Shemeka Ibrahim
Antioch, TN 37013 -| -
Professional Summary
Experienced Paralegal and Legal Assistant with 20 years in family law, criminal law, worker’s compensation, and personal injury law, including car and truck accidents, premises liability, construction accidents, and wrongful death cases. Detail-oriented and results-driven, I have a proven ability to conduct legal research, manage cases from intake to trial, draft pleadings and discovery documents, negotiate settlements, and support litigation strategies.
My expertise includes mediation, contract drafting, claims adjustment, litigation support, case management, collections, and client communication. I am highly proficient in Clio, Amicus, Lawmatics, Simplicity, Cogent, Microsoft Office Suite, and various other legal software. As a skilled problem-solver with meticulous attention to detail, I excel in dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative team environments.
Skills
Legal Expertise: Tennessee Rule 31 Mediator, Contract Drafting, Litigation Support, Case Management, Legal Research, Claims Adjustment, Litigation, Family Law, Criminal law, Personal Injury Law, Employment & Labor Law, Wills, Trusts & Estate Law
Software Proficiency: Microsoft Office Suite, Clio, Amicus, Google Drive, LexisNexis, Lawmatics, WestLaw, Simplicity, QuickBooks, SharePoint, Adobe, DocuSign, Salesforce
Key Strengths: Communication, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Data Management, Project Management, Time Management, Team Collaboration
Technical Skills: Data Analysis, Data Entry, Budgeting, Excel, Legal Drafting, Documentation Review, Proofreading, Legal Writing
Certifications: Paralegal Certificate, Notary Public, Rule 31 Mediator
Other Skills: Case E-Filing, Legal Correspondence, Client Communication, Administrative Support, Customer Service
Work Experience
Paralegal
Upwork — Nashville, TN
March 2022 – Present
Collaborated with appraisers/estimators for vehicle repairs and negotiated settlements with customers and insurance carriers.
Conducted claims adjustment, determining coverage and liability for damages.
Researched and collected past-due payments, performing skip trace searches.
Drafted legal documents and managed real estate matters using Clio for case and document management.
Paralegal
Attorney Yvette Cain — Nashville, TN
January 2004 - October 2022
Prepared and filed eviction notices, complaints, and related legal documents, ensuring compliance with state and local laws.
Monitored statute of limitations deadlines and prepared court filings to ensure timely legal action.
Conducted legal research on landlord-tenant laws, including rent disputes, lease violations, and habitability standards.
Drafted pleadings, motions, affidavits, and subpoenas for court proceedings.
Managed a caseload of over 50 clients, maintaining high client satisfaction and timely updates.
Streamlined document review processes, reducing time by 30% and saving the firm $10,000 in operational costs.
Stay informed on updates in legal procedures and case law relevant to appeals.
Liaise with clients, courts, and legal professionals to facilitate the appeal process..
Support attorneys in family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence cases.
Assist in trial preparation by organizing exhibits, drafting witness lists, and developing case strategies.
Coordinated with court staff to schedule hearings and ensure timely delivery of case materials.
Conducted intake interviews for personal injury, criminal, family law clients, gathering evidence and initial case details.
Coordinated appointments with medical providers and assisted clients in obtaining necessary documentation.
Reviewed and summarized medical records, police reports, and insurance documents to support case strategy.
Assisted in negotiating settlements, preparing for depositions and mediations, and coordinating expert witness testimonies.
Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of records for all workers’ compensation claims, maintaining compliance with legal standards and company policies.
Perform regular audits and assessments of workers’ compensation claim data to detect trends, patterns, and areas for process enhancement.
Stay informed on updates to workers’ compensation laws and regulations, ensuring compliance and recommending necessary policy or procedural adjustments.
Utilize problem-solving and analytical skills to evaluate the legitimacy of workers’ compensation claims and make informed decisions.
Determine and implement optimal mediation strategies tailored to each claim.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
March 2014 - December 2018
Associate's Degree in Psychology
Nashville State Community College — Nashville, TN
January 2000 - April 2004
Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Tennessee Career College — Nashville, TN
January 2000 - September 2000
Certifications and Licenses
Paralegal Certificate
Tennessee Career College — January 2002
• Comprehensive program covering case management, legal research, civil litigation, document preparation, and legal ethics.
Certified Notary Public
Commissioned July 2003
• Authorized to perform notarial acts, including administering oaths, witnessing signatures, and verifying the authenticity of documents