TYRA SHERESE PETERSON

Chicago, Illinois 

312.340.1801 · tyra_peterson@yahoo.com

 

 

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

 

Conscientious and detail-oriented professional with exceptional administrative, verbal and written communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem solving skills.  Able to prioritize tasks to manage multiple projects in high volume and fast paced environment to meet deadlines.  Adaptable, with the ability to work independently, and to collaborate with diverse groups and individuals. 

                                                                                                                    

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 

Paralegal, 2012 to Present

Law Office of Michelle Broughton-Fountain.  Flossmoor, Illinois

·  Provides support to solo practitioner specializing in family, probate, commercial and residential real

    estate, and municipal matters.

·  Gathers pertinent information from clients, and drafts and responds to discovery requests and various

   settlement documents in divorce, and child custody matters. 

·  Prepares drafts of petitions, accountings, and other related documents for filing with probate court. 

·  Conducts research of Property Identification Numbers, tax records, deeds, unclaimed property, and

  corporate records via online databases.

·  Prepares correspondence to clients, courts, and various governmental agencies and municipalities.

 

Litigation Legal Secretary, 2011 to 2012

c/o The KPM Group.                                                                 c/o Robert Half Legal. 

Livonia, Michigan                                                                                Southfield, Michigan

Provided consistent administrative temporary support to attorneys at notable firms in the Metropolitan

Detroit area:  The Sam Bernstein Law Firm; Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker; & Williams & Acosta.

·  Transcribed, edited, proofread, and assembled pleadings and legal documents in litigation matters for

    filing with local courts for plaintiffs and defense firms; time entry and billing; and maintained attorneys’

   calendars. 

 

Paralegal Consultant, 2010 to Present

Concise Deposition Summary Service.  Washington, D.C.

·  Reads, and summarizes transcripts of deposition and trial testimony in litigation matters; and drafts,

   edits, and prepares written summaries via online platform.

 

Litigation Legal Secretary, 2004 to 2009

State of Michigan.  Detroit, Michigan

·  Provided administrative support to staff attorneys of the Attorney General Divisions of the Michigan

  Department of Transportation, and the Unemployment Insurance Agency, specializing in contract,

   employment, labor relations, and litigation matters.

·  Transcribed, edited, proofread, and assembled pleadings and legal documents in litigation matters

   for filing with local, state, and federal courts, and administrative agencies.

·  Managed and maintained case records, attorney calendars, and various databases; and coordinated and

    arranged travel.

             

Litigation Paralegal/Legal Secretary

c/o Joanne Mansfield Legal Personnel.                                             c/o The KPM Group. 

Bingham, Michigan, 2001 to 2004                                                        Troy, Michigan.  1998 to 2000

·  Provided consistent administrative temporary support to attorneys at notable firms, state agency, and

    corporate legal department in the Metropolitan Detroit area:  Keinbaum, Opperwall, Hardy & Pelton;

    Phifer, Phillips & White; the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission; and Blue Cross Blue Shield

    of Michigan.

·  Transcribed, edited, proofread, and assembled pleadings and legal documents in litigation matters for

   filing with local courts for plaintiffs and defense firms; time entry and billing; and maintained attorneys’

   calendars. 

 

Paralegal, October 1996 to February 1998

Goodman, Eden, Millender & Bedrosian.  Detroit, Michigan. 

· Assisted three attorneys in preparation of matters before the Social Security Administration and the

  Bureau of Workers’ Compensation on behalf of plaintiffs.

· Investigated, organized, and summarized medical, employment, and agency records.

· Analyzed and summarized deposition and administrative hearing transcripts.

 

Judicial Assistant to the Honorable Carolyn Stell, April 1991 to September 1994

Ingham County Circuit Court.  Lansing, Michigan. 

· Assisted in overall caseload management of civil, court of claims, criminal, and family law matters.

· Reviewed incoming material for conflicts of interest and ex parte communications; and evaluated

   case status and implemented appropriate action in compliance with court rules and procedures.

· Maintained calendar; prepared files; transcribed opinions and orders; and media relations.

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE

 

Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.  Chicago, Illinois 

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services.  Chicago, Illinois 

Lawyer Information Referral Service.  Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association.  Detroit, Michigan 

Children & Youth Services, Michigan Department of Attorney General.  Detroit, Michigan

 

EDUCATION

 

Legal Assistant Certificate (ABA Approved Paralegal Program), University of Detroit Mercy

Bachelor of Arts, Communications, Michigan State University

 

COMPUTER EXPERIENCE

 

Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint;Word Perfect, PACER, ProLaw, Needles, Lexis, and Westlaw.