Juanita J. Russell

Perseverance keeps me moving forward, resilience helps me rise after every setback, and legal expertise gives me the tools to advocate for what truly matters...

(417) 281-4874

juanita@juanitarussell.com

USA

juanitarussell

About
Me

For over twenty years, I’ve built my career on perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to my dreams. On the path to earning my J.D. and passing the bar, I worked tirelessly in roles that laid the groundwork for my legal journey — from Executive Assistant to Paralegal, and eventually Senior Paralegal.

Each role was more than a job; it was a crucial step toward my ultimate goal of becoming an attorney. While supporting my family, I held tightly to a dream that often felt just out of reach — but I never let go.

What I bring to the table isn’t just legal knowledge — it’s lived experience. Years of hands-on work in the legal field have given me not only technical expertise but also the grit and determination it takes to turn ambition into achievement.

Experience

Senior Paralegal/Associate Attorney

JAN 2023 - MARCH 2025

Justin Camper Law, LLC

As a Senior Paralegal in Criminal Defense, I play a critical role in supporting attorneys throughout every stage of a case. I conduct in-depth legal research, analyze case law, and prepare comprehensive reports to assist in building strong defense strategies. I draft and file motions, pleadings, discovery requests, and other legal documents while ensuring compliance with court deadlines. I manage case files, review evidence, coordinate witness interviews, and communicate with clients to keep them informed about case developments. Additionally, I assist in trial preparation by organizing exhibits, drafting trial binders, and preparing courtroom presentations. My ability to work efficiently under pressure, maintain confidentiality, and pay close attention to detail ensures the smooth handling of complex criminal cases.

Executive Assistant/Paralegal

FEB 2021- JAN 2023

Cowlitz Law Group

As a paralegal in a family law and estate, wills, and probate law firm, I assist attorneys with a wide range of legal matters, ensuring cases are handled efficiently and clients receive the support they need. In family law, I prepare and file legal documents for divorce, child custody, support modifications, and adoption, while maintaining close communication with clients to guide them through the legal process. I manage discovery, draft pleadings, and assist with trial preparation. In estate, wills, and probate law, I draft wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents, oversee probate filings, and coordinate with courts and beneficiaries to facilitate estate administration. I also conduct legal research, maintain case files, and ensure deadlines are met, all while providing compassionate and professional support to clients during sensitive legal matters.

Legal Assistant

May 2005-JAN 2006

Mastersons Attorney at Law

As a Legal Assistant in a corporate law firm, I provide essential support to attorneys by managing legal documents, conducting research, and ensuring efficient workflow in corporate transactions. I assist in drafting contracts, maintaining corporate records, and coordinating filings with regulatory agencies. My role also involves organizing case files, scheduling meetings, and communicating with clients to facilitate smooth legal processes. With keen attention to detail, I review and proofread legal documents, track deadlines, and manage confidential information with professionalism. My goal is to ensure seamless operations and support attorneys in delivering high-quality legal services to corporate clients.

Education & Experience

Law School

2005 - Juris Doctor (JD)

I earned my Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Arkansas School of Law, graduating with honors and ranking second in my class. During my time there, I developed a strong foundation in legal analysis, research, and advocacy, and took pride in consistently challenging myself to achieve academic excellence.

Criminal Justice

2002 - Bachelor of Criminal Justice

I earned my Bachelor of Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas, graduating with honors. It was a proud achievement and a pivotal moment in my academic journey. The program not only deepened my understanding of the criminal justice system but also solidified my passion for law. It served as the perfect foundation and stepping stone toward pursuing my dream of attending law school.

Professional Summary

Extensive hands-on experience in legal research, case analysis, and trial preparation across multiple practice areas, including Criminal Law, Family Law, and Probate and Trust Law. Skilled in creating detailed trial notebooks, performing legal transcription, and providing comprehensive litigation support. Proficient in a wide range of legal and productivity software, including Clio, Panther, MyCase, Trustate, Smart Advocate, Clio Draft, and Lexis+, as well as project management tools such as Monday.com, Asana, Trello, and ClickUp. Also highly proficient in OneDrive, Google Docs, Dropbox, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.