavits for preliminary and temporary injunction motions.

·                      Researched and investigate civil rights issues, zoning laws, and other legal authorities.

·                      Prepared and draft responses to discovery request to admit, interrogatories, production of documents,               Rule 26 (a) (I) disclosures, and deposition notices.

·                      Prepared, tracked, a follow-up on Public Records Act, and Freedom of Information Act investigations.

·                      Prepared notices and exhibits for motions, briefs, and other court filings.

·                      Prepared and secure grant funding for civil liberties violation clients.

·                      Assisted with bankruptcy filings, estate planning, annual reports, and tax-exempt filings.

·                      Maintained client files and time entry via case management and billing legal software.

9/2007 – 8/2008                            

Executive Administrator/Office Manager                God’s Helping Hands Family Care Center              Chicago, IL

·         Processed accounts receivable, payables, payroll, and budgets via QuickBooks.

·         Provided monthly financial reports to outside accountant.

·         Worked with outside law firm on all legal matters, including real estate zoning matters.

·         Responsible for basic IT set-up, troubleshoot computers, networking and printers

·         Prepared request for proposals, and secured funding resources through fundraising, grants, and sponsorships.

·         Liaison with state and local Department of Human Services regarding housing placement for homeless women and children.

·         Provided administrative support to the president.

·         Supervised the career and life skills training for homeless women.

8/2006 – 9/2007                            

In-House Sales Support Representative               John Wiley & Sons, Inc – Publishing                            Indianapolis, IN

·         Responsible for sales and marketing of textbooks, supplements and new media to professors and academic bookstores in territories comprised of 2 and 4-year colleges and universities.

·         Assisted in securing adoptions.

·         Serviced accounts via telephone and email.

·         Assisted senior publishing representative with their territories.

·         Researched school information to maintain customer’s information, and maintained accounts via CRM database.

9/1999 – 8/2006                               

Region Claims Paralegal                            Stewart Title Guaranty Company              Chicago, IL

·         Researched and investigated public records for the legal condition of real estate titles.

·         Summarize recorded documents affecting title to property, such as mortgages, deeds, and other liens.

·         Administered title insurance claims management for the Midwest region.

·         Utilized and trained field staff on Legal Files claims management system and provided technical support.

·         Prepared expense reports.

 

Volunteer Experience

2/2004 – Present             

Plan Commissioner              City of Country Club Hills Plan Commission

·         Responsible for land use, zoning, and environmental planning.

·         Initiate and guide long-range planning efforts.

·         Participate in public meetings on proposed plans and projects.

·         Review development proposals for conformance with local plans and development regulations.

2011 – Present Emergency and Disaster Assistance

·         Assist churches with developing an emergency, disaster, and crisis management plans.

 

Education

2013 – Present              APUS/American Military University                            Charles Town, WV

Master of Science              Accounting             

2010 – 2013              APUS/American Military University                            Charles Town, WV

Master of Arts              Emergency and Disaster Management (Conferred)

2004              Governors State University                            University Park, IL

Bachelor of Arts                            Board of Governors-Business and Accounting

2001                                                           South Suburban College              South Holland, IL

Certificate                            Business Management

 

Certificates                            

Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL - Paralegal – Litigation, Civil, Criminal, and Real Estate law, Legal Research

The Land Title Institute, Houston, TX - The Fundamental Precepts and Practices of the Land Title Industry

Prairie State College, Matteson, IL - Real Estate Appraisal              Fundamental, Practice, and USAP

Department of Homeland Security - FEMA – Emergency Management certifications.

 

Illinois Notary -  Commission Expires  11/29/16

 

 

Professional Affiliations

National Paralegal Society

Illinois Paralegal Association

National Emergency Management Association

American Planning Association

American Association of Notaries – Illinois

 

Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, QuickBooks, Lexis, Tabs3, Practice Master, Legal Files, Raiser’s Edge, and AS 400.  Knowledge of Great Plains accounting program. Substantial knowledge of accounting principles, practices and procedures..