Christine Houston - Attorney at law, Collins Family & Elder Law Group

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Work Background

Collins Family & Elder Law GroupManaging Attorney

May. 2018North CarolinaAs a managing attorney I supervise, train, and mentor new attorneys and paralegals towards full independence and profitability in addition to maintaining my own case load. I lead and support teams of attorneys as well as staff and engage in created problem solving for firm growth and case strategy. In my role, I have participated in alternate dispute resolution, trials, negotiated high stakes issues, researched niche legal issues, and managed high conflict parties.

Rech Law, P.C.Associate Attorney

Sep. 2015 - Mar. 2018Charlotte, North Carolina Area1st Chair Attorney – managed cases from consultation through trial and/or settlement; explained legal procedures and statutes to new clients in a clear and concise manner; advised and represented clients in family, traffic, and criminal matters; drafted pleadings, motions, orders, separation agreements, discovery requests, and responses; negotiated settlement offers with counsel and unrepresented parties; interacted with judges in chambers and at professional social events; regularly appeared and participated in hearings, trials, collaborative meetings, and mediations; thoroughly researched and interpreted case law; collaborated with firm members on case strategy and interpretation of statutes/rules; primary associate responsible for initiating and maintaining actions for recovery of unpaid legal fees for the firm; maintained daily contact with clients and counsel; delegated tasks to paralegals and administrative assistants 2nd Chair Attorney – assisted 1st Chair Attorney by completing all necessary foundational work on cases prior to trial, including management of deadlines; ensured compliance with local rules; reviewed and interpreted statutes and case law to bolster legal arguments; created exhibit binders, and assisted with trial preparation; aided 1st Chair Attorney at trial Administrative – identified, deposited, and recorded client payments pursuant to trust account rules and regulations; interviewed and evaluated paralegal candidates; instituted monthly office meetings for firm efficiency; authored firm blog posts; participated in business development strategy meetings to increase profits and attract new clients; managed and directed legal interns; scheduled consultations; tracked client invoices

Rech Law, P.C.Law Clerk

Jan. 2015 - May. 2015Charlotte, North Carolina Area-Assisted senior and associate attorneys with a variety of family law related case work including but not limited to: assisting with the organization and compilation of discovery; drafting of motions, responses and other documents; and creation of exhibits for mediation and trial -Authored firm blog posts on multiple family law topics including new case law allowing for service through Facebook and the emergence of destination divorce packages -Completed daily office tasks such as courthouse filing, copying and scheduling as well as maintaining regular file organization and client correspondence

Kennedy Law Associates PLLCLaw Clerk

Jun. 2014 - Dec. 2014Charlotte, North Carolina Area-Assisted attorneys with hearing and mediation preparation including: creation of exhibit binders, drafting outlines of evidence to be presented and points to be addressed during direct and cross examination; ran child support worksheets; and edited client assets and liabilities spreadsheets. -Drafted pleadings, client letters, and discovery requests. -Filed documents at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse and the Union County Courthouse. -Researched and presented to attorneys on various family law issues including: Rule 59 motions; attorney's fees; temporary parenting arrangements; and newly published case law. -Transcribed and edited notes for initial client consultations and teleconferences. -Scanned, organized, and filed client documents. -Assisted the office manager and administrative assistant with daily tasks such as closing files, client billing, and reception duties.

Justice Initiatives, Inc.Head Court Camp Counselor

Jun. 2014 - Aug. 2014Charlotte, North Carolina Area-Supervised teenagers ages 14-18 during all Court Camp activities including: court observations; courthouse tour and scavenger hunt; mock trial preparation and participation; and daily field trips. -Accompanied students on daily field trips to Charlotte School of Law, Public Defender's Office, District Attorney's Office, Jail Central, and Mecklenburg County Crime Lab. -Instructed, and explained Mock Trial process and roles to students and assisted with case theory formation including: opening and closing statements; direct and cross examination questions; and jury instruction. -Worked together with other counselors to remain on schedule, order and deliver lunch to participants, assist students with Mock Trial prep, and consult with supervisor about behavior issues with students.

Legal Aid of North CarolinaLegal Extern- Domestic Violence Project

Sep. 2013 - Dec. 2013Charlotte, North Carolina Area-Drafted correspondence and other legal documents including child support and custody orders, also completed other office tasks such as courthouse run requests for criminal record checks and additional proceedings. -Created detailed tutorials for using Legal Files operating system, completing office tasks, and pre-closing files. -Interviewed clients to discuss their cases and screen them for potential legal advice or representation. -Observed and researched information regarding Domestic Violence court proceedings in North Carolina. -Became familiar with forms, documentation, and process of obtaining a Domestic Violence Protective Order.

Law Office of Edward C. Gill, P.A.Summer Law Clerk

Jul. 2013 - Aug. 2013Georgetown, Delaware-Researched and wrote memos on a variety of Delaware law including pre and post-judgment interest, negative equity in equitable distribution, and slip and fall liability of local business owners. -Assisted associate attorney with drafting, index compiling, and citing an appeal for review by the Supreme Court of Delaware. -Reviewed and summarized evidence for continuing litigation. -Observed deposition of ongoing personal injury litigation.

Tunnell & Raysor P.A.Summer Law Clerk

Jun. 2013 - Jul. 2013Georgetown, DelawareCompiled and summarized medical files in chronological order for personal injury cases, completed legal research on various topics of Delaware law including double jeopardy, and mediation with regard to medicaid benefits for children.

Family CourtJudicial Extern

Feb. 2012 - Apr. 2012Wilmington, DelawareReviewed and analyzed court testimony and documentation, and drafted synthesis outline to assist judge in identifying remaining equitable distribution issues in an ongoing case. Observed and assisted supervising judge during hearings by copying documents and completing research projects.

Candy Kitchen ShoppesAssistant Manager/Key Holder

May. 2005 - Aug. 2013Rehoboth Beach, DelawareResponsible for opening and closing store, tracking and distributing store money, delegating tasks to employees, serving customers, handling customer disputes and questions, and general supervision and management of store procedures and employees.