SANDY HELEN CHEHADE
GREYSTANES,Australia
Summary
Admitted solicitor in NSW since July 2012 with expertise in legal practice.
Since this time, I have gained experience in both private practice and government practice.
Both my private practice and government practice experience involved family law, criminal and traffic law, property law, commercial law, wills and estate, litigation etc.
Further, I have operated my own law firm since 2017 dealing with a vast variety of legal matters in different areas.
Throughout all my legal career, I have successfully obtained instructions, managed busy litigation practices including the roles I held in private practice, government practice and my practice. I have continued to provide legal advice to all my clients and colleagues in different areas of law.
Further, I identify as being an Aboriginal and this has assisted me with my career in dealing with aboriginals in the community.
I am a highly skilled Solicitor offering a wealth of experience in legal research, analysis, and litigation support. I demonstrate strong comprehension of complex legal issues with the ability to effectively communicate and advise clients I also possesses exceptional negotiation skills, critical thinking abilities, and displays thorough professionalism in all interactions.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Solicitor
Causidicus Legal Pty Ltd
01.2017 - Current
- Directed legal practice.
- Offered strategic recommendations for client success.
- Engaged in negotiation with law enforcement personnel.
- Reviewed legal documents and provided advice on the interpretation of laws.
- Provided legal advice to clients in a range of areas such as contract, tort and family law.
- Drafted contracts, pleadings, wills and other legal documents.
- Conducted research into relevant case law and legislation to support client cases.
- Appeared in court on behalf of clients to present evidence and arguments for their case.
- Prepared for hearings by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, researching precedents and preparing briefs for counsels.
- Negotiated settlements between parties involved in disputes or litigation.
- Monitored changes in legislation that may affect existing or future cases.
Solicitor
Legal Aid NSW
11.2015 - 01.2017
- Provided assistance during court duties.
- Provided advice
- Evaluated supporting materials.
- Prepare essential paperwork.
- Reviewed legal documents and provided advice on the interpretation of laws.
- Conducted research into relevant case law and legislation to support client cases.
- Appeared in court on behalf of clients to present evidence and arguments for their case.
- Negotiated settlements between parties involved in disputes or litigation.
- Attended meetings with clients to discuss their needs and advise them on their options under the law.
- Represented clients in arbitration proceedings when required.
- Counseled clients on family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.
- Interviewed witnesses to gather evidence for cases involving parental rights or spousal support.
- Assisted clients with preparing financial statements for use in determining alimony or child support payments.
- Maintained accurate records of all client interactions throughout the course of representation.
- Attended continuing education seminars to stay abreast of developments in family law practice areas.
- Reviewed legal materials for compliance to correct issues.
Senior Solicitor
Team Legal Group
02.2015 - 11.2015
- Oversaw operations of a bustling firm specialising in traffic, family, commercial, and criminal law.
- Delivered legal consultation.
- Conducted detailed evidence assessments.
- Haggled plea deals with law enforcement.
- Directed legal representation.
- Provided legal advice to clients on a variety of matters including contract disputes and corporate transactions.
- Presented oral arguments in court on behalf of clients during hearings and trials.
- Prepared motions, briefs, pleadings and other documents for filing in court proceedings.
- Advised clients on potential risks associated with various courses of action based on prior case law decisions.
- Managed multiple cases simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines imposed by the courts or clients' needs.
- Reviewed invoices submitted by outside vendors providing services related to ongoing litigation matters.
- Prepared legal briefs and appeals and filed with state and federal courts as required.
- Drafted wills, powers of attorney, trusts and estate planning documents.
Law Graduate/Solicitor
NSW Police Force
02.2007 - 01.2015
- Reviewed and organized legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Reviewed matter-related documents.
- Participated in industry conferences.
- Drafted correspondence to clients and other attorneys.
- Conducted research on relevant laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and legal articles.
- Created spreadsheets to track case information and deadlines.
- Maintained client files according to established protocols.
- Drafted discovery responses including interrogatories and requests for production of documents.
- Provide representation of legislation.
- Provide draft documents to pass through the chain of command.
- Greeted visitors in a professional manner, responding to inquiries and directing them to appropriate personnel.
- Managed incoming calls while providing information or transferring callers to appropriate personnel.
- Created travel arrangements for senior managers according to their requirements.
- Review all documents under GIPA.
- Provide quality advice and representation on GIPA legislation and related procedure
- Respond to applicants.
- Prepare determinations.
- Refuse document release/ release documents.
Paralegal
Baldock Stacy & Niven
07.2006 - 02.2007
- Reviewed and organised legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Drafted correspondence to clients and other professionals.
- Maintained client files according to established protocols.
- Participated in mediation sessions by preparing necessary materials and taking notes during meetings.
- Advised clients on procedural matters related to their cases.
- Attended court proceedings to observe trials or hearings.
- Filed motions with courts electronically or via hard copy.
- Proofread documents prior to filing them with courts or submitting them to opposing counsels.
- Maintained calendars for upcoming court dates or deadlines related to cases.
- Provided administrative support such as answering phones or scheduling appointments.
- Filed pleadings and paperwork with court clerk to meet strict deadlines.
- Interviewed clients and obtained vital case information to support associates.
- Trained staff on office procedures and case-specific duties.
- Drafted legal documents including briefs, pleadings, appeals, agreements, contracts, etc.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure strategies and objectives were aligned and executed efficiently.
- Managed case files and documentation, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Drafted motions, briefs and other legal documents.
Education
Masters of Applied Law -
College of Law
01.2018
Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management -
Aviation Skills Training Academy
01.2017
Legal Practice Management Course -
College of Law
01.2016
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice -
College of Law
01.2012
Bachelor of Laws -
University of Western Sydney
01.2011
Skills
- Networking and business development
- Commercial awareness
- Microsoft expertise
- LEAP product expertise
- Paperwork coordination
- Building rapport
- Follow-up skills
- Objection handling
- Lead Generation
- Accounting
- Multitasking Abilities
- Stress Management
- Professionalism
- Negotiation Skills
- Time management abilities
- Cultural Awareness
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Principal Solicitor
Causidicus Legal Pty Ltd
01.2017 - Current
Solicitor
Legal Aid NSW
11.2015 - 01.2017
Senior Solicitor
Team Legal Group
02.2015 - 11.2015
Law Graduate/Solicitor
NSW Police Force
02.2007 - 01.2015
Paralegal
Baldock Stacy & Niven
07.2006 - 02.2007
Masters of Applied Law -
College of Law
Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management -
Aviation Skills Training Academy
Legal Practice Management Course -
College of Law
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice -
College of Law
Bachelor of Laws -
University of Western Sydney
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