Gabriella Bessa
Belmore,NSW
Summary
Driven paralegal and aspiring solicitor with experience in civil litigation. I am currently completing a degree of Bachelor of Law at Macquarie University and am in my third year of studies. Working as a paralegal, I have learnt to manage multiple tasks efficiently, ensuring accuracy and compliance with deadlines. I am also extremely eager to bring exceptional skills and dedication to the work that I do as a paralegal within a forward-thinking legal practice. I am motivated to continually improve and extend my personal skills and knowledge to attain increased responsibility and opportunities for professional growth.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
NSW Litigation Lawyers
01.2023 - Current
- LEAP Software experience.
- Assisting solicitor with more than 150 ongoing Motor Vehicle Accident, Workers Compensation, Medical Negligence and TPD claims.
- Reduced solicitor workload by drafting PIC applications.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain a smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organising and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, and providing documentation, and information for discovery requests.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Maintained and updated organised client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Prepared legal briefs for Barristers and letters of instructions for Doctors.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm's billing system.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into LEAP.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
- Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
- Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss the progress of cases.
- Revised and finalised letters, briefs, and memos.
Retail Assistant
Priceline Pharmacy
03.2020 - 01.2023
- Used POS system to process sales, returns, online orders, and gift card activations.
- Greeted customers, helped locate merchandise, and suggested suitable options.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labelled items, and arranged according to size or colour.
- Replenished sales floor merchandise and organised shelves, racks, and bins for optimal appearance.
- Maintained a tidy and organised store environment to comply with cleanliness standards.
- Collaborated with team members to accomplish sales goals and improve overall store performance.
- Interacted with customers proactively, identifying needs and offering suitable product recommendations.
- Actively engaged customers to provide general assistance and information on store merchandise.
- Handled returns and exchanges professionally, adhering to company policies while prioritising customer satisfaction.
- Contributed to a welcoming atmosphere through courteous interactions with both customers and fellow staff members.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing inquiries efficiently.
- Demonstrated flexibility by adapting to various roles within the retail environment as needed.
- Assisted in training new employees, contributing to the development of a knowledgeable workforce.
- Assisted customers with prompt and polite support in-person and via telephone.
- Provided exceptional support during peak hours by managing long queues and multitasking effectively under pressure.
Education
Bachelor of Law (LLB) -
Macquarie University
Macquarie Park NSW 210911.2025
High School Diploma -
Casimir Catholic College
Marrickville NSW 220410.2020
Skills
- Legal Research
- Case Management
- Client Communication
- Office Administration
- Document Preparation
- Calendar Management
- Administrative Support
- Legal writing
- Solicitor Support
- Civil Law
- Attention to Detail
- Critical Thinking
- Workload Management
- Deadline Monitoring
- Time Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Appointment Scheduling
Languages
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Paralegal
NSW Litigation Lawyers
01.2023 - Current
Retail Assistant
Priceline Pharmacy
03.2020 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Law (LLB) -
Macquarie University
High School Diploma -
Casimir Catholic College
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