DIANNA O'SHEA, AIC

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

805-208-4425 diannaoshea@verizon.net

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY
Organized and analytical professional prepared to leverage recent paralegal
education and extensive insurance claims experience to contribute in a Sr. Claims
Examiner role.
Document Drafting: Demonstrated proficiency in claim documentation,
correspondence, coverage analysis, case evaluation, Claim Committees, preand post-trial reporting as well as drafting manuscript contracts and
endorsements. Resolution focused preparation of case notebooks for
mediation, arbitration and trial conferences.
Interpersonal Communication: Excellent interpersonal communication
skills, able to cultivate productive relationships with attorneys, clients,
vendors, and colleagues.
Organization & Planning: Proven success prioritizing a high-volume
workload while meeting internal company guidelines and state regulatory
requirements. Responds seamlessly to changing environments with complete
professionalism.
Technical Skills: Proficient in Windows, Mac OS X, Microsoft Office Suite
(Word, Excel, Outlook), Westlaw, Lexis-Nexis, and proprietary claim
processing software. Able to learn new programs and systems with minimal
training.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Paralegal Studies Certificate
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXTENSION, Davis, CA
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Marketing
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, Long Beach, CA
Associate in Claims Designation

RELATED EXPERIENCE
Freelance Casualty Contracts Consultant, 8/2015 to present
Related Skills: Contract Analysis, Policy Construct, Editing, Redlining, Drafting
Policy Wordings, Customized Manuscript Endorsements, Legal Research
Consulted with legal counsel to develop policy wordings and manuscript
endorsements for surplus line contracts including cyber liability, Errors &
Omissions, Non-Standard Physicians and reinsurance. Researched statute and
case law implications for manuscript contracts.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXTENSION Davis, CA
Paralegal Studies Graduate, 1/2013 to 8/2013
Related Skills: Legal Research, Legal Document Preparation, Discovery
Preparation, Civil Law, Civil Litigation, Tort Law, Contracts, Intellectual Property,

Administrative Law, Legal Ethics, Investigation/Interviews, Case Management,

Analysis, Drafting Written Communication, Organization & Prioritization
Earned Paralegal Studies Certificate through intensive program with extensive
coursework and formal training in Civil Law, Administrative Law and Intellectual
Property. Gained solid knowledge of tort law, including negligence, intentional
torts, strict liability, personal injury litigation, and settlements. Drafted pleadings
and prepared motions, discovery, pre-trial and trial notebooks for civil litigation.
Developed understanding of contracts, offers, acceptance, consideration, illegal
contracts, third-party contracts, remedies, and UCC. Honed experience in
conducting legal research using statutes, digests, case law, citations,
encyclopedias,
dictionaries,
Westlaw,
and
Lexis-Nexis.
Comprehensive
understanding of Paralegal/Attorney Ethics including client confidentiality,
conflicts of interest, and unauthorized practices of law.
ALLIED / NATIONWIDE INSURANCE Westlake Village, CA
Commercial Litigation Consultant, 5/2005 to 2/2009
Related Skills: Contract Analysis, Litigation Support, Claim Analysis, Document
Preparation, Report Writing, Settlement Negotiations, Court Appearances,
Interpersonal Communication, Organization & Prioritization, and Time
Management
Managed high-volume caseload of 100+ litigation files for one of the largest
insurance and financial services firms worldwide. Analyzed coverage contract to
determine Duty to Defend; selected cases for referral to defense counsel and
prepared detailed reports. Monitored litigated cases and reviewed depositions,
testimony, expert reports, medical reports, and evidence. Evaluated settlement
potential; prepared Claim Committees and technical reports providing status and
requesting settlement authority. Represented company at mandatory settlement
conferences and arbitration meetings; negotiated settlement with counsel,
mediators, and judges. Presented defense analysis and recommendation in pretrial reports. Tracked trial activity and prepared post-trial reports. Created
appellate files and managed files at Appellate level. Audited and paid attorney,
expert, and vendor invoices.

Leveraged strong negotiation skills to achieve 99% resolution / settlement

rate prior to trial.

Served as mentor and trainer to junior claim representatives; delivered new

hire presentations resulting in expedited training and decreased costs.

Identified legal, policy, and medical resource requirements and created

resource library to facilitate office expansion and hiring of highly qualified
staff during period of rapid growth.

Volunteered to coordinate fundraising events; exceeded office charity

donation goals.

STATE FARM FIRE AND CASUALTY COMPANY Greater Los Angeles and Orange
Counties, CA
Casualty Claim Team Manager, 6/1998 to 1/2005
Related Skills: Team Leadership, Workflow Management, Policy & Procedure
Implementation, Training & Mentoring, Claim Review, Claim Processing, Process
Improvements, And Regulatory Compliance
Promoted to manage casualty claim processing for the largest mutual property
and casualty firm in the country. Led recruitment, training, mentoring, and

evaluation of six-member team. Coordinated daily workflows, audited claims, and

ensured adherence to policies, procedures, regulations, and best practices.
Handled escalated claims and advised on policy coverage, legal issues, and
resolution of litigated and non-litigated third-party claims. Communicated with
counsel, vendors, and colleagues. Analyzed claim trends to forecast expenses
and drive strategic planning. Administered annual budget. Maintained reporting /
notification calendar.

Served as member of a Claim Committee tasked with decision-making at the

Division level. Also served as an active member of the Regional Casualty
Committee charged with developing the first casualty coverage reference
manual and program implemented state-wide.

Distinguished as official company representative, (PMK), for several legal

proceedings; delivered testimony contributing to favorable bench rulings.

Overhauled and reorganized claim unit resulting in continuous high-quality

service, increased employee retention, and positive performance trends.

Enhanced employee training by presenting at division and regional seminars.

STATE FARM FIRE AND CASUALTY COMPANY Greater Los Angeles and Orange
Counties, CA
Casualty Claim Specialist, 1/1989 to 6/1998
Comprehensive knowledge of personal and commercial risk exposures including
third party property damage, bodily injury, construction defect, Directors &
Officers liability, product liability, subrogation, ADA/FEHA discrimination issues,
intellectual property, slander/libel, OSHA/Agribusiness and excess exposures.