Saskia Colberg
Bairnsdale,VIC
Summary
Results-driven legal professional with a can-do attitude. Skilled in legal research and preparing necessary correspondence with strong understanding of legal terminology and processes. Diligent worker with exceptional communication and task prioritisation skills.
Passionate about First Nations' rights and challenges and ready to take on additional responsibilities to help achieve Djirra's vision.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Assistant to Senior Associate
Warren Graham & Murphy Solicitors
05.2023 - Current
- Providing comprehensive legal assistance to the Senior Associate across Superannuation and Insurance claims, litigation, commercial matters
- Management of VOCAT matters
- Simultaneously manage files across different practice areas, and complete work according to priority, managing due dates and expectations of work delivery
- Paper and electronic file management and client liaison
- Preparing and drafting client and court correspondence , assisting with court processes, filing, service, evidence preparation, etc.
- Interacting with stake holders including Aboriginal Health, Advocacy and Support groups, Psychologists, Victims of Crime Support organisations, and Victoria Police
- Preparing basic agreements, precedents, applications, correspondence, affidavits or witness statements, and proofreading work for typographical and grammatical errors
- Legal research, fact and evidence gathering
- Analysing and summarising medical documents and data
- Maintaining appointment diaries and making travel arrangements
- Processing incoming and outgoing mail, filing correspondence and maintaining records including deeds
- Billing, trust money transfers and records
- Responding to client inquiries
Personal Legal Assistant to the Senior Partner
Daniel Taylor Lawyers
11.2021 - 05.2023
- Supporting Senior Partner in busy criminal defence and only specialised children's law firm in East Gippsland
- Management of legal and administrative processes across criminal law, Children's Court (Family and Criminal division) and family violence intervention proceedings
- Regular communication with the Koori Court Coordinator and clients' mob to facilitate and support culturally safe practises
- Daily communication with Victoria Police, DFFH - Child Protection and Department of Justice and Community Safety
- Preparation for court appearances and daily coordination and communication with court staff and the registry (i.e. managing Magistrates' Court duty lawyer lists and appearances)
- Attendance on clients for initial background interviews and preparing accurate file notes for solicitor
- Attendance on clients in remand and facilitating prisoner communication via video conferencing
- Drafting correspondence and legal forms for filing with the Magistrates' Court (EFAS), County Court (eLodge) and Supreme Court (RedCrest)
- Overseeing Private Practitioner work referrals from Victoria Legal Aid including client eligibility assessment, application for legal assistance and billing
- Client referral to support services including Koori support programs for mental health, men's behaviour change programs, drugs & alcohol, sexual violence etc.
- Cooperation with various Aboriginal services including LEAHA, GEGAC, Dardi Munwurro, Ladidjeka (VACCA) etc.
- Creating spreadsheets to track client progress and document billable hours, preparation of costs disclosure statements
- Monitoring changes in relevant criminal legislation to stay abreast of procedures and provide legal updates to clients
Conveyancing Clerk
Engel & Partners Solicitors
06.2020 - 11.2021
- Preparation and execution of contracts for small to medium portfolio clients
- Managing contracts (including ‘subject to finance' clauses, cancellations, extensions, rescissions), overeseeing registration, settlement and post-settlement activities.
- Contract types included sale of land, put and calls, nominees, leasebacks, display village, mortgage/vendor finance
- Assisting supervising solicitor with plans of subdivision (commercial multi-lot developments)
- Proficient in the use of PEXA across all subscriptions
- Drafting and settling of Section 173 Agreements for the East Gippsland Shire
- Compliance with team processes and policies including legal escalation and document storage
- Assist with backfilling peer file operators when they are on leave
- Taking client instructions, performing title searches, compiling land and parcel data
- Liaison with local town planners and surveyors
- Assisting with Sale of Business transactions
Legal Secretary
McGuinness Legal
06.2018 - 12.2019
- Administrative support in boutique family law firm across various practice areas (family law, commercial transactions, Wills & Estates, litigation)
- Preparation of legal correspondence and drafting of professional letters for solicitors and associates
- Organising files for court proceedings and briefing counsel
- Director's diary management, scheduling appointments, appearances and briefings
- Existing and prospective client management
- Invoicing and monthly billing
- Handling of multiple assignments and maintaining firm commitment to deadlines
- Management of Deed Registry
Education
Bachelor of Laws - Law
University of New England
Armidale, NSW2027
Dual Diploma - Business Management
ANIBT
Melbourne2013
Year 13 - Equivalent To VCE - Highschool Certificate of Education
Katholische Theresienschule
Berlin2006
Skills
- Excellent prioritisation and organisational skills
- A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- The ability to communicate clearly and confidently at all levels - relationship building / people skills
- Advanced MS Word skills, including document creation and presentation
- An understanding of MS Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint and other software
- A demonstrated commitment to internal and external service standards
- An adaptable and flexible nature with a strong drive for achieving positive client outcomes and social justice objectives
- Well-developed understanding of need to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all business dealings
- Proficient user in legal software LEAP and Notion
Languages
German
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Legal Assistant to Senior Associate
Warren Graham & Murphy Solicitors
05.2023 - Current
Personal Legal Assistant to the Senior Partner
Daniel Taylor Lawyers
11.2021 - 05.2023
Conveyancing Clerk
Engel & Partners Solicitors
06.2020 - 11.2021
Legal Secretary
McGuinness Legal
06.2018 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Laws - Law
University of New England
Dual Diploma - Business Management
ANIBT
Year 13 - Equivalent To VCE - Highschool Certificate of Education
Katholische Theresienschule
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