STEPHANIE RINGHAM
West Kelowna,B.C.
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at BC First Nations Justice Council. Adept in change management techniques and case management proficiency. Skilled in enhancing team performance and operational efficiency, and establishing effective relationships. Expert in critical thinking and collaboration. Passionate and dedicated to effect change in the justice system and to support access to justice. Eager to bring Indigenous prospective and culture to the forefront of such change.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Support Supervisor
BC First Nations Justice Council
11.2023 - Current
- Supervision of a team of legal support staff, fostering a team approach to providing legal services while maintaining productivity and a culturally appropriate, client focused work environment.
- Improved case management by overseeing the organization of legal files and records.
- Evaluated team performance , identifying and addressing areas of improvement proactively with targeted training or coaching sessions.
- Enhanced team efficiency by implementing streamlined legal support processes and procedures.
- Promote professional development among team members by offering continuing education opportunities related to industry trends.
- Improved client intake by developing organized systems for collecting information.
Regional Manager of Indigenous Justice Centres
BC First Nations Justice Council
02.2023 - 11.2023
- Collaborated with leadership team to expand from 5 to 10 IJCs throughout the Province.
- Engagement with First Nation communities to identify the needs and implementation of those needs appropriately and respectfully into the IJCs.
- Established and maintained operational standards for 10 Indigenous Justice Centres.
- Streamlined operational processes for increased efficiency by identifying areas of improvement and implementing necessary changes.
- Supervise a staff of paralegals, legal assistants, resource and support workers, and office administrators and facilitated the integration of newly established Operation Protocols across the IJCs.
- Worked collaboratively with HR resolving unique issues creating solutions promoting teamwork and trust.
- Implemented workflows updates and revitalized teams to meet changing needs and boost team performance.
- Located, developed, and promoted employees to cultivate a collaborative leadership team.
Paralegal
BC First Nations Justice Council
06.2022 - 02.2023
- Virtual IJC Paralegal providing legal support to Indigenous clients facing criminal and / or child protection matters.
- Managed scheduling of court calendar and deadlines.
- Improved document organization by implementing comprehensive file management system.
- Conducted intakes with Indigenous clients understanding unique needs of Indigenous people as they navigate the legal system while experiencing effects of colonialism.
- Ensuring empathy and respect is prioritized in day-to-day client communications.
- Drafting and filing required court documents while maintaining client connection ensuring the client feels safe and supported.
- Determine best practices and processes for conflict checks / file openings / forms / closing practices, and general file maintenance.
- Implementation of tracking data points to be used for reporting and service updates.
Paralegal
Eyford Partners LLP
11.2018 - 06.2022
- Paralegal to Evan A. Cooke practicing municipal and expropriation law in Supreme and Appeal Courts.
- Drafting of legal documents including pleadings, applications, affidavits and lists of documents of voluminous municipality matters.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes in both Supreme and Appeal Courts.
- Conducted detailed historical searches in Land Title Office and Corporate Registry data base.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in billing system.
- Supported ICBC Defense lawyers and maintained scheduling and coordination of Independent Medical Assessments throughout Covid-19 Pandemic, in addition to other support on personal injury files.
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Tracey R. Brice-Nicolson Law Corporation
05.2016 - 11.2018
- Assistant to Tracey Brice-Nicolson practicing family law in both Supreme and Provincial Court matters, including CFCSA matters representing both Director and Child.
- Scheduling of mediations, trials, and applications, and communication with clients, social workers, and experts arranging attendance.
- Preparation of all required court documents in Provincial and Supreme Court.
- Bookkeeping (PC Law) – daily management of bookkeeping requirements and billing of both trust clients and Ministry contract files.
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Michael Kennedy Law
04.2011 - 05.2016
- Assisted sole practitioner practicing family and criminal law, including CFCSA matters.
- Supporting LSS contracts ensuring sufficient hours, obtaining authorization for disbursements and additional fees, and adhering to billing requirements.
- Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation government contract, obtaining child and spousal support orders on behalf of Ministry for those in receipt of social assistance closely following Ministry’s guidelines and billing requirements.
- Established and maintained firm financial recordkeeping including trust accounts in accordance with LSBC rules and regulations.
Education
Gladue Report Writer Training -
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Westbank, BC09.2021
Paralegal Certificate -
Capilano University
Distance Education06.2011
Litigation Legal Secretary -
Okanagan College
Kelowna, BC06.2005
Skills
- Lived Indigenous Experience
- Indigenous Culture in the Workplace
- Change Management Techniques
- Process Improvement Strategies
- Staff Training & Supervision
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- Establishing & Maintaining Effective Relationships
- Non-Profit Operations
Timeline
Legal Support Supervisor
BC First Nations Justice Council
11.2023 - Current
Regional Manager of Indigenous Justice Centres
BC First Nations Justice Council
02.2023 - 11.2023
Paralegal
BC First Nations Justice Council
06.2022 - 02.2023
Paralegal
Eyford Partners LLP
11.2018 - 06.2022
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Tracey R. Brice-Nicolson Law Corporation
05.2016 - 11.2018
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Michael Kennedy Law
04.2011 - 05.2016
Gladue Report Writer Training -
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Paralegal Certificate -
Capilano University
Litigation Legal Secretary -
Okanagan College
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