In their own words...
Diane Zoblisien - Office Manager
I began work for the Oliver and Charles Schrumpf in 1991 as a bookkeeper. I originally worked only part-time on a contract basis. At the time I began working the office was located in a small two bedroom house on Maplewood Drive that had been converted into an office. We moved into our present office in March of 1993 with lots of space. I now work full time, still as the bookkeeper. I help out in all areas sometimes answering the telephone, conducting office meetings and being a sounding board for new ideas. Jackson and Charlie have a strong sense of family and try very hard to keep in mind the employees obligations outside the office as well as keeping the working environment comfortable and as stress free as possible. Local businesses and community projects have their support. The legal field is constantly changing and one day is never the same as the next. People come in to see the attorneys because they need help and advice and that keeps this job interesting as well as giving us a sense of accomplishment. Helping people start a new business, buy a new home, seek a defense, prepare for the future are all part of a days agenda here at Schrumpf Law.
Jinnifer Marcantel - Paralegal
I graduated from McNeese State University with an Associates of Paralegalism in 1996. I began my search for a job in my field and found it was not as easy as I thought it would be to find work. While I was looking for a job, I took the Notary classes and test and became a Notary Public. In 1997, I applied here at Schrumpf Law, but the only position available was as a receptionist. I decided to take this job with the hope that I would be able to move up when a position became available. In 1999, I was promoted to fill a Legal Secretary position that became available to Oliver "Jackson" Schrumpf. Education is a wonderful door opener; however, I soon found that hands on is much better. Oliver "Jackson" Schrumpf was patient and helped me fill in all the blanks in my education and much more. My duties include screening calls, answering client calls, scheduling appointments and depositions, filing, invoicing clients, and preparing drafts of letters, drafting various types of petitions, including successions, administrations, homologations, personal injury, discovery documents such as Interrogatories, drafting answers to discovery, opening and sorting mail, and notarial documents. Mr. Schrumpf is very passionate about his work and never leaves a stone unturned when he is working for you.
Jackie Burns - Paralegal
I began with the Schrumpf Firm shortly after graduating high school in 1990. At that time, I worked for Oliver "Jackson" Schrumpf, who provided me with detailed training in the legal field. I left the firm around 1995, but returned in 2006 to work for Charles when his secretary of 16+ years moved out of state. I have worked for other attorneys and I have been employed in other lines of work, but coming back to Schrumpf & Schrumpf was like returning to family. I have held great admiration for both Oliver and Charles since meeting them so many years ago and I am proud to work for and with two great guys who are not your "typical attorneys". As Charles' legal assistant, I do have a difficult job... I have a boss who is the Sulphur City Court Judge and therefore spends half of his time on the bench, leaving me to handle things in the office until he or Oliver can review it. Naturally, that means I take a lot of client calls and meetings, in between reviewing files, preparing all types of legal documents and just trying to keep Charles' (very hectic) schedule straight. The great thing about working in the legal field is that it never gets boring: the law is constantly changing so there's no such thing as "learning everything", and no matter how many personal injury cases, or divorces, or successions you handle, every one is different. I enjoy working in a field where I feel that I can assist people with their needs. And I doubt there's any better place to do that from than Schrumpf Law Office because helping people is exactly what Oliver and Charles are about.
Debbie Hanks - Real Estate Processor
I have lived in Sulphur since 1988, I have been with Schrumpf Law Office since November 2004, prior to that I worked in the banking and financial industry for over 23 years. My main responsibilities at Schrumpf & Schrumpf are in Real Estate, which consist of examining title, coordinating loan closings, preparation of loan packages, handling any curative title problems, sitting down with clients, realtors, and loan officers to examine and explain all of the documents involved in closing the loan. I thoroughly enjoy this field of work. Working with real estate transaction can be very stressful at times, but Charles and Oliver make working here enjoyable, by creating a family atmosphere, focusing on the needs of their clients and employees.
Shannon Duraso - Real Estate Processor
I came to work at Schrumpf Law Office right out of high school as a runner in 1993. I had the typical duties of a runner, transporting paperwork back and forth to the local courts and some out of parish courthouses such as Oberlin, Deridder, Cameron and Jennings. I also had duties in the office, making copies and keeping supplies ordered. After I became so familiar with the courthouse Charles Schrumpf began to train me to research court house records to determine clear title for his many real estate clients. That began my career as a researcher. I cannot repay the value of the education I have received from the personal efforts of Charles Schrumpf. With his training I have been able to research not only our local courts but also the records departments from Baton Rouge to Deridder. I also assist individuals in handling private Real Estate Sales through various avenues, such as Cash Deeds, Bond for Deeds, and Vendor's Liens, etc. Added to that with my experience here at the office I was able to take the test for notary and am now a Notary Public.
From my own experience Oliver Schrumpf and Charles Schrumpf never tire of helping other people whether it is as an Attorney in the legal field or as in my case as an Educator with benefits for both me personally and for the Law Practice. They consider their employees as part of a family here at Schrumpf Law. There is no shortage of their giving attitude and it is expressed to their many clients as well.
Jennifer Blackwelder - Paralegal
I've worked in the legal field for the last seven years. My search for a "work home" had yet to be found. I began praying for a job opportunity and of course the patience to wait on an opening. Very shortly I received an e-mail with an opportunity open in the Schrumpf Law Office and to my joy right in my home town of Sulphur. Without hesitation I sent my resume' and hoped I would get a call. On June 2, 2008 I became part of the family at Schrumpf Law Office. I am currently a legal assistant to Oliver and Charles Schrumpf, but look forward to working with a new Associate Attorney, Stacy Saltzman, who will begin working with the Firm on July 1, 2008. A few of my duties include talking to and meeting with clients, scheduling appointments and depositions, and preparing various types of legal pleadings. Although I do not have the experience in this office as the rest of staff, I bring a strong background in the domestic legal field which rounds out the experienced staff. I have never worked in an atmosphere as family oriented and friendly as this one and can honestly say I feel I have found my "work home".
