Adriana Melo
Vancouver,BC
Summary
Detail-oriented and proactive Legal Assistant with over 8 years of legal experience, including prior practice as a lawyer in Brazil and current legal work in Canada. Skilled in legal operations, research, document management, and cross-functional coordination. Adept at multitasking, managing complex schedules, tracking budgets, and improving organizational efficiency. Known for a collaborative approach, strong work ethic, and the ability to handle high-volume caseloads while meeting tight deadlines. Persistent and resourceful, with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Assistant
ICBC - Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
03.2022 - Current
- Provided administrative support to attorneys by managing calendars; scheduling appointments; organizing files; preparing correspondence; filing court documents; and obtaining necessary signatures.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for attorneys and clients attending out-of-town depositions.
- Filed pleadings and paperwork to meet strict deadlines in relevant courts for processing.
- Ensured that all paperwork was properly filed according to established procedures.
- Communicated with clients, courts, and opposing counsel regarding case updates.
- Drafted correspondence and maintained accurate records of communications.
- Updated databases with new information received from attorneys or clients.
- Utilized case management software to track deadlines and manage tasks.
- Maintained client confidentiality in all matters.
- Mailed and arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses and court officials.
- Handled telephone calls, meeting plans and conference organization requirements.
- Performed basic bookkeeping duties, including billing and tracking payments paid or received to and from clients.
Store Manager
Field and Social
Vancouver, BC
10.2021 - 03.2022
- Applied performance data to evaluate and improve operations, target current business conditions, and forecast needs.
- Reviewed and monitored scheduling, purchases, and other expenses to maintain the quarterly budget.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Set, enforced, and optimized internal policies to maintain responsiveness to demands.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise, and organized the backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety, and cleanliness.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Managed store employees successfully in a fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Analyzed and interpreted store trends to facilitate planning.
- Managed daily store operations and ensured smooth workflow.
Lawyer
Caixa Construtora
Rio Grande Do Norte, Brazil
01.2013 - 12.2019
- Advised clients to settle cases in lieu of protracted litigation.
- Conducted due diligence investigations and reporting to present legal opinions for clients.
- Negotiated with opposing groups or individuals to reach resolutions, avoid litigation and accomplish goals of clients.
- Analyzed and applied legal principles and performed legal research to support litigation strategy.
- Represented and advised clients on legal areas
- Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
- Monitored state and federal regulations to keep company up to date with changing laws.
- Communicated advice about all areas of law with internal business partners.
- Drafted agreements, contracts and other legal documents for the company.
- Examined, researched and interpreted laws related to different industries.
- Collaborated with human resources and outside counsel to protect company from legal claims.
- Maintained current knowledge of laws to provide clarification on legal concerns.
- Conducted legal research and analysis to draft legal opinions, studies and reports.
- Reviewed legal materials for compliance to correct issues.
- Interpreted legal instruments, agreements, memoranda of understanding and internal policies for governing bodies.
- Negotiated with opposing parties to remedy disputes.
- Maintained client databases and caseload information to advocate for interests of clients.
- Interpreted recent court opinions and current legal research to remain current with developments.
Legal Assistant Intern
Rossi, Rossiter & Capistrano Law Office
Rio Grande Do Norte, Brazil
04.2011 - 11.2012
- Created highly researched and articulate legal paperwork such as pleadings, contracts and briefs.
- Researched laws and regulations and delivered analysis and assessments.
- Supervised appointment scheduling for attorneys and made adjustments and changes through Microsoft Excel platform.
- Managed billable hour tracking, payroll, client invoicing and schedules for 6 - attorney office.
- Investigated facts and laws to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- Drafted correspondence and documentation and disseminated materials to appropriate parties.
- Researched state statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes and documents.
- Developed polished legal documents, including motions and briefs, to support litigation processes and court proceedings.
- Analyzed legal information and proofread material for errors.
- Filed pleadings and paperwork with court clerk to meet strict deadlines.
- Worked independently to meet deadlines and achieve objectives for special projects.
- Created organized filing system for legal documentation.
- Drafted correspondence, documented data and submitted materials to appropriate parties.
- Scheduled, adjusted and changed appointments for 6 attorneys.
Education
Associate of Arts - Legal Studies
Douglas College
New Westminster, BCL.L.M Criminal Law Studies
Uni-RN
Brazil12.2012
J.D. - Law School
Universidade Potiguar
Brazil12.2012
Skills
- Strong organization & time management
- Attention to detail
- Professional communication (written and verbal)
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Adaptability and comfort with ambiguity
- Proactive mindset
- Team collaboration (especially across time zones and departments)
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Initiative and problem-solving orientation
- Cross-cultural communication
Timeline
Legal Assistant
ICBC - Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
03.2022 - Current
Store Manager
Field and Social
10.2021 - 03.2022
Lawyer
Caixa Construtora
01.2013 - 12.2019
Legal Assistant Intern
Rossi, Rossiter & Capistrano Law Office
04.2011 - 11.2012
Associate of Arts - Legal Studies
Douglas College
L.L.M Criminal Law Studies
Uni-RN
J.D. - Law School
Universidade Potiguar
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