Heather Gardner

About Heather Gardner

I’m Heather Pickett, a former paralegal turned CEO with deep expertise in consumer bankruptcy. I’ve spent my career working with debtor-focused Chapter 7 and 13 cases, helping attorneys manage everything from intake and document collection to petition preparation, e-filing, and case monitoring. I understand the intricate workflows and court procedures that keep a bankruptcy case on track.I founded Propel Bankruptcy Services to help bankruptcy attorneys streamline their practices with reliable, experienced virtual support. I’m honored to serve on the NFPA Ethics Board, the Tiered Legal Services Task Force Education Committee for Maryland, and the Maryland State Bar Association’s Paralegal Task Force. I also served on the Temporary Task Force for NALA’s Bankruptcy Certification exam and volunteered with the Conflict Resolution Center for Montgomery County and the NCSF.I\'m a bankruptcy geek who\'s passionate about legal operations, client support, and staying current with legal industry trends and tech.

Experience

1. Founder & CEO

   Propel Paralegal

   Sep 2021 — Present

   Heather is a multifaceted legal professional with experience spanning various practice areas such as estate planning, personal injury, business law, real estate, civil litigation and bankruptcy, which has been her focused area of expertise. Heather has volunteered with the Conflict Resolution Center for Montgomery County and the NCSF.As an active member of the legal community, Heather serves on the National Federation of Paralegal Associations Ethics Board, the Maryland State Bar Association\'s Paralegal Task Force, and the MD Tiered Legal Services Task Force Education Committee. She also served as a member of the NALA Bankruptcy CP Exam Temporary Task Force as a Subject Matter Expert. Her diverse experience working in small and large firms and as a freelance paralegal has given her unique insights into the challenges attorneys face, which led her to establish Propel Paralegal Services. This innovative legal support services company specializes in providing tailored, virtual assistance to law firms across the United States.Outside of her professional life, Heather is an avid traveler, reader, and documentary enthusiast, keen to stay current on bankruptcy analytics and trends. She cherishes her time with family, including her supportive husband, wonderful children, adorable grandchildren, and two delightful cats.

Education

• Frederick Community College

  Paralegal Studies A.A.S., Paralegal Studies

• Arkansas State University

  Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

• University of Central Arkansas

  Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

• Westmoreland County Community College

  Legal Assistant/Paralegal