Michelle Kerley
Summary
Versatile and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in legal and administrative roles, notably at the Department of Justice and Attorney General. Skilled in client communication and legal compliance, demonstrating a proactive approach to case management and risk mitigation.
Personable and detail-focused with strong foundation in legal principles and upbeat approach to problem-solving. Well-versed in legal research and document drafting, with exceptional analytical and communication skills. Committed to leveraging expertise to drive impactful outcomes and foster strategic solutions.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal and Governance Advisor
Tablelands Regional Council
01.2023 - 02.2025
- Utilised advanced CRM tools to track client interactions efficiently while maintaining detailed records of their individual goals, preferences, and concerns.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and regulations, ensuring accurate advice was provided to clients at all times.
- Mentored co-workers, fostering a supportive team environment focused on growth and learning.
- Managed risk effectively by closely monitoring client portfolios and making timely adjustments.
- Developed long-lasting relationships with clients to ensure consistent retention and loyalty.
- Navigated complex regulatory requirements to ensure compliance in all advisory activities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch series of successful financial education seminars.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through regular communication and excellent customer service.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
- Enhanced team productivity with introduction of streamlined processes for client assessments and follow-ups.
- Enhanced advisor skills and knowledge through continuous professional development program, elevating service quality.
- Fostered culture of innovation within advisory team, encouraging adoption of new technologies and methodologies.
Self Employed - Business Owner
Herveys Range Quadbike Tours
02.2014 - 12.2021
- Established strong customer relationships through excellent communication and attentive service.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Managed financial operations to ensure fiscal responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Increased client satisfaction by implementing innovative business strategies and streamlining processes.
- Developed a high-performing team through effective recruitment, training, and performance management.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations by staying current on industry requirements and implementing necessary changes in operations.
- Boosted revenue by identifying new business opportunities and diversifying product offerings.
- Achieved consistent growth in annual revenue through strategic planning and execution of sales initiatives.
Manager
Herveys Range Heritage Tearooms
06.2013 - 10.2015
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
Intake Officer - Client Management
Cleveland Youth Detention Centre
09.2014 - 11.2014
- Utilized strong listening skills when interacting with clients, allowing them to feel heard and understood during the intake process.
- Served as a liaison between clients and service providers, ensuring clear communication and understanding of expectations.
- Streamlined client intake process by implementing an efficient case management system.
- Developed rapport with clients through empathetic communication, fostering trust in the organization''s services.
Court Services Officer
Department Of Justice And Attorney-General
01.2012 - 12.2013
- Maintained a respectful atmosphere during high-profile cases, upholding the dignity of the court and its proceedings.
- Increased courtroom safety with thorough searches of individuals entering the premises, confiscating prohibited items as necessary.
- Ensured smooth court proceedings by managing case schedules and maintaining effective communication with all parties involved.
- Coordinated with various departments to ensure proper allocation of resources for upcoming cases.
- Enhanced communication between court personnel and defendants by implementing clear, concise correspondence procedures.
- Provided valuable support to judges and magistrates during trials, researching legal precedents and preparing case summaries as needed.
- Assisted in the enforcement of court orders by coordinating with relevant authorities and monitoring case progress.
- Collaborated closely with social service agencies to provide defendants with resources for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
- Developed strong professional relationships with law enforcement agencies, facilitating cooperation between courts and other branches of government.
- Reviewed presented documents for compliance to standards.
- Collaborated with magistrate, prosecutor and solicitor to maintain order in the courtroom, ensuring a fair and just environment for all participants.
- Reduced instances of courtroom disruptions by implementing and enforcing strict decorum policies.
- Expedited civil processes by serving legal documents efficiently and accurately as required by law.
- Managed sensitive documents for accurate record-keeping, contributing to a more organized legal system.
- Supported vulnerable witnesses throughout their court experience, providing emotional support while ensuring their testimony was accurately recorded.
- Oversaw prisoner transportation between holding facilities and courts while maintaining strict security protocols throughout each transfer process.
- Issued subpoenas and summonses to promote timely attendance at hearings, expediting the judicial process.
- Contributed to an efficient trial process by managing exhibits presented in courtrooms during hearings or trials.
- Enhanced courtroom security by conducting regular risk assessments and implementing necessary measures.
- Facilitated a positive work environment for court staff, fostering teamwork and collaboration to ensure seamless court operations.
- Promoted public understanding of court procedures through community outreach programs and educational initiatives.
- Provided information and direction to general public.
- Exercised practical judgment in unusual or emergent situations.
- Escorted witnesses, visitors, and prisoners into courtroom.
- Collected and retained unauthorised weapons and other contraband from individuals entering courthouse.
- Called court to order and announced Magistrate and court opening.
- Remote area travel.
COURT SERVICES OFFICER
Cairns Magistrates Court
07.2008 - 01.2012
Coronial Case Officer
Coroners Court of Queensland
02.2008 - 01.2009
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance processes.
- Organised and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Screened calls and emails and initiated actions to respond or direct messages for the Coroner.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for coroners team.
- Updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyse, and report on coronial cases.
- Anticipated potential challenges in daily operations and devised appropriate solutions to maintain uninterrupted workflow in the coroners office.
- Reduced backlog of pending cases by implementing efficient time management strategies for more effective handling.
- Managed sensitive information discreetly, maintaining confidentiality as required by law.
District Court Listing - Administration Officer
Department Of Justice And Attorney-General
08.2007 - 02.2008
- Increased productivity with comprehensive calendar management for multiple team members, including scheduling appointments and prioritising tasks.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for judicial officers, facilitating smooth court circuit trips with minimal disruption to their schedules.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by offering friendly assistance to colleagues when needed, promoting teamwork within the office setting.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of DJAG policies and industry regulations to ensure compliance across all administrative activities.
- Managed high-volume phone lines, directing calls to court officers and ensuring prompt customer service.
Court Services Officer
Department Of Justice And Attorney-General
04.2005 - 08.2007
Education
Responsible Management of Licensed Venues - Office of Liquor and Gaming
Club Training Australia
Townsville2013
Diploma of Government - Court Services
Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE
Cairns, QLD2011
Defensive Driver Training Program - Defensive Driving
Townsville Driver Training
Townsville, QLD2007
Recording of Evdience Act Appointed Recorder - Court Reporting
Department of Justice and Attorney General
Townsville, QLD2006
Preparation for Justice of the Peace (Qualified) - Justice
Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE
Townsville, QLD2003
Diploma of Justice - Justice Services
Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE
Townsville, QLD2000
High School Diploma -
Northern Beaches High School
Townsville, QLD2000
Certificate II in Work Access - Industrial Relations and WHS
Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE
Townsville, QLD1999
Certificate II in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) -
Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE
Townsville, QLD1999
Skills
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
- Goal setting
- Written communication
- Relationship building
- Active listening
- Client engagement
- Critical thinking
- Strategic planning
- Compliance requirements
- Data interpretation
- Presentations and public speaking
Additional Information
Volunteer Work
- Justice of the Peace (Qualified)
- Volunteer radio announcer for Cairns Community Radio 89.1 FM
- Secretary of FNQUADRIDERS
- Motorcycling Queensland Junior Motorcycle Coach
- Motorcycling Queensland Official
Interests
- Fishing
- Photography
- Outback Travel
References
Jodie Equinox
Registrar
Atherton Magistrates Court
Jodie.Equinox@justice.qld.gov.au
0459685719
Kelly Edwards
Manager , People and Culture
Tablelands Regional Council
KellyE@trc.qld.gov.au
Timeline
Legal and Governance Advisor
Tablelands Regional Council
01.2023 - 02.2025
Intake Officer - Client Management
Cleveland Youth Detention Centre
09.2014 - 11.2014
Self Employed - Business Owner
Herveys Range Quadbike Tours
02.2014 - 12.2021
Manager
Herveys Range Heritage Tearooms
06.2013 - 10.2015
Court Services Officer
Department Of Justice And Attorney-General
01.2012 - 12.2013
COURT SERVICES OFFICER
Cairns Magistrates Court
07.2008 - 01.2012
Coronial Case Officer
Coroners Court of Queensland
02.2008 - 01.2009
District Court Listing - Administration Officer
Department Of Justice And Attorney-General
08.2007 - 02.2008
Court Services Officer
Department Of Justice And Attorney-General
04.2005 - 08.2007
Diploma of Government - Court Services
Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE
Defensive Driver Training Program - Defensive Driving
Townsville Driver Training
Recording of Evdience Act Appointed Recorder - Court Reporting
Department of Justice and Attorney General
Preparation for Justice of the Peace (Qualified) - Justice
Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE
Diploma of Justice - Justice Services
Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE
High School Diploma -
Northern Beaches High School
Certificate II in Work Access - Industrial Relations and WHS
Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE
Certificate II in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) -
Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE
Responsible Management of Licensed Venues - Office of Liquor and Gaming
Club Training Australia
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