PARALEGAL
As intake manager at Newsome Melton, Joni Hautamaki is passionate about helping people with catastrophic injury cases seek justice.
After obtaining her B.A. in Legal Studies with a Political Science minor from the University of Central Florida, Joni landed an internship as a paralegal with a major Florida defense firm. Here, she built relevant experience handling an array of product liability cases. The experience sparked her interest in working for a firm that truly advocates for consumers – and this is how she came to find her place at Newsome Melton.
For Joni, every case is significant. Working with people who have endured catastrophic circumstances isn’t easy, but it’s the opportunity to turn these negative incidents into positive outcomes that Joni finds most rewarding.
One of the most memorable cases for her was that of a mother who was killed by a defective airbag during a low-speed auto accident. Joni served as a paralegal on the case alongside attorney Rich Newsome. Together, they were able to win a solid resolution. The mixed sense of sympathy and triumph that Joni felt for this client is something that sticks with her to this day.
“I’m really proud to work for a firm that has integrity and a really good mission statement that I 100 percent believe in,” Joni said.
Joni’s commitment to excellence and advocacy continues to result in successful outcomes for clients every day.
Experience
Paralegal at Newsome Melton
June 2013 - Present (6 year 8 months)
Paralegal at Didier Law Firm
December 2007 - June 2013 (5 years 7 months)
Paralegal at Newsome & Didier
October 2001 - December 2007 (6 years 3 months) Litigation Paralegal
Skills & Expertise
Litigation
Civil Litigation
Litigation Support
Personal Injury
Pleadings
Trials
Product Liability
Legal Research
Torts
Education
University of Central Florida - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Legal Studies; Political Science Minor
Interests
Product liability; consumer advocacy; critical case evaluation; conduct and coordinate focus groups; travel;
sports, music.
