Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Suria Whitefield

Personal Assistant
Gqeberha,EC

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive experience as a Personal Assistant at Jean Lemue Attorneys, excelling in document preparation and client relations. Proven ability to enhance productivity and maintain confidentiality while managing high-volume workloads. Recognized for exceptional time management and organisational skills, ensuring seamless operations and client satisfaction.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Personal Assistant to the Owner

Jean Lemue Attorneys
05.2016 - Current
  • Increased productivity by prioritizing tasks and ensuring deadlines were met consistently.
  • Reduced administrative workload for the owner through proficient handling of routine tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-level responsibilities.
  • Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.
  • Responsible for drafting of all legal documentation.
  • Eased attorney workload burdens through proficient management of daily clerical tasks such as mail sorting, document scanning, and data entry.
  • Maintained professionalism under pressure when dealing with challenging clientele or sensitive issues requiring discretion and diplomacy.
  • Generated Court process and other legal documents for review by attorneys.
  • Prepared drafts of forms, letters and agreements for legal staff use.
  • Facilitated smooth client intake process by gathering relevant documentation, performing conflict checks, and creating organised files.
  • Maintained organised office and case-specific paper and digital files for easy tracking and retrieval.
  • Managed high-volume workloads with accuracy and efficiency, meeting strict deadlines and maintaining a high standard of quality in all tasks.

Office Manager

Ballenden & Robb Consulting Engineers
05.2007 - 06.2013
  • Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
  • Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
  • Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.

Collections Paralegal

Woollgar Attorneys
06.2001 - 05.2007

Delivered exceptional customer service on collection calls and maintained calm and professional demeanor.

  • Organised files for court proceedings.
  • Assisted in drafting legal documents such as Letters of Demand, Emoluments Attachment Orders, and Judgments, contributing to successful Collections.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
  • Improved client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate legal document preparation.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when greeting clients and answering phone calls, fostering a welcoming environment.
  • Organised and maintained an efficient electronic filing system for easy access to critical documents and data.
  • Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
  • Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
  • Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
  • Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
  • Managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
  • Diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling.

Education

Grade 12 (Matric) -

Hangklip High School
Queenstown, Eastern Cape
04.2001 -

Skills

Office management

File organisation

Discretion and confidentiality

Time management

Client relations

Personal correspondence

Business writing

Maintaining schedules

Document preparation

Timeline

Personal Assistant to the Owner

Jean Lemue Attorneys
05.2016 - Current

Office Manager

Ballenden & Robb Consulting Engineers
05.2007 - 06.2013

Collections Paralegal

Woollgar Attorneys
06.2001 - 05.2007

Grade 12 (Matric) -

Hangklip High School
04.2001 -
Suria WhitefieldPersonal Assistant