James Mitchell
42 Eucalyptus Lane, Paddington NSW 2021
(02) 9876 5432 | james.mitchell.legal@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/jamesmitchell-paralegal

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Corporate Paralegal
Sterling & Associates Legal Services, Sydney, NSW
January 2021 – Present

• Manage end-to-end contract lifecycle for corporate transactions, including drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of commercial agreements, franchise agreements, and brand licensing contracts
• Coordinate due diligence processes for mergers and acquisitions transactions, organizing data rooms, reviewing corporate documents, and preparing transaction summaries for legal counsel
• Maintain corporate records management system ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies, including entity governance documents, board resolutions, and corporate filings
• Support intellectual property portfolio management, including trademark filings, renewals, and monitoring brand licensing agreements across multiple jurisdictions
• Assist with regulatory compliance initiatives and environmental compliance documentation, liaising with external counsel and regulatory agencies as needed
• Prepare and file corporate documents with state agencies and maintain corporate minute books for 50+ subsidiary entities

Senior Legal Assistant
Meridian Corporate Law Group, Melbourne, VIC
March 2017 – December 2020

• Provided comprehensive legal support to corporate legal team handling commercial transactions, real estate matters, and litigation management
• Drafted and reviewed contracts, franchise agreements, and real estate documents, ensuring compliance with company standards and legal requirements
• Managed document management systems and implemented improved file management protocols, reducing document retrieval time by 40%
• Coordinated discovery processes for litigation matters, including document collection, review, and production in compliance with court deadlines
• Maintained attorney calendars, scheduled depositions and court appearances, and coordinated meeting logistics for internal and external stakeholders
• Prepared pleadings, motions, and correspondence for litigation matters under attorney supervision

Legal Assistant
Brisbane Legal Solutions, Brisbane, QLD
June 2014 – February 2017

• Supported legal department with contract management, legal research, and document preparation for various corporate matters
• Organized and maintained legal files, ensuring accurate records management and easy retrieval of critical documents
• Assisted with billing processes, tracking legal expenses, and coordinating with outside counsel on invoicing matters
• Conducted initial legal research on corporate, real estate, and compliance issues to support attorney work product
• Prepared and processed corporate governance documents, including board materials and entity formation paperwork

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
Graduated: May 2014

Paralegal Certificate Program
Australian Paralegal Institute, Sydney, NSW
Completed: December 2013

SKILLS

Legal Operations: Contract Management, Document Management, Records Management, Legal Research, Compliance Management
Corporate Law: Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Transactions, Franchise Agreements, Brand Licensing, Trademarks, Intellectual Property
Litigation Support: Pleadings and Motions Drafting, Discovery Consulting, Litigation Management, File Management
Specialized Knowledge: Real Estate Management, Environmental Compliance, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management
Administrative: Calendaring, Meeting Coordination, Transcription, Billing

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Paralegal (CP)
National Association of Legal Assistants
Issued: August 2015

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member, National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
Member, American Alliance of Paralegals