ARIANA L. VASQUEZ
Tucson
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented Legal Assistant with experience in supporting the Violent Crime, National Security, and Southwest Border Unit. Skilled in conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and providing administrative support to Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). Possesses a solid understanding of criminal law procedures and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice. Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and contribute to successful case outcomes.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Immigration Specialist/Lead Legal Assistant GS-8
United States Attorney’s Office- Southwest Border Crimes and Violent Crimes
Tucson, AZ
11.2024 - Current
- Coordinated various legal tasks and office support functions for United States Attorneys, ensuring effective workflow and compliance.
- Provided expert advise on complex immigration investigations and prosecutions.
- Provided training and guidance to other support staff.
- Maintained current knowledge of laws applicable to illegal entry and human trafficking.
- Prepared a wide variety of legal documents, many of which were voluminous and complex in format.
- Lead Legal Assistant to the largest RICO homicide case in the Tucson office.
- Collaborated with legal teams to prepare case files for court proceedings.
- Developed training materials to enhance staff knowledge on immigration policies and procedures.
- Assisted in preparing training material for Appellate unit
Legal Assistant/Lead Legal Assistant GS-7
United States Attorney’s Office- Violent Crime and National Security Unit
Tucson, AZ
10.2023 - 10.2024
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation, enhancing attorney efficiency and case strategy.
- Created binding notebooks for AUSAs
- Assisted in trial preparation by assembling evidence exhibits and preparing witness lists for hearings.
- Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
- Lead Legal Assistant to the largest RICO homicide case in the Tucson office.
- Gathered key information during initial client intake interviews that contributed significantly to the formulation of effective legal arguments.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
Litigation Paralegal
Bass & Associates, P.C.
Tucson, AZ
07.2021 - 02.2023
- Case management of 150+ cases.
- Organized evidence, exhibits, motions and subpoenas to support cases and prepare for trial.
- Completed electronic court filings at state and federal levels.
- Maintained litigation database and document organization for in suit and contested cases.
- Produced documents and created audio and visual media for presentation.
- Collected data from client media and investigative sources to prepare for litigation.
- Prepared, indexed and developed exhibits.
- Created weekly, monthly and quarterly expense reports.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Promoted firm's value and brand, and researched legal market to target new accounts.
- Reviewed Deed of Trust, Title Commitment and prior bankruptcies documents.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Conducted background investigations on defendant.
- Analyzed deeds of trust to verify grantor, grantee, trustee and loan amounts for executive leadership.
- Researched laws and regulations and delivered analysis and assessments to attorneys.
- Conducted skip traces to obtain case participant information.
- Generated leads to meet and exceed revenue goals by identifying new clients.
Administrative Legal Assistant
Pima County Attorney's Office
Tucson, AZ
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Managed over 20 new cases per day and updated client records observing confidentiality and extreme discretion.
- Worked alongside attorneys, administrative assistants and fellow legal assistants on complex cases and legal processes.
- Prepared for trials, conducting legal research and drafting pleadings
- Drafted plea agreements based on sentencing ranges
- Completed electronic filings, initiated billing statements and managed firm administrative matters.
- Interviewed and prepared intake sheets for clients in Spanish and English.
- Transcribed information from typed or handwritten notes, shorthand or dictation and confirmed accuracy and correct formatting of documents.
Analytical Linguist
Metropolitan Interpreters And Translators
Tucson, AZ
10.2017 - 09.2019
- Performed document exploitation by scanning, researching and analyzing foreign documents for key information.
- Provided general linguistic support for Department of Homeland Security Investigations to interpret meetings, conferences and interviews.
- Performed extensive research in English and Spanish to validate data.
- Handled electronic equipment designed to intercept foreign transmissions or broadcasts.
- Researched foreign and domestic websites.
- Interpreted conversations, interviews, conferences and interviews using methods to preserve original intent.
- Delivered well-written reports to share information and analysis collected from experiments.
- Maintained case history records and prepared reports.
- Mentored new staff on processes and procedures pertinent to tasks at hand to enhance project and program success.
Legal Interpreter-Intern
Los Angeles Superior Court
Los Angeles, CA
10.2015 - 06.2016
- Formulated trial techniques specifically pertaining to each case.
- Researched, wrote and filed motions, writs and briefs for each case.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each domestic violence case.
- Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to complainants.
- Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.
Education
Bachelor of Science And Technology - Administration of Justice
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ07.2020
Certification - Court Interpreting And Translation
Southern California School of Interpretation
Santa Fe Springs, CA11.2016
Certification - Legal Interpretation And Translation
California State University
Los Angeles, CA09.2014
Skills
- Bilingual
- Trial Preparation Assistance
- Document Flow Coordination
- Civil Law
- Leadership Experience
- Litigation and Contracts
- Client Communication
- Professional Development
- LexisNexis
- Attention to Detail
Certification
Arizona Notary Public
Timeline
Immigration Specialist/Lead Legal Assistant GS-8
United States Attorney’s Office- Southwest Border Crimes and Violent Crimes
11.2024 - Current
Legal Assistant/Lead Legal Assistant GS-7
United States Attorney’s Office- Violent Crime and National Security Unit
10.2023 - 10.2024
Litigation Paralegal
Bass & Associates, P.C.
07.2021 - 02.2023
Administrative Legal Assistant
Pima County Attorney's Office
08.2020 - 06.2021
Analytical Linguist
Metropolitan Interpreters And Translators
10.2017 - 09.2019
Legal Interpreter-Intern
Los Angeles Superior Court
10.2015 - 06.2016
Certification - Court Interpreting And Translation
Southern California School of Interpretation
Certification - Legal Interpretation And Translation
California State University
Bachelor of Science And Technology - Administration of Justice
University of Arizona