Dianne Grant
Mississauga,ON
Summary
Reliable Legal Assistant with experience in legal research, drafting legal documents, and preparing case files. Skilled in using legal software such as CanLII and LexisNexis. Strengths include strong analytical skills, ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information, and effective communication skills. Proven track record of improving efficiency by streamlining processes in previous roles.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Notary Public
Freelance
Mississauga, ON
02.2024 - Current
- Checked customer ID documents for completeness and accuracy prior to notarizing them.
- Administered oaths and affirmations on legal documents to affirm clients' honor and accountability.
- Asked signers about validity of information contained in documents.
- Verified customer signatures and identification documents.
- Ensured that all signers understood the contents of documents they were signing.
- Prepared and notarized legal documents such as contracts, affidavits, and powers of attorney.
- Maintained records of all notarial acts performed.
- Informed customers about fees charged for Notary services.
Personal Support Worker
CarePartners
Mississauga, Ontario
10.2023 - Current
- Made beds, swept floors and sanitized surfaces to support activities of daily living.
- Provided emotional support for terminally ill patients and their families.
- Maintained daily living standards by assisting clients with personal hygiene needs.
- Improved patient outlook and daily living through compassionate care.
- Developed positive relationships with patients by demonstrating empathy and respect for their needs.
- Followed care plan and directions to administer medications.
- Helped clients with personal needs from exercise to bathing and personal grooming.
- Helped clients get in and out of beds and wheelchairs.
Immigration Legal Assistant
Hunter Sutcliffe Law
03.2023 - 10.2023
- Stayed abreast of changes in legislative and regulatory guidelines.
- Monitored progress on pending cases in order to inform clients about any changes or delays.
- Conducted thorough research and review of case information to assist attorneys.
- Collaborated with clients to ensure accuracy of paperwork and completion of all necessary forms.
- Managed office scheduling and kept accurate notes on deadlines, motions, and other dates.
- Maintained knowledge on case status by reviewing relevant records and reporting back to clients.
- Drafted letters to government agencies regarding immigration matters.
- Ensured that all relevant information was included in documents submitted to IRCC for review.
- Drafted and sent correspondence to clients and assisted clients with documentation acquisition and assembly and completion of forms.
- Maintained client database and organized filing systems for case files.
- Processed visa and immigration services with accurate and complete applications.
- Created detailed timelines of events related to each client's case history.
- Organized legal documents in company filing systems and databases.
- Interviewed and connected with clients directly to learn goals and explained and recommended type of visa best suited to client's time in country.
- Gathered evidence to support clients' claims during hearings or interviews with IRCC officers.
- Gathered required immigration application documents and assisted with filing.
- Assisted immigration attorneys in preparing legal documents such as petitions, applications, and briefs.
Paralegal Intern
Downsview Community Legal Clinic
10.2022 - 01.2023
- Responded to client calls and inquiries to deliver applicable information.
- Drafted motions, briefs and other legal documents.
- Monitored changes in applicable laws that may affect cases.
- Conducted factual investigations by interviewing clients or witnesses.
- Participated in client meetings with attorneys to discuss progress of cases.
- Drafted correspondence, documented data and submitted materials to appropriate parties.
- Reviewed court documents and prepared summaries of relevant legal points.
- Organized client files, drafted pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
- Proofread documents for accuracy before filing them with the court.
- Met with clients and attorneys to discuss case details and evidence.
- Attended hearings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, trials or other proceedings with attorneys.
- Created spreadsheets for data entry purposes regarding case information.
- Drafted documents to file with court.
- Organized legal documents in company filing systems and databases.
- Researched statutes, regulations and other legal sources to support arguments in briefs.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Customer Service Representative
Sunwave Gas & Power
12.2013 - 03.2020
- Presented existing and prospective customers with valuable service or product information to aid in decision-making.
- Improved product knowledge on continuous basis to provide optimal service and achieve sales quotas.
- Answered incoming calls and emails, providing frontline customer support or assistance with product and service transactions.
- Used approved scripts to de-escalate angry customers during telephone interactions.
- Enhanced productivity and customer service levels by anticipating needs and delivering outstanding support.
- Provided top quality control and eliminated downtime to maximize revenue.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Assisted customers with price checks, and addressing other inquiries.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and efficiently.
- Informed customers about billing procedures, processed payments, and provided payment option setup assistance.
- Answered inbound calls, chats and emails to facilitate customer service.
- Collected payments and arranged for billing.
- Answered customer inquiries and provided accurate information regarding products and services.
- Updated databases with new and modified customer data.
- Engaged in conversation with customers to understand needs, and answer product questions.
- Provided excellent customer service to resolve customer complaints in a timely manner.
- Performed administrative tasks such as filing paperwork, updating databases and generating reports.
Education
College Diploma - Law
Humber Polytechnic
06-2023
College Diploma - Legal Studies
Seneca Polytechnic
06-2005
Skills
- Power of attorney
- Licensed paralegal LSO
- Documentation
- Signature authentication
- Affidavit preparation
- Mobile notary services
- Identity confirmation
- Oath administration
- Remote online notarization
- Legal/Court processes
- Client service and support
- Document drafting
- Court filing
- Legal research skills
- Client intake procedures
- File and records management
- Legal case files
- Brief writing
- Contract review
- Legal writing
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Proficient in MS office
- Case management
Timeline
Notary Public
Freelance
02.2024 - Current
Personal Support Worker
CarePartners
10.2023 - Current
Immigration Legal Assistant
Hunter Sutcliffe Law
03.2023 - 10.2023
Paralegal Intern
Downsview Community Legal Clinic
10.2022 - 01.2023
Customer Service Representative
Sunwave Gas & Power
12.2013 - 03.2020
College Diploma - Law
Humber Polytechnic
College Diploma - Legal Studies
Seneca Polytechnic