Richelle Brownlee
Summary
I am a highly experienced and dedicated personal assistant with over 20 years' expertise supporting solicitors and barristers across a wide range of legal areas. I have a proven track record in delivering high-level administrative and paralegal support, managing complex case files, liaising with client and courts, and ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of legal practices. I am skilled on legal drafting, client relations, diary management, audio dictation and court document preparation. I am a reliable, proactive, and trusted team member committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Personal Assistant
Alex Giurtalis, Barrister
Sydney, NSW
10.2019 - Current
- Maintain appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.
- Oversee personal and professional calendars and coordinate appointments.
- Respond to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Improve time management of practice through effective prioritisation and organisation of tasks.
- Time costing and invoicing.
- Display absolute discretion at handling confidential information.
- Assist with personal tasks such as scheduling appointments or running errands when needed.
- Coordinate events and functions with attention to detail ensuring successful execution.
- Contribute to a positive work environment through professional demeanour and strong interpersonal skills.
- Maintain an organised filing system for easy access to financial and other records.
- Audio dictation.
Personal Assistant
Terry Willis, Barrister
Sydney, NSW
01.2011 - 11.2019
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Maintained confidentiality and discretion while handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Assisted in the preparation of presentations and reports, contributing to well-informed decision making.
- Managed travel arrangements including flights, accommodation, and itineraries for smooth business and personal trips.
- Handled incoming mail, bills and invoices and completed appropriate actions.
- Entrusted to manage 12 personal and professional bank accounts.
Senior Legal Assistant
Keddies Litigation Lawyers
Sydney, NSW
08.2000 - 12.2010
- Managed solicitor's practice.
- Conferring with client's, counsel, court clerks and doctors.
- Diary management.
- Drafting court documents.
- Preparing memorandum of costs and disbursements.
- Preparing briefs to counsel.
- Delegating work to law clerks.
- Trained junior legal assistants in firm policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure smooth integration into the team environment.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while handling a high volume of client data across multiple practice areas.
Junior Legal Assistant
McClellands Lawyers
Sydney, NSW
04.1998 - 08.2000
- Filing.
- Preparing briefs.
- Research into cases.
- Diary management.
- Assisting senior legal assistants.
- Liaised with clients face to face and over the telephone.
Education
Certificate IV in Office Skills- Legal Secretary -
Ultimo TAFE
Sydney, NSW03-1998
Higher School Certificate -
Canterbury Girls High School
Sydney, NSW11-1997
Skills
- Time management
- Multitasking and organisation
- Customer service
- Strong work ethic
- File and database management
- Microsoft office, word, powerpoint and outlook proficiency
- Calendar management
Timeline
Personal Assistant
Alex Giurtalis, Barrister
10.2019 - Current
Personal Assistant
Terry Willis, Barrister
01.2011 - 11.2019
Senior Legal Assistant
Keddies Litigation Lawyers
08.2000 - 12.2010
Junior Legal Assistant
McClellands Lawyers
04.1998 - 08.2000
Certificate IV in Office Skills- Legal Secretary -
Ultimo TAFE
Higher School Certificate -
Canterbury Girls High School