Stephanie Okonwanji
Redbank
Summary
Experienced Commonwealth Solicitor with six years of comprehensive experience in legal practice, including roles as a Paralegal and Legal Assistant. Proficient in managing diverse legal matters, from complex litigation to transactional work. Demonstrated expertise in drafting legal documents, conducting research, and providing high-quality client support. Adept at navigating legal procedures, ensuring compliance, and delivering favourable outcomes. Seeking to leverage extensive legal background and client-focused skills to contribute effectively to an establishment.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paralegal
Birmingham City Council
01.2025 - 02.2025
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Organized and maintained both electronic and physical case files using a case management system (IKEN), ensuring all documents are properly filed and accessible.
- Incepted pre-action disclosure matters and claim forms on behalf of the Housing Litigation Department of the Council.
Legal Clerk
Birmingham City Council
08.2024 - 01.2025
- Maximized office efficiency through proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite tools such as Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Provided excellent customer service to clients by promptly addressing inquiries and maintaining a friendly demeanor.
- Conducted thorough legal research, providing valuable insights to support attorney decision making
- Supported attorneys during trial by organizing exhibits, taking notes on witness testimony, and tracking juror reactions.
- Coordinated with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel to schedule appointments and hearings efficiently.
- Maintained strict confidentiality while handling sensitive client information, fostering trust among colleagues and clients.
- Assisted in training new legal clerks on office procedures, policies, and software systems utilized within the firm.
Legal Support Associate
Accelerate Law, UK
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Enhanced client satisfaction by efficiently handling case-related documentation and correspondence.
- Implemented new software tools that streamlined document management processes within the firm's database system.
- Contributed to successful case outcomes through meticulous proofreading of briefs and other legal materials.
- Assisted with trial preparation, including the organization of exhibits and witness coordination.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Facilitated clear communication between clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel through professional correspondence.
- Supported lawyers in managing cases by maintaining up-to-date case files and tracking deadlines.
Solicitor
A.O Odum & Co. LLP
01.2022 - 08.2022
- Built strong relationships with clients, offering tailored advice and guidance throughout legal proceedings.
- Represented the United Bank for Africa in an £87k debt recovery suit by meeting bank officials to conduct interviews, compiling information into witness depositions and attending court for litigation.
- Acted on behalf of Tenoil Petroleum and Energy Services in a trespass suit by conducting interviews and attending mediation sessions.
- Provided legal counsel and support for corporate clients in areas such as contract law, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
- Led negotiations for high-value commercial agreements, achieving favourable contract terms and risk mitigation for clients.
- Conducted thorough research to ensure accurate interpretation of laws and regulations in support of client cases.
Trainee Solicitor/Litigation Paralegal
Prince Eluma & Associates LLP
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Developed strong relationships with clients by maintaining open communication channels and providing timely updates on case progress.
- Provided administrative support to other departments when needed demonstrating teamwork skills and adaptability.
- Prepared and drafted pleadings, motions, contracts, briefs, and legal correspondence for attorney review.
- Assist attorneys with discovery, including document production, interrogatories, and subpoenas.
- Coordinated with court clerks, opposing counsel, and clients to schedule meetings, hearings, and depositions.
- Assisted in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits, coordinating witnesses, and preparing trial binders.
Principal Legal Assistant
Blossom Finance Home
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Supported the legal department in handling regulatory compliance issues, assisting attorneys with filings to the SEC and other regulatory bodies.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts related to loan agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and service contracts, ensuring all terms comply with legal and regulatory standards.
- Assisted attorneys in due diligence processes during mergers, acquisitions, and financing transactions by gathering relevant financial and legal documents.
- Conducted legal research on financial regulations and compliance matters, compiling findings into detailed reports for attorney review.
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
Education
Master of Laws (LLM) - International Trade Law And Policy
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, UK09-2023
Barrister-at-Law (B.L) - Law
Nigerian Law School
Nigeria11-2019
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law
University of Benin
Nigeria09-2018
West African Senior School Certificate Examination - GSCE Maths And English Equivalent
Marble Hill School
Delta State, Nigeria09-2012
Skills
- Legal research
- Proficient in MS office
- Case management
- Client communication
- Document preparation
- Litigation support
- Risk management
- Administrative support
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Document management
Certification
Certificate in Human Resource Management. | 2019
Certificate in Project Management. |2019
Certificate of Call to the Nigerian Bar Association. |2019
Compliance Officer, Level 3 Advanced Diploma. | 2023
Timeline
Paralegal
Birmingham City Council
01.2025 - 02.2025
Legal Clerk
Birmingham City Council
08.2024 - 01.2025
Legal Support Associate
Accelerate Law, UK
08.2023 - 08.2024
Solicitor
A.O Odum & Co. LLP
01.2022 - 08.2022
Trainee Solicitor/Litigation Paralegal
Prince Eluma & Associates LLP
02.2021 - 02.2022
Principal Legal Assistant
Blossom Finance Home
01.2020 - 01.2021
Master of Laws (LLM) - International Trade Law And Policy
University of Birmingham
Barrister-at-Law (B.L) - Law
Nigerian Law School
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law
University of Benin
West African Senior School Certificate Examination - GSCE Maths And English Equivalent
Marble Hill School
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