Christal Burckhard
Aberdeen
Summary
Dynamic paralegal with extensive experience at Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm, excelling in legal research and client communication. Proven ability to manage complex case files and draft compelling legal documents, ensuring regulatory compliance and achieving timely resolutions. Known for exceptional organizational skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving in fast-paced environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paralegal
Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm
Sioux Falls
05.2024 - Current
- Responded to client calls and inquiries to deliver applicable information.
- Facilitated communication between attorneys, clients, witnesses, and court personnel.
- Entered data into and managed litigation databases and Excel spreadsheets.
- Drafted correspondence to clients and other attorneys.
- Maintained calendars for upcoming court dates or deadlines related to cases.
- Organized client calendars, prepared mailings and handled high call volumes.
- Reviewed and organized legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Drafted discovery responses including interrogatories and requests for production of documents.
- Drafted motions, briefs and other legal documents.
- Knowledgeable dealing with pleadings, affidavits, motions and exhibit preparation.
- Prepared and organized materials for trial, including exhibits, witness lists, and evidence.
- Managed case files and documentation, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Proofread documents prior to filing them with courts or submitting them to opposing counsels.
- Used WestLaw and LexisNexis to examine secondary sources, statutory, and case law and federal and state regulations.
- Maintained client files according to established protocols.
- Filed motions with courts electronically or via hard copy.
- Utilized legal software and databases for case management and legal research.
- Filed pleadings and appeals with court clerks to expedite trial proceedings.
Paralegal
State of South Dakota - Attorney General
Pierre
09.2024 - 04.2025
- Conducted research on relevant laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and legal articles.
- Filed pleadings and appeals with court clerks to expedite trial proceedings.
- Met with clients and attorneys to discuss case details and evidence.
- Reviewed and organized legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Researched applicable statutes, codes, regulations, ordinances, and precedent cases.
- Organized client calendars, prepared mailings and handled high call volumes.
- Coordinated witness testimony for depositions.
- Ensured compliance with legal, court, and regulatory requirements by studying existing and new legislation.
- Reviewed and summarized depositions, transcripts, and other legal documents for attorney review.
- Organized exhibits for trial by preparing materials and supporting documentation.
- Utilized legal software and databases for case management and legal research.
- Interviewed clients and obtained vital case information to support associates.
- Drafted motions, briefs and other legal documents.
- Drafted discovery responses including interrogatories and requests for production of documents.
- Analyzed and interpreted laws, rulings, and regulations for specific cases.
- Attended court proceedings to observe trials or hearings.
Paralegal
Schreiber Law Firm
Pierre
08.2016 - 08.2023
- Responded to client calls and inquiries to deliver applicable information.
- Produced well-researched and articulate legal briefs, pleadings and statements.
- Organized exhibits for trial by preparing materials and supporting documentation.
- Participated in mediation sessions by preparing necessary materials and taking notes during meetings.
- Met with clients and attorneys to discuss case details and evidence.
- Reviewed and summarized depositions, transcripts, and other legal documents for attorney review.
- Maintained calendars for upcoming court dates or deadlines related to cases.
- Organized client calendars, prepared mailings and handled high call volumes.
- Reviewed and organized legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Drafted discovery responses including interrogatories and requests for production of documents.
- Drafted motions, briefs and other legal documents.
- Interviewed clients and obtained vital case information to support associates.
- Prepared clients for appointments, depositions and testimony.
- Managed case files and documentation, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Proofread documents prior to filing them with courts or submitting them to opposing counsels.
Mortgage Loan Closer
Bankwest Corporate Office
Pierre
04.2011 - 08.2016
- Answered inquiries from customers regarding loan status or changes in circumstances.
- Developed loan contracts and explained contract terms to clients.
- Promoted strong commitment to productive loan processing by following up with necessary parties and quickly resolving issues.
- Identified valuable solutions for customers with credit problems.
- Compiled data related to borrower's income sources and financial assets before processing loans.
- Established and nurtured relationships with real estate agents and other industry professionals.
- Reviewed loan documents and ensured accuracy of information provided by customer.
- Conducted risk assessments on loan applications using predictive models.
- Resolved discrepancies between loan documents and credit reports.
- Monitored loans post-closing for compliance with investor guidelines or requirements.
- Coordinated with title companies to ensure timely delivery of documents to settlement agents.
- Kept detailed records regarding approved, denied and received loan applications.
- Gathered client debt, credit and income information to determine loan eligibility.
- Approved or denied loan applications and explained reasoning behind decisions.
- Verified client financial information to determine creditworthiness and loan eligibility.
- Provided guidance and support throughout the entire loan process.
- Conducted pre-closing audits for compliance with applicable regulations.
- Conducted comprehensive financial analyses to assess borrower's ability to repay.
- Met with applicants to obtain information for loan applications and answer questions about processes.
- Reviewed loan agreements to verify completeness and accuracy according to applicable policies.
- Prepared closing statements, secured signatures on documents, and reviewed all loan conditions with customers.
- Stayed abreast of lending regulations, industry trends and market rates.
- Verified that all required documentation was received prior to closing date.
- Collected and verified financial information from applicants.
- Informed customers of application deadlines, approvals and denials.
- Delivered high level of service to every loan stakeholder through effective communication and explanation of documentation.
- Utilized CRM systems to effectively manage client interactions and follow-ups.
- Developed and implemented strategies to meet monthly loan targets.
- Coordinated with underwriters for loan approval and final decision-making.
- Reviewed final closing disclosure statement for accuracy prior to closing day.
- Scheduled closing meeting after gathering and preparing loan package documentation.
- Verified accuracy of information on mortgage documents.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations and procedures.
Education
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, CO04-2016
Court Management Certification - Court Management
Court Management Program
Bismarck, ND01-2006
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
National American University
Rapid City, SD05-1987
Skills
- Legal research
- Document management
- Client communication
- Case preparation
- Discovery drafting
- Legal writing
- Trial support
- Regulatory compliance
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Legal research skills
- Deadline monitoring
- Professional demeanor
- Multitasking capacity
- Organizational skills
- Office administration
- Goal setting
Affiliations
- Owned Fitness studio for 17 years
- Owned Nutrition Club for 5 years
Certification
- Certified Paralegal
- Previous Board Member of SD Paralegal Association
- Current Member of SD Paralegal Association
- Certified Personal Trainer
Timeline
Paralegal
State of South Dakota - Attorney General
09.2024 - 04.2025
Paralegal
Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm
05.2024 - Current
Paralegal
Schreiber Law Firm
08.2016 - 08.2023
Mortgage Loan Closer
Bankwest Corporate Office
04.2011 - 08.2016
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
University of Colorado Denver
Court Management Certification - Court Management
Court Management Program
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
National American University
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