LAUREN CLARKE
Seaford
Summary
Dynamic legal professional with extensive experience at Bayside Solicitors and Hassall’s Litigation Services. Proven expertise in trial preparation and document drafting, coupled with strong client communication skills. Successfully managed complex cases, enhancing operational efficiency and securing favorable outcomes. Committed to delivering high-quality legal support and maintaining meticulous case management.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Assistant
Bayside Solicitors
Frankston
11.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: Bayside Solicitors is one of the few law firms in the South East that provides clients assistance with Victoria Legal Aid.
- Client enquiries, Diary management, Opening/Closing files, Operating files, Data entry using Leap and Atlas (Victoria Legal Aid system), Client correspondence, Dictation, Back sheets for counsel, Briefing counsel, Phone management, Liaising with clerks, barristers and other key stakeholders, Liaising with defendant firms, File management, Creating and drafting/amending documents including; Initiating and Responding Court Documents, Affidavits, Court applications, Memorandums to Counsel, and Consent Orders.
- In September of 2024, I participated in the preparation for a 5 day trial concerning a private client. The client chose to retain the services of a King’s Counsel (KC) to represent him during this trial, with Simon Conway serving as the instructing solicitor. My responsibilities included the preparation of an electronic e-brief that encompassed all Court materials filed, as well as all relevant Court Orders, reports, and subpoena materials. As a legal assistance, I facilitated communication among the KC, the Court, witnesses for our client, our client and the solicitors representing the opposing party throughout the trial preparation process. Additionally, I remained readily available to both Simon and the KC during the trial proceedings. During the trial, they requested that I compile subpoena materials from specific companies to be utilized as evidence supporting our client’s case. As a result of my diligent support to Simon Conway and the KC, I was rewarded with a salary increase.
- As a legal assistant, one of my primary responsibilities is to submit applications for Victoria Legal Aid assistance on behalf of clients in Family Law cases. Following the approval of an application, I am tasked with claiming any available funding under the assistance grant for each court event and for any necessary disbursements. These disbursements may include costs associated with hair follicle testing for substances, psychological and neuropsychological assessments and reports, and supervised visitation observation reports.
- Maintaine knowledge on case status by reviewing relevant records and reporting back to clients.
- Provide administrative support to associates by managing calendars; scheduling appointments; organising files; preparing correspondence; filing court documents; and obtaining necessary signatures.
- Analyzes legal statutes, codes, and previous court decisions to determine the optimal course of action.
- Coordinates the distribution of legal materials to other parties as required.
Senior Paralegal
Hassall’s Litigation Services
09.2017 - 11.2023
- Client enquiries, Diary management, Opening/Closing files, Operating files, Data entry using Affinity/Actionstep, Client correspondence, Dictation (Speechlive), Back sheets for counsel, Briefing counsel, Phone management, Liaising with clerks and barristers and other key stakeholders, Liaising with defendant firms, File management, Creating and drafting/amending documents including; Letters of correspondence, Letters of Demand, Affidavits, Court applications, Memorandums to Counsel, and Consent Orders.
- One of my notable achievements at Hassall’s Litigation Services involved the comprehensive management of a case from inception to resolution, in collaboration with the Associate.andlord and a tenant regarding property repairs, with our firm representing the tenant. I was tasked with preparing all communications with the real estate agent related to negotiations, drafting our client’s affidavit in support of her position, and filing all requisite documents and applications with the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant delays in the scheduling of hearings at VCAT. Ultimately, our client elected to vacate the property, as the landlord did not comply with any VCAT orders.
- Interviewed clients and obtained vital case information to support associates.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case preparation and litigation processes.
- Responded to client calls and inquiries to deliver applicable information.
- Organized evidence for use at hearings or trials including organizing medical records into chronologies, timelines, summary charts of relevant facts.
Education
Family Law Practice - The A - Z. Online Module
Leo Cussen
Online01.2021
Certificate IV Legal Services - Legal Services
Kangan Institute
Melbourne, VIC01.2019
VCE/VCAL - Secondary Education
South Oakleigh Secondary College
Oakleigh South, VIC01.2005
Skills
- Legal research
- Document drafting
- Court filings
- Case management
- Client communication
- File organization
- Data entry
- Trial preparation
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Dictation transcription
- Case file management
- Legal/Court processes
- Calendar management
- Document filing
Telephone - Mobile
0484932781
References
Simon Conway, Associate at Bayside Solicitors, simon.conway@live.com.au, Phone number can be provided upon request
Qualifications Licenses
- Leo Cussen - Family Law Practice - The A - Z. Online Module, 01/01/21
- Certificate IV Legal Services, 01/01/19
- Agents Representative Certificate, 01/01/13
- VCE/VCAL, South Oakleigh Secondary College, 01/01/05
Attributes
- Executive & Administrative Support
- Diary & Email Management
- Document Drafting & Proofreading
- Stakeholder Communication
- Confidential File Handling
- Travel & Meeting Coordination
- Compliance & Governance Awareness
- Microsoft Office, LEAP, and other legal software programs.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Legal Assistant
Bayside Solicitors
11.2023 - Current
Senior Paralegal
Hassall’s Litigation Services
09.2017 - 11.2023
Family Law Practice - The A - Z. Online Module
Leo Cussen
Certificate IV Legal Services - Legal Services
Kangan Institute
VCE/VCAL - Secondary Education
South Oakleigh Secondary College
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