APRIL CHRISS
Bermuda Dunes
Summary
Highly organized and detail-oriented Senior Family Law Paralegal with nine years of experience, including 4.5 years in high-asset and complex family law matters. Provide proactive litigation support to Certified Family Law attorneys from case inception through final judgment. Known for efficient case management, clear client communication, and strict confidentiality.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Paralegal
Hughes & Hughes
01.2021 - Current
- Draft and review complex legal correspondence, pleadings, Judicial Council forms, briefs, client declarations, and preliminary disclosures in high-asset family law matters.
- Manage all phases of discovery, including drafting and responding to discovery, coordinating subpoenas, overseeing document production, and ensuring strict compliance with statutory and court-ordered deadlines.
- Conduct advanced legal research using LexisNexis and Westlaw and remain current on family law statutes, local rules, and court procedures.
- Lead preparation for hearings, Mandatory Settlement Conferences (MSC), and trial, including organizing trial binders, preparing exhibits, coordinating fact and expert witnesses, and ensuring all pleadings are timely and accurately filed.
- Assist counsel at court appearances, MSCs, and trial by managing exhibits, coordinating witnesses, and providing real-time litigation support.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, maintaining professional and timely email and phone communication, addressing routine inquiries, and ensuring clients are informed throughout the litigation process.
- Maintain regular meetings with senior attorney to receive detailed instruction, provide case updates, and ensure strategic alignment on all matters.
- Maintain and manage organized electronic case files, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and immediate accessibility of records.
- Maintain and manage senior attorney's litigation calandar and personal calendar.
Client Intake Specialist
The Law Offices of Christian Schank and Associates
12.2019 - 01.2021
- First point of contact with potential new client, conduct detailed intake to collect all information about the potential client's situation, including the nature of their legal issue (divorce, child custody, support, etc.), key dates, parties involved, and any immediate concerns.
- Ability to actively listen to understand the client's emotional state and legal needs, providing reassurance and demonstrating compassion during a stressful time.
- Review the information gathered to assess the urgency and complexity of the case, determine whether the firm can meet the client’s needs, and explain the firm’s family law services, standard legal processes, and possible next steps.
- Schedule and coordinate initial consultations between prospective clients and attorneys, ensuring all required intake information is collected and provided in advance.
- Accurately organize and document all intake information while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with firm policies.
- Conduct follow-up calls or emails to confirm appointments, obtain additional information as needed, and respond to preliminary client inquiries.
Family Law Paralegal
Thompson & Belnap
02.2017 - 07.2019
- Assisted with document preparation for family law cases, including initial pleadings (Summons and Responses), discovery materials (Interrogatories and Requests for Production), and motion-related filings such as Requests for Order and Declarations.
- Communicated professionally with prospective and retained clients, opposing parties, and legal counsel to support case progress and maintain effective coordination.
- Supported trial preparation by organizing documents for Mandatory Settlement Conferences (MSC) and assisting with the preparation of trial exhibits.
- Prepared client retainer agreements and assisted with proper execution and payment processing.
- Conducted client intake interviews, pre-screened potential new clients, and coordinated scheduling for the supervising attorney.
Multimedia Content Developer
Cynosure New Media
01.2012 - 02.2017
- Development of online training programs for junior colleges across California, Oregon, and Nevada, encompassing the creation and editing of interactive HTML, video, and photographic content.
- Orchestrated all aspects of video production, including travel to college campuses for on-site shooting, talent acquisition, location scouting, and meticulous oversight of video capture with a videographer.
- Managed crew logistics and confirmed all travel arrangements.
- Managed all institutional updates for training programs and scheduled on-site campus video edits.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
Cal State San Marcos
San Marcos, CA05.2027
Associates of Arts (AA-T) - Communication
Palomar College
05.2017
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
San Diego Miramar College
San Diego, CA05.2016
Paralegal Certificate - undefined
San Diego Miramar College
San Diego, CA05.2016
Skills
- Client case management
- Effective client communication
- Legal research
- Document preparation
- Litigation support for attorneys
- Courtroom procedure
- Trial Preparation
- Legal document submission
- Calendar management
- Proficient in Essential Forms, Xspouse, Dissomaster, LexisNexis, Westlaw, Zoom, MyCase, Sage Timeslips, Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe, PowerPoint, and Zoom
Timeline
Senior Paralegal
Hughes & Hughes
01.2021 - Current
Client Intake Specialist
The Law Offices of Christian Schank and Associates
12.2019 - 01.2021
Family Law Paralegal
Thompson & Belnap
02.2017 - 07.2019
Multimedia Content Developer
Cynosure New Media
01.2012 - 02.2017
Associates of Arts (AA-T) - Communication
Palomar College
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
San Diego Miramar College
Paralegal Certificate - undefined
San Diego Miramar College
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
Cal State San Marcos