DEBORAH A. BALTAZAR

7803 West Glenlake Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 60631                                                                                                                              (773) 763-6567

 

OBJECTIVE:              Seeking an opportunity where my skills as a paralegal would be of value with an organization offering both challenge and growth potential.

 

SUMMARY:              <Excellent organizational skills...Results motivated individual with the demonstrated ability to handle difficult projects from inception to completion in a variety of capacities and environments.

 

<Effective communicator both oral and written...People-oriented individual with the ability to communicate at all levels.

 

<Detail oriented with the proven ability to work well independently or as part of a team.

EMPLOYMENT

BACKGROUND:

 

PRZYBYLO AND KUBIATOWSKI, Chicago, Illinois

Paralegal/Legal Secretary                                                                      February 1994 to Present

-Estate Planning/Living Trusts:  Initial review of file; prepare Living Trust documentation; assist attorney at the Trust Signing; Trust post-signing duties, which include:  prepare documentation for the transfer of real estate into the Trust and complete the transfer of the real estate (locally and nationwide); complete the transfer of assets into the Trust; and final review and closing of file.

-Real Estate:  Initial review of contracts for sale and purchase of real estate;  prepare file; docket and monitor contract deadlines; prepare closing and related documentation; land trusts including assignments of beneficial interest; and prepare mortgage documentation.

-Probate:  Initial review of file; prepare documentation to open estate with the court; prepare notification to heirs and legatees of estate; prepare estate inventory and current and final accounts; and prepare documentation to close estate with the court.

-Technical:  Responsible for installing and operating new computer programs, which include:  database, calendar, document assembly, and internet programs; training of employees; and continued maintenance of programs including editing and problem solving.

-Management:  Participating in the initial interview of new employees and responsible for training of new employees.

 

DI MONTE & LIZAK, Park Ridge, Illinois

Paralegal/Legal Secretary                                                                      September 1991-February 1994

Initial review of contracts for sale and purchase of real estate for commercial and residential transactions; prepared file and contacted involved parties to gather pertinent information; docketed and monitored contract deadlines; scheduled closings; prepared closing and related documentation; reviewed loan documentation and related closing documents regarding the purchase and refinance of residential real estate; procured documentation for the clearance of

DEBORAH A. BALTAZAR

 

title; attended closings for sale and purchase; post-closing monitoring; prepared contracts and leases; prepared documents for conveyance of title; land trusts including assignments of beneficial interest; and prepared mortgage documentation.

 

-Probate:  Initial review of file; prepared documentation to open estate with the court; prepared notification to heirs and legatees of estate; responsible for estate accounting; sale of assets; payment of estate debts; prepared estate inventory and final account; and prepared documentation to close estate with the court.

-Knowledge of civil litigation and bankruptcy law (debtor).

 

FAGEL & HABER, Chicago, Illinois

Real Estate Paralegal                                                                      August 1988-August 1991

Prepared closing documentation regarding the sale of real estate for commercial and residential transactions; reviewed loan documentation and related closing documents regarding the purchase of residential real estate; procured documentation for the clearance of title; attended closings for sale and purchase; reviewed contracts and leases; prepared date schedules; performed tract book searches and real estate tax searches; prepared documents for conveyance of title; land trusts; mechanics' liens; complaints and certificates of error for the reduction of real estate taxes for property owners; and knowledge of city and county zoning.

-Corporate:  Incorporated, reinstated, and dissolved corporations; knowledge of corporate documentation filed with Secretaries of State for several states; prepared annual reports; and maintained corporate minute books.

-Knowledge of litigation and bankruptcy law (creditor).

 

STOTIS & BAIRD, Chicago, Illinois

Paralegal                                                                                                  June 1985-August 1988

Previously legal secretary and office manager.

Managed office personnel; trained new employees; office accounting; payroll; billing; prepared title commitments through Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund, Inc.; scheduled real estate closings; prepared required documentation for closing; and prepared final mortgagee and owner policies.

-Knowledge of litigation, family law, and corporate law.

 

EDUCATIONAL

BACKGROUND:

 

ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY, Chicago, Illinois

Certificate - Lawyer's Assistant Program                            1987

 

ROBERT MORRIS COLLEGE, Chicago, Illinois                            1985

Legal Secretarial Program

 

TECHNICAL:              Extensive working knowledge of most computer systems and programs including:  Windows, Microsoft Word, and WordPerfect programs and Lexis/Nexis training.

 

REFERENCES:              Available Upon Request