Twana E.

Dickinson
1464 T STREET, NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
PHONE: (202) 265-2676
E-MAIL: td64bc54@westpost.net
QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY
Accomplished, ambitious and dynamic executive level administrative professional
with an exemplary track record of achievement and demonstrated success as a seni
or-level assistant with comprehensive experience in all aspects of administrativ
e support in the legal services arena. Proven project management skills in strea
mlining procedures and increasing department efficiency through establishing obj
ectives, determining priorities, effective time management and fostering cross-f
unctional relationships. An exemplary track record of success cultivated by an i
mpassioned work ethic should indicate future performance excellence. Extraordina
ry capacity to multitask, manage competing priorities with ease while achieving
organizational objectives. Respected team leader with the innate ability to insp
ire confidence at all levels.
* Proficient in online research tools: internet, LexisNexis, and Westlaw.
* Exceptional communication skills with experience acting as company representat
ive and first line of contact.
* Experience in the creation and delivery of staff training and development prog
rams.
* Demonstrated skill in process improvement initiatives, providing the specific
action steps and recommendations required ensure streamlined and cohesive proces
ses and communication.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
* DOCUMENTATION CONTROL
* DOCUMENT PRODUCTION
* PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
* DATA & ONLINE RESEARCH
* STAFF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
* CLIENT ENGAGEMENT
* CHANGE MANAGEMENT
* TEAM LEADER & MENTOR
* BUDGET MANAGEMENT
* CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
* EVENT PLANNING & SCHEDULING
* REPORT GENERATION
* VENDOR MANAGEMENT
* TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
* CORPORATE BRANDINGPROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD, LLP, Washington, DC, 1977-2009
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld is one of the world's largest law firms, with mor
e than 900 lawyers in 13 offices, and is a frequent recipient of industry recogn
ition for its strength in litigation and high-stakes appellate work.
Document Production Manager (1998-December, 2009)
Provided leadership, guidance and direction to the firm's in-house graphic and d
ocument production operations and staff of production coordinators and specialis
ts, proofreaders, editors, graphic designers, artists and desktop publishers wit
h oversight of department's $600,000 budget. Managed customer, partner and outsi
de vendor relationships.
* Liaised with firm-wide marketing departments in the design, development and be
ta testing of company-wide proposal templates; researched specialty graphics for
 use in corporate presentations.
* Ensured "best practices" in production operations and support operations throu
gh ongoing research into industry software trends and participation in trade for
ums.
* Maintained coherence between proposal teams and production staff through consi
stency in processes, production standards and file service structure.
Change and Document Production Manager (2003)
Temporary assignment to the Business Acceptance Committee. Conducted detailed as
sessment and evaluation of firm's business acceptance procedures, reporting find
ings and recommendations for improvement to the committee.
* Evaluated court assignments and staff requirements, coordinating practitioner
schedules as required.
* Planned, organized and executed the firm's "road shows" including booth set-up
and staffing, event registration and scheduling.
Word Processing Manager, Global (1988-2003)
Managed the day-to-day operations and staff functions of the Word Processing Dep
artment with focus on defining desired staff skills and optimal system related t
echnology tools.
* Demonstrated experience in and knowledge of industry best practices in creatin
g seamless work teams, shared technology and common platforms for departments fi
rm-wide.
* Formalized technology matrix and structure through the development of a Techno
logy Troubleshooting Guide and implementation of a structured escalation support
team and process.
* Reengineered firm-wide Word Processing Departments through the development and
release of formal customer service practices and methodologies; designed the "E
xceptional Customer Service Guide and Methodology".
Word Processing Operator (1977-1988)
Sole responsibility for the production and support of electronic documents, larg
e firm filings, correspondence and reports through the use of advanced spreadshe
et and database functions, effective use of network storage and retrieval capabi
lities.
* Accountable for the accuracy and completeness of corporate documents produced
in the department.
* Maintained system performance records; coordinating system maintenance schedul
es and upgrade requirements to ensure minimal downtime due to system failures.
* Determined staff requirements; provided recommendations for selection of new d
epartment personnel.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
* Association of Christian Alcohol & Drug Counselor's Institute ~ Masters of Div
inity Candidate ~ 2010
* Association of Christian Alcohol & Drug Counselor's Institute ~ Bachelor of C
hristian Counseling
* Certifications: Certified Christian Substance Abuse Counselor, Microsoft Proj
ect Training, Managing the Customer Experience, JVS Supervisory Management Train
ing.
* Recognition: Firm-wide Word Processing Summit - "Stella Word Processing Center
" Recipient, "Law Firm of the Year" Recipient.
* Memberships: Xante, DC Users' Group, Council of Washington Lawyers
TECHNICAL SKILLS
MS Word 2003 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
Visio
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Photoshop