ALISON NEWTON
Toronto,Canada
Summary
Bringing expertise in legal and administrative support with strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Experienced in managing client communications, document preparation, and office operations. Proficient in using advanced software tools to maintain efficient workflow and support legal professionals effectively.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Office Services Assistant
CAVALLUZZO LLP
05.2023 - Current
- Expert use of Acumin accounting software to open and close 100+ files (electronic) per month, update and edit billing and client information, answering daily queries from staff, entering and editing dockets (100+ monthly), resolving issues and discrepancies
- Assisted in management of front desk operations, greeting clients, answering and forwarding calls, processed incoming and outgoing mail, arranged for couriers and deliveries, forwarded faxes
- Completed zoom and boardroom bookings (10+ daily), assisted with meeting set-up and organization including completing audio-visual tech set up (5+ bookings monthly)
- Performed daily administrative tasks including printing, binding, fax distribution, downloading, saving and organizing electronic materials
- Special projects including scanning and electronic organization of 5000+ documents and organizing closure 500+ boxes of physical files
- Managed office supply orders and inventory to support availability
- Coordinated CPD enrolment for lawyers and provided training sessions for assistants on essential reception and tech-set up requirements
- Assisted new staff with onboarding including providing computer updates, monitor and desk set-up, and ensuring access to all firm software and programs
Legal Administrative Assistant
CAVALLUZZO LLP
05.2008 - Current
- Accurately prepared correspondence, submissions, legal documents, forms and other materials for use at hearings, trials and mediations, involving ongoing communications with lawyers, clients and other parties
- Effectively performed practice management tasks including account preparation and revision, calendar and email management, opening and closing files, photocopying, faxing, scanning and binding, electronic and physical file management, preparing expense claims, arranging zoom meetings, hearings and making travel arrangements
- Responsible for ensuring timely updates to external and internal website including drafting and posting of speaking engagements, news items, blogs and other announcements, and updating staff and lawyer information
- Provided administrative support to in-house CPD and Student Committees including document preparation, providing tech support and organizing student interviews
Legal Assistant - Employment Law Department
DAVIS LLP
12.2007 - Current
- Provided administrative support to 3 attorneys in a fast-paced legal environment, including filing and organizing documents, drafting correspondence and legal documents, scheduling appointments, and managing calendars
Legal Support Assistant
NORTON ROSE LLP
08.2004 - Current
- Provided effective legal administrative support in 3 departments, formatted complex legal documents, prepared general correspondence and legal documents from handwritten notes, and dictation according to firm standards
- Entered dockets, scanning file and client materials, organizing for efficient access, faxing, account preparation, processing expenses
Legal Assistant - Corporate and Commercial Litigation
WEIR FOULDS LLP
06.2003 - 01.2020
- Prepared correspondence, legal documents and accounts, in addition to organizing large files and making international travel arrangements for Senior Partner and Associate
Legal Assistant
McMILLAN BINCH LLP
06.2002 - Current
- Provided administrative support to attorneys in Corporate, Litigation and other departments, preparing legal documents, correspondence and accounts, processing incoming mail, managing email, faxing, and photocopying and other tasks as required
Legal Assistant - Litigation and Estates
PUBLIC GUARDIAN AND TRUSTEE
01.1999 - Current
- Maintained confidential client files and other sensitive information in Litigation and Estates Department, working with a vulnerable client base
- Prepared correspondence and pleadings for filing at various levels of court
- Created database tracking the research progress of 500+ files for individuals who died intestate in Ontario
Education
Legal Assistant's Certificate -
Toronto School of Business
Hamilton, ON06.1997
B.A. - English
McMaster University
Hamilton05.1987
Skills
- 20 Years Experience as Administrative and Legal Professional
- Client services orientation and cross-departmental relationship building
- Strong Technical Skills (Adobe Pro, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, ACL, Net Docs, Docusign, OneDrive, Sharepoint, Sitefinity website software)
- Organized and detail oriented with strong problem solving skills
- Superlative Written and Verbal Communication skills
- Strong Document Formatting skills and experience with Legal Research basics (CAN Lii, Westlaw, Quickaw)
- Scheduling, planning and calendar management
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
Certification
Legal Assistant Certificate
Hobbies and Interests
Yoga, Cycling, Reading, Writing, Meditation, Film, Theatre, Travel
Timeline
Office Services Assistant
CAVALLUZZO LLP
05.2023 - Current
Legal Administrative Assistant
CAVALLUZZO LLP
05.2008 - Current
Legal Assistant - Employment Law Department
DAVIS LLP
12.2007 - Current
Legal Support Assistant
NORTON ROSE LLP
08.2004 - Current
Legal Assistant - Corporate and Commercial Litigation
WEIR FOULDS LLP
06.2003 - 01.2020
Legal Assistant
McMILLAN BINCH LLP
06.2002 - Current
Legal Assistant - Litigation and Estates
PUBLIC GUARDIAN AND TRUSTEE
01.1999 - Current
Legal Assistant's Certificate -
Toronto School of Business
B.A. - English
McMaster University
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