Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Courtnie Zehr

Saint Joseph

Summary

Highly organized legal administrative assistant with 8+ years in litigation support and case management. Specializes in client communication and maintaining confidentiality while enhancing operational efficiency.

Experienced and detail-oriented Criminal legal assistant with over 7 years of expertise supporting criminal defense and prosecution teams in fast-paced legal environments. Skilled in case management, legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, discovery preparation, and trial support for complex criminal cases. Adept at maintaining meticulous case files, managing court deadlines, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal court procedures.

Proven ability to coordinate with attorneys, paralegals, and investigators to streamline case workflow, gather evidence, and prepare exhibits for hearings and trials. Strong knowledge of criminal law procedures, evidentiary rules, and courtroom protocols, with hands-on experience in arraignments, pre-trial motions, and jury trials.

Experienced in leading recruiting teams, optimizing applicant tracking systems, managing multi-million-dollar recruiting budgets, and developing employer branding initiatives that increase offer acceptance rates and long-term retention. Strong background in DEI-focused hiring strategies, market compensation analysis, and building long-term relationships with legal search firms and professional organizations.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Legal Administrative Assistant

Law Office of Brian D. Williams
04.2022 - Current

Highly organized and detail-oriented Criminal Legal Administrative Assistant with over 8+ years of experience supporting attorneys and legal teams in fast-paced law firm and corporate legal environments. Expertise in litigation support, legal documentation, case management, and client relations. Proven ability to manage complex calendars, coordinate court filings, and maintain strict confidentiality while improving office efficiency.

  • Conduct detailed client intake interviews
  • Gather and organize personal, employment, medical, and prior criminal history information
  • Obtain and track retainer agreements and fee payments
  • Maintain regular client communication (court dates, updates, document requests)
  • Coordinate jail visits and phone conferences
  • Drafted and filed legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
  • Coordinated communication between clients and attorneys, enhancing client satisfaction and information flow.
  • Managed case management software to track deadlines, appointments, and documentation efficiently.
  • Prepared trial binders and organized exhibits to support attorneys during litigation proceedings.
  • Create and maintain physical and digital case files
    Index and organize discovery materials
    Track deadlines (arraignment, motions, discovery deadlines, trial dates)
  • Create and maintain physical and digital case files
    Index and organize discovery materials
    Track deadlines (arraignment, motions, discovery deadlines, trial dates)
  • Maintain case management software entries
  • Prepare and file documents via e-filing court systems while ensuring compliance with court formatting and filing rules.
  • Administrative duties that included but not limited to Court Calendar entries, coordinate interpreter services, AR/AP, Coordinate treatment program placements, purchase orders, providing customer service from New Person Intake to Current and Reoccurring Clients.
  • Assist with expungement and record sealing paperwork
  • Research diversion program eligibility
  • Help clients complete probation documentation
  • Track compliance with court-ordered conditions
  • Coordinate with private investigators
  • Locate and interview witnesses (as permitted)
  • Obtain surveillance footage
  • Request medical and employment records
  • Conduct background checks
  • Prepare investigative summaries
  • Review social media evidence
  • Request discovery from prosecutors
  • Catalog and summarize:
    Police reports
    Arrest affidavits
    Body cam footage
    Dash cam footage
    911 recordings
    Lab reports
    Forensic evidence
  • Create discovery logs and evidence spreadsheets
  • Prepare evidence binders for hearings/trial
  • Coordinate with forensic experts
  • Track chain of custody documentation

Legal Administrative Assistant/Accounting Office Manager

David E. Lewis Law
01.2019 - 01.2022
  • Prepared legal documents, ensuring compliance with court procedures and regulations.
  • Managed case files and maintained organized records for efficient access and retrieval.
  • Trained junior staff on administrative procedures and use of legal software systems.
  • Developed and maintained filing systems for efficient retrieval of legal documents.
  • Oversaw scheduling of appointments and hearings, optimizing attorney availability and client satisfaction.

• Oversee daily accounting operations including AP, AR, general ledger, payroll, and month‑end close
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, and liquidity to support organizational financial health
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and internal policies
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and operational improvement opportunities
• Collaborate with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning
• Manage and mentor accounting staff, conducting performance evaluations and development plans
• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard financial assets and strengthen audit readiness
• Partner with auditors to organize documentation and support annual audit requirements
• Optimize accounting systems, processes, and automation tools to increase efficiency and accuracy
• Coordinate interdepartmental communication to resolve financial discrepancies and support business decisions
• Oversee tax reporting, filings, and compliance activities with external tax advisors
• Prepare management reports for CFO and executive team to support decision‑making
• Evaluate financial policies and implement updates to improve governance and operational effectiveness

Junior Manager, Legal Recruiting

Masonic Home of Franklin
10.2016 - 01.2019

Strategic and results-driven legal recruiting leader with 3+ years of experience building high-performing legal teams across Masonic Home of Franklin and global corporate legal departments. Proven expertise in attorney hiring, lateral partner recruitment, campus programs, diversity initiatives, workforce planning, and employer branding. Trusted advisor to executive leadership on talent strategy, compensation trends, and competitive market intelligence.

  • Assisted in daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety and compliance standards.
  • Coordinated staff schedules to optimize resource allocation and service delivery.
  • Supported resident engagement activities, fostering a positive community environment.
  • Implemented feedback mechanisms to enhance resident satisfaction and care quality.
  • Executive & Lateral Hiring Strategy
  • Campus & Summer Associate Programs
  • DEI Talent Initiatives
  • Workforce Planning & Forecasting
  • Compensation Benchmarking
  • Assisted in drafting legal correspondence and documentation under attorney supervision.
  • Managed case files and legal documents for efficient retrieval and organization.
  • Oversaw a team of 8 recruiting professionals across multiple markets.
  • Reduced time-to-fill by 30% through streamlined hiring workflows and data-driven sourcing strategies.
  • Launched diversity hiring initiatives increasing underrepresented attorney hires by 40% over three years.
  • Partnered with Practice Group Leaders and Executive Committee on workforce planning and compensation alignment.
  • Managed $2.5M annual recruiting budget.

Assistant Legal Recruiting Manager

New Hope Of Indiana
07.2013 - 10.2016
  • Developed and implemented recruitment strategies to attract qualified candidates.
  • Streamlined interview processes, improving overall candidate experience and efficiency.
  • Collaborated with hiring managers to define job requirements and desired candidate profiles.
  • Conducted training sessions for staff on effective interviewing techniques and best practices.
  • Built strategic relationships with career services offices at top law schools.
  • Negotiated and closed high-value lateral hires in corporate, litigation, and IP practices.
  • Coordinate full-cycle recruiting logistics for lateral associates, partners, and summer associates
  • Schedule interviews across multiple offices, managing attorney and candidate availability
  • Prepare and distribute interview materials, evaluation forms, and candidate packets
  • Serve as primary point of contact for candidates throughout the interview process
  • Track candidate progress in applicant tracking systems (ATS) such as LawCruit or viRecruit
  • Draft offer letters and coordinate onboarding documentation
  • Conduct conflict checks and background screening coordination
  • Assist with law school campus recruiting programs and OCI preparation
  • Manage job postings on firm website and external job boards
  • Maintain recruiting database accuracy and reporting metrics
  • Compile recruiting statistics and prepare weekly pipeline reports for leadership
  • Process recruiting expenses and vendor invoices
  • Coordinate travel arrangements and reimbursements for candidates
  • Support summer associate program events and orientation logistics
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive candidate and compensation information
  • Implemented applicant tracking system improvements to enhance reporting and compliance.

Hospice Admissions Nurse

New Hope of Indiana
07.2011 - 05.2013

Compassionate and detail-oriented Licensed Nurse with clinical training and strong organizational skills seeking an Admissions Nurse position. Experienced in patient assessment, documentation, care coordination, and communication with interdisciplinary teams. Adept at gathering medical histories, verifying orders, and ensuring smooth patient transitions into care settings.

  • Assessed patient eligibility for hospice services through comprehensive evaluations.
  • Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to establish and implement care plans.
  • Educated families on hospice benefits and services, enhancing understanding of care options.
  • Conducted thorough documentation using Electronic Health Records systems to ensure compliance.
  • Streamlined admission processes by developing standardized protocols for referrals and assessments.
  • Enhanced patient experience by providing compassionate support and education to patients and families throughout the admission process.
  • Provided comprehensive symptom management recommendations upon assessing newly admitted patients'' physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

Education

Associate of Science - Nursing

Brown Mackie College
Indianapolis, IN

Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Management

Martins University
Indianapolis, IN
05-2019

Associate of Applied Science - Telecommunications

Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN

Certificate of Technical Studies - Paralegal Studies

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Indianapolis, IN

Skills

  • Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Word formatting, track changes)
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro
  • Document management systems (iManage, NetDocuments, Clio)
  • Case management software
  • E-discovery platforms (Relativity, Concordance)
  • Trial presentation software (TrialDirector)
  • Electronic calendaring systems
  • Litigation support (civil, criminal, corporate, family, etc)
  • General ledger reconciliation
  • Accounts payable & accounts receivable
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Client communication
  • Month-end & year-end close

Timeline

Senior Legal Administrative Assistant

Law Office of Brian D. Williams
04.2022 - Current

Legal Administrative Assistant/Accounting Office Manager

David E. Lewis Law
01.2019 - 01.2022

Junior Manager, Legal Recruiting

Masonic Home of Franklin
10.2016 - 01.2019

Assistant Legal Recruiting Manager

New Hope Of Indiana
07.2013 - 10.2016

Hospice Admissions Nurse

New Hope of Indiana
07.2011 - 05.2013

Associate of Science - Nursing

Brown Mackie College

Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Management

Martins University

Associate of Applied Science - Telecommunications

Vincennes University

Certificate of Technical Studies - Paralegal Studies

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Courtnie Zehr