Val Bastidas
Lake In The Hills
Summary
Detail-oriented and motivated, with experience as a legal assistant and a strong background in client communication, case management, and adaptability. Eager to apply my skills to support a dynamic legal team and contribute to the firm's success and grow my legal career.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Assistant
Cohen, Donahue & Morales
Elgin
10.2023 - 01.2025
- Assisted attorneys in preparing and organizing legal documents, including contracts.
- Conducted legal research using Westlaw, summarized findings, and presented them to the legal team.
- Managed client communication, responded to inquiries, provided case updates, and built trust with clients.
- Oversaw legal team appointments, hearings and schedules.
- Ensured proper documentation of all case materials and filings, maintaining case files in an organized and accessible manner.
- Reviewed contracts, legal correspondence and court documents.
Leader/Server
Ambassador Hotel
Chicago
06.2021 - 09.2023
- Managed a team in a fast paced environment, ensuring high quality service and client satisfaction.
- Demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills, overseeing daily operations, and resolving issues swiftly.
- Trained new employees and developed schedules.
- Learned the communication style of each employee and tailored my training and constructive criticism in a way they would understand.
- Utilized communication skills to maintain positive relationships with both clients and team members.
- Built long-lasting relationships with clients, resulting in loyalty and more revenue to the business
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology
DePaul University
Chicago, IL06-2023
Skills
- Legal Research: Skilled at using Westlaw and online databases
- Document Preparation: Proficient in drafting legal documents for attorneys
- Case Management: Strong organizational skills for managing case files, schedules, documentation, and a high caseload in a fast paced environment
- Client Communication: Effective at handling client inquiries, including scheduling appointments and providing updates
- Legal Software: Proficient with case management systems such as Smokeball
- Confidentiality: Deep understanding of the ethical obligation of legal professionals, ensuring sensitive information is handled with discretion and respect
- Attention to Detail: Strong ability to identify discrepancies in legal documents, ensuring high accuracy and compliance with legal standards
- Microsoft Office Suite: Expert at Word, Excel, Powerpoint
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
- Dedicated leader of the Philanthropy Branch at my sorority Phi Mu, where I had the pleasure of organizing events such as DemonThon to raise money for Lurie Children's Hospital, and volunteering with the Eisenberg Foundation.
- Member of DALE DePaul, a club focused on discussing the issues the Latino community faces in Chicago as well as how to get involved in the community
Timeline
Legal Assistant
Cohen, Donahue & Morales
10.2023 - 01.2025
Leader/Server
Ambassador Hotel
06.2021 - 09.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology
DePaul University