Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Interests
Timeline
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JAMES FARES

Merrylands,NSW

Summary

An existing staff member of the Commonwealth Bank with a passion for banking and customer service. Analytical and detail-oriented adept at multitasking within a fast-paced environment. In-depth knowledge of standard office procedures, software, and machines; proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite, scheduling software, the internet, and database software.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Paralegal and Executive Assistant

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, CBA
04.2023 - Current
  • Team & Executive Support: Support three major legal teams at CBA - Retail Banking, Business Banking, and Institutional Banking and Markets Legal - assisting over 70 team members globally. Provide direct support to three General Managers, including diary management, expenses, and travel coordination.
  • Onboarding & Program Support: Assist with onboarding new team members and contribute to a smooth integration into the legal function. Also provide coordination and support for the Summer Internship Program within Legal.
  • Supplier Management & Process Improvement: Onboard both domestic and international legal suppliers to ensure access to accurate and relevant legal advice. Played a key role in improving the legal outsourcing and payment processes in collaboration with panel law firms.
  • Technology, AI & Document Management: Lead technology initiatives, including implementation of a legal AI chatbot to support business units. Developed and implemented new filing systems using iManage, improving efficiency in locating legal documents.
  • Legal Support & Research: Collaborate with paralegals and legal counsel to provide guidance to business units on a range of matters, including Powers of Attorney, Court Orders, and customer disputes. Support advice preparation by researching legislation and CBA policies. This work offers valuable exposure to legal reasoning and enhances cross-team collaboration.
  • Pro Bono & Community Initiatives: Founding member of CBA’s Pro Bono committee. Supported meaningful projects, including the Towards Truth Project with Clayton Utz, which examines the legal impact on First Nations people since 1788.
  • Team Engagement & Informal Support: Known as the team’s go-to for IT troubleshooting, organiser of team lunches, and driver of informal team connection through initiatives like coffee catch-ups.

Customer Support Assistant

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, CBA
10.2021 - 04.2023
  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of products, services, policies and procedures of the Commonwealth Bank.
  • Assisting Branch Manager with administrative duties and tasks on a regular basis.
  • Managing staff development by administering workshops and information sessions.
  • Confer with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services, take or enter orders, cancel accounts, or obtain details of complaints.
  • Keep records of customer interactions or transactions, recording details of inquiries, complaints, or comments, as well as actions taken.
  • Check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to resolve customers' problems.
  • Assist with new or additional services or products.
  • Utilising iSource and other resources to provide positive banking experiences for all customers.
  • Travelling to different branches within the area and supporting the leaders at each branch.

Customer Support Representative

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, CBA
09.2021 - 10.2021
  • Assisting customers with transactions of all types
  • Proficient use and understanding of CommSee and BTS
  • Managing the floor of the branch as concierge
  • Greeting customers and assisting with common enquiries
  • Ensuring customers are satisfied with their day to day banking
  • Providing exceptional customer service

Client Relations Manager

Navado Legal and Financial Group
03.2019 - 06.2021
  • Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.
  • Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
  • Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.
  • Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material.
  • Complete forms in accordance with company procedures.
  • Maintain scheduling and event calendars.
  • Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors.
  • Make copies of correspondence or other printed material.
  • Coordinate conferences, meetings, or special events.
  • Arrange conference, meeting, or travel reservations for office personnel.
  • Order and dispense supplies.
  • Take dictation in shorthand or by machine and transcribe information.
  • Store completed documents in appropriate locations.
  • Attend meetings to record minutes.

Executive Assistant

Electorate Office - Granville NSW
10.2014 - 04.2015
  • Maintaining Member of Parliaments schedule on a day to day basis.
  • Perform clerical duties such as typing, proofreading, and sorting mail.
  • Keep records of calls placed and received, and of related toll charges.
  • Update directory information.
  • Implement corporate or departmental policies, procedures, and service standards in conjunction with management.
  • Coordinate conferences, meetings, or special events.
  • Mail newsletters, promotional material, or other information.
  • Learn to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.

Education

Higher School Certificate -

Maronite College of The Holy Family
Parramatta, NSW
09.2016

Bachelor of Science - Human Biology / Education

Macquarie University
Sydney, NSW
03.2022

Graduate Certificate - Laws

Macquarie University
Sydney, NSW
07-2024

Juris Doctor -

Macquarie University
Sydney, NSW
11-2026

Skills

  • Communication Skills
  • MS Office
  • Calendar Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Project Management
  • Administrative support
  • Legal writing
  • LexisNexis
  • Legal terminology
  • File organization
  • Document preparation
  • Calendar management
  • Document drafting
  • Office administration
  • Legal Counsel support
  • Records management
  • Legal research skills
  • Ethical AI Implementation
  • Emotional Intelligence

Accomplishments

    E12 – Scholarship

    Scholarship granted by the University of Sydney in 2017 for exceptional school results and extracurricular activities.

    College Leader

    Elected by Peers and Teachers based on interpersonal, management and leadership skills. Pivotal in organizing fundraisers and events for the college and community.

    Principals Award

    Given to a select few students based on involvement in extra-curricular activities and academic excellence.

    CBA Certificate of Achievement

    Awarded for Q1 in 2022 in recognition of outstanding values in line with the banks aim of 'Building a Brighter Future for All'.

Languages

English
Arabic

Interests


  • History - especially English history, the Cold War and US Politics
  • Writing short stories, essays, putting my thoughts on paper
  • Watching movies, especially old films and going to the cinema
  • Food Tourism with Friends
  • I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
  • Watching and going to the Footy
  • Going for walks
  • Learning new languages - currently Italian on Duo Lingo

Timeline

Paralegal and Executive Assistant

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, CBA
04.2023 - Current

Customer Support Assistant

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, CBA
10.2021 - 04.2023

Customer Support Representative

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, CBA
09.2021 - 10.2021

Client Relations Manager

Navado Legal and Financial Group
03.2019 - 06.2021

Executive Assistant

Electorate Office - Granville NSW
10.2014 - 04.2015

Higher School Certificate -

Maronite College of The Holy Family

Bachelor of Science - Human Biology / Education

Macquarie University

Graduate Certificate - Laws

Macquarie University

Juris Doctor -

Macquarie University

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JAMES FARES