Chris Niras
Summary
A personable Legal Assistant who displays the utmost level of professionalism and confidentiality. Follows directives and employs all necessary steps to excel in high pressure situations. Willing to continually research and learn new techniques on how to improve the efficiency of each case.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Waiter
Lone Star Texas Grill
03.2017 - 03.2020
- Trained new servers on menu offerings, service standards, and operational procedures.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate food orders.
- Managed cash handling processes, ensuring accuracy in transactions and reporting.
- Monitored dining area for cleanliness and maintained organized tables for optimal guest experience.
- Implemented suggestions for improving service efficiency, resulting in enhanced guest satisfaction.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking stock levels of supplies and communicating needs to management.
- Resolved guest complaints effectively, maintaining a positive dining atmosphere through proactive conflict resolution skills.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
Legal Assistant
Paramax Legal Services
09.2017 - 2020
- Overview: A dynamic, self-motivated professional who thrives on multitasking in a fast-paced environment, seeks a challenging position with the intention to meet and exceed expectations. The ability to organize and prioritize assignments with detail and urgency; resourceful; and applies forward, critical thought and assertiveness to promote leadership among co-workers, while maintaining workplace efficiency
- Key Responsibilities & Contributions: Responsibilities for all aspects of a case drafting, preparing and responding to pleadings, discovery and a vast range of documents and correspondence; Effectively and professionally communicate with clients, insurance adjusters, accountants, and fellow legal or administrative assistants; Answered phones, met with clients, handled billing and settlement distributions, judgments and/or final orders. I gathered all pertinent documentation, assisted with pretrial and trial preparation, research, trial binders, and exhibits; Accurately calendared hearings, appointments and deadlines; Maintained the upkeep of files; I was also responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of every client, while providing excellent customer service
- Conducted client interviews and all client intake services
- Drafted various court documents invoices
- Completed case research with LexisNexis databases
- Processed all assigned cases according to the company and client service level agreements
- Train new employees on office equipment and job duties
- Researched draft, edit, and revise legal opinion publications
- Collected information to prepare and draft settlement packages for the clients
- Corresponded daily with the clients, insurance adjusters, doctors
- Interpreted and relayed legal information in a clear format for the clients
- Managed case files and maintained legal documentation for efficient access and retrieval.
Restaurant Waiter
La Vecchia Restaurant
01.2017 - 11.2017
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Implemented effective communication strategies between front-of-house and back-of-house staff for streamlined operations.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Maximized table turnover rate by managing reservations and seating arrangements.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Contributed to inventory management by monitoring stock levels.
- Managed inventory of dining supplies to prevent shortages during service.
- Improved dining experience by providing prompt, attentive service to guests.
- Ensured accurate cash handling and processed transactions swiftly, contributing to restaurant's financial accuracy.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with detailed attention to special dietary needs and preferences.
- Enhanced team efficiency, collaborating effectively in high-pressure settings.
- Facilitated team-oriented atmosphere, assisting coworkers during rush periods to ensure smooth operations.
- Increased sales by suggesting additional items like desserts and drinks based on customers' orders.
- Streamlined order-taking process to minimize wait times for diners.
- Trained new staff on menu knowledge and service protocols, raising team's overall performance.
- Utilized knowledge of menu to make recommendations, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Maintained high standards of personal appearance and hygiene, reflecting positively on establishment.
- Kept up with fast-paced environments, ensuring timely delivery of orders during peak hours.
- Boosted repeat customer rates, remembered regular guests' preferences and greeted them by name.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure order accuracy and timely preparation of dishes.
- Adapted to diverse customer needs, providing personalized service that increased guest satisfaction.
Restaurant Waiter
Baton Rouge
04.2010 - 06.2016
- Key Responsibilities & Contributions:
- Quality Control: Maintained front-of-house operations to ensure product is prepared and presented according to company standards and expectations while ensuring all servers, wait staff, and other team members perform their roles as per training procedures.
- Customer Relations: Deescalated high-stress and unforeseen situations by communicating directly with customers to gain a thorough understanding of the issue at hand and quickly finding a resolution that rectifies the concern, leading to continued customer retention and satisfaction upon mending complaints. Worked with a variety of demographics from children through to seniors by providing excellent customer service in a family environment.
- Health & Safety: Prepared staff for Ecolab examination of health and safety protocols within the restaurant, providing training on situational do's and don'ts to pass official examination leading to restaurant Health and Safety Certification for in-house chemicals.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, enhancing guest satisfaction and repeat business.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by promptly addressing guest needs and inquiries.
Project Manager
Soho Custom Homes
03.2013 - 01.2016
- Key Responsibilities & Contributions:
- Contract Administration: Provide on-site subcontractors with all engineering and schematic drawings ranging from electricians, carpenters, mason workers, HVAC specialists, and all other necessary tradesmen needed for residential project. Ensure scope of work is completed with high degree of quality and in accordance with engineering instructions and project blueprints.
- Scheduling & Worker Coordination: Create detailed, sequential schedule to ensure that subcontractor jobs flow smoothly from one to the next according to outlined project plan. Approve work outside original scope while continually observing and adhering to a strict operating budget.
- Documentation & Permits: Obtain all permits needed for on-site construction prior to commencement, working with representatives from various municipalities to obtain proper documentation needed to start each section of construction project.
- Project Budgeting & Expense Oversight: Maintain project budget throughout installment phases, continually communicating with owners and tracking to-date expenses in an effort to control costs throughout each project phase while maintaining high quality of work and worker safety.
- Procurement: Negotiate and obtain preferred pricing for on-site materials, working with select sales representatives to continually renegotiate pricing based on competitor offerings and discounts.
- Progress Reports & Stakeholder Management: Provide regular reports to project owner relaying any and all status updates as sub-contractors complete work and new tradesmen start their tasks. Manage stakeholder expectations throughout any unforeseen delays or project interruptions to maintain working relationship.
- Safety & Regulatory Adherence: Observe and uphold high-level of safety throughout project lifecycle to ensure minimal to no on-site injuries. Inspect all sub-contractors licensure's, certifications, qualifications, and insurance documentation to document all liability while personally ensuring work is completed to all respective building codes and government regulations.
Education
Cestar collage of Business , Health and Technology
01.2017
Real Estate & Mortgage License - Mortgage Agent Course
REMIC
01.2016
Ontario Secondary School Diploma - undefined
Don Bosco Secondary School
01.2003
Skills
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Scheduling & Time Management
- Oral & Written Communication
- Team Leadership/Motivation
- Task Prioritization
- Documentation & Permits
- Ulaw practice
- Ordering disclosures
- Informing clients disposition
- Reviewing evidence
- Daily docket reports
- Calendar and scheduling
- Case management
Languages
English
Full Professional
Interests
- Adventure Travel
- Road Trips
- Train Travel
- Swimming
- I participate in low-impact exercises to strengthen core muscles
- Gym Workouts
- High-Intensity Interval Training
- Mindfulness Practices
- Enjoy participating in [activity] for overall physical and mental well-being
- Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
- Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness
- Committed to improving personal fitness through regular participation in [sport]
- I participate in various sports activities for physical activity, camaraderie, and personal growth
- Team Sports
MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)
- Company standards.
- Key Responsibilities & Contributions:
- Contract Administration: Provide on-site subcontractors with all engineering and schematic drawings ranging from electricians, carpenters, mason workers, HVAC specialists, and all other necessary tradesmen needed for residential project. Ensure scope of work is completed with high degree of quality and in accordance with engineering instructions and project blueprints.
- Scheduling & Worker Coordination: Create detailed, sequential schedule to ensure that subcontractor jobs flow smoothly from one to the next according to outlined project plan. Approve work outside original scope while continually observing and adhering to a strict operating budget.
- Documentation & Permits: Obtain all permits needed for on-site construction prior to commencement, working with representatives from various municipalities to obtain proper documentation needed to start each section of construction project.
- Project Budgeting & Expense Oversight: Maintain project budget throughout installment phases, continually communicating with owners and tracking to-date expenses in an effort to control costs throughout each project phase while maintaining high quality of work and worker safety.
- Procurement: Negotiate and obtain preferred pricing for on-site materials, working with select sales representatives to continually renegotiate pricing based on competitor offerings and discounts.
- Progress Reports & Stakeholder Management: Provide regular reports to project owner relaying any and all status updates as sub-contractors complete work and new tradesmen start their tasks. Manage stakeholder expectations throughout any unforeseen delays or project interruptions to maintain working relationship.
- Safety & Regulatory Adherence: Observe and uphold high-level of safety throughout project lifecycle to ensure minimal to no on-site injuries. Inspect all sub-contractors licensees, certifications, qualifications, and insurance documentation to document all liability while personally ensuring work is completed to all respective building codes and government regulations.
Timeline
Legal Assistant
Paramax Legal Services
09.2017 - 2020
Restaurant Waiter
Lone Star Texas Grill
03.2017 - 03.2020
Restaurant Waiter
La Vecchia Restaurant
01.2017 - 11.2017
Project Manager
Soho Custom Homes
03.2013 - 01.2016
Restaurant Waiter
Baton Rouge
04.2010 - 06.2016
Real Estate & Mortgage License - Mortgage Agent Course
REMIC
Ontario Secondary School Diploma - undefined
Don Bosco Secondary School
Cestar collage of Business , Health and Technology