PARALEGALS
Amy
Balding –
Estate Planning Paralegal
Amy joined Cox & Nici in
2002. She came to us with a strong background in
administrative support, customer service, and sales. Amy
earned her B.S. in Health Studies with a minor in
Political Science from Eastern Illinois University in
Charleston, IL in 1998. She has taken a number of
courses in Paralegal Studies at International College as
well. Amy’s work ethic with her gifts and skills has
made her an invaluable asset to the firm. Her role with
the firm has evolved from Receptionist through Office
Assistant, Administrative Assistant, and Executive
Assistant to the Managing Partner to Administrative
Coordinator for the firm.
Michelle Taylor –
Probate Paralegal
Michelle came to Cox &
Nici in 2003 as a Legal Assistant. She was experienced
in customer service management and enrolled in Legal
Studies at International College. Michelle earned her
B.S. in Legal Studies in 2006 and was promoted to
Paralegal. She is the firm’s primary Probate Paralegal.
She is highly skilled in all aspects of the Estate
Administration process. Michelle continues to equip
herself for a solid future with the firm. She is
currently enrolled in the Financial Planner
Certification program.
Kathleen Valentine –
Real Estate and Probate Paralegal
Kathy is the newest member
of the Cox & Nici Paralegal team, but she comes to us
with a wealth of experience and wisdom. She earned an
A.S. from Erie Community College in Williamsville, NY in
1978. She is also a 1980 graduate of the New York Bar
Association Paralegal Certification Program. She brings
27 years of legal experience to her role. Kathy is a
licensed Title Agent in the state of Florida. While her
experience in the area of Real Estate law is extensive,
Kathy is also skilled and experienced in Estate Planning
and Administration.
SUPPORT STAFF
LaVon Mattson –
Legal Assistant
LaVon, a native of North Dakota, came to Cox & Nici in
2006 with over 20 years of administrative experience.
She studied Voice and Music Education at Bethel College
in St. Paul. MN and Viterbo College in LaCrosse, WI.
LaVon shares her business skills with Cox & Nici and her
musical skills with the community as the Organist for
East Naples United Methodist Church and Accompanist for
the Naples Music club and various other music groups.
Connie Santagado – Executive
Assistant to James R. Nici
Connie, the newest member of Cox & Nici, is a native to
the area and comes to us with over 15 years of
administrative experience. After several years of
working in the Construction and Real Estate industry,
Connie has decided to make a career move into the legal
field as the executive assistant to James R. Nici
Monica Newhouse - Legal Assistant
Monica Newhouse is a native of San Diego, California and
joined Cox & Nici with more than 5 years of litigation
experience in late 2007. Monica was previously employed
by the law firm of Fish & Richardson, P.C. She is
currently enrolled at Hodges University working on her
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and expects to
graduate in 2010. Monica's areas of expertise include
Intellectual Property Litigation Support and Case
Management, Civil Court Trial Support and Management and
Mastery in Legal Pleadings Formatting.
Guadalupe Ustariz - Office Assistant
Guadalupe Ustariz is a native of Bolivia where she
played professional women's basketball at the Catholic
University of Bolivia and Maryknoll. She came to the
United States 9 years ago and has been in the Naples
area for over 3 years. She joined Cox & Nici in 2008 as
Office Assistant and is currently enrolled in a Business
Administration class at Edison State College.
