Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Software
Timeline
Generic

Berna Akca

Policy And Immigration Legal Specialist
Fairfax,VA

Summary

Highly skilled and experienced Policy Analyst and legal professional with extensive knowledge of international legal systems and political trends in Central Asia, Russia, and Turkey. Have a strong track record in policy analysis and writing, immigration and employment discrimination law, and excellent customer service skills. Successful at managing multiple projects and priorities with a positive attitude and focus on detail. Problem solver who can communicate effectively in multiple languages and work collaboratively with diverse populations from around the world.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages

Work History

Senior Policy Analyst

GDIT
03.2020 - Current
  • Draft policies, procedures, and guidance related to placement, care, and release of unaccompanied children (UC) from ORR custody.
  • Research state laws on child welfare matters to develop new policies and processes for effective administration of ORR operations.
  • Enhance policy development by conducting comprehensive research and analysis on key issues.
  • Manage complex projects and ensure its timely completion.
  • Liaise with external partners including government agencies, grantee care providers and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and find solutions.
  • Monitor legislative developments and litigation, anticipating potential impacts on organizational policies and strategies.
  • Initiate cross-departmental collaborations that lead to more cohesive overall strategy around specific issue areas.
  • Organize, review, and redact case files and other documents for administrative processes and litigation purposes.
  • Produce reports by utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods to measure and analyze data on ORR placements and administrative processes.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Specialist

GDIT
04.2019 - 03.2020
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time.
  • Administered FOIA requests submitted by public, media, and Congress.
  • Served as liaison with ACF FOIA office and ORR and managed FOIA requests pertaining to ORR.
  • Negotiated with requesters and ACF FOIA office to clarify reasonableness of FOIA requests and ensure time frames were met.
  • Determined if scope of requests was too broad and unduly burdensome.
  • Researched statutes, regulations, directives, UC Policy Guide and procedures, and other sources to provide proper responses to FOIA/Privacy Act (PA) requests.
  • Authored FOIA SOP to establish internal procedures and guidelines to implement FOIA processes.
  • Submitted responsive records and other responses to ACF FOIA office through FOIAXpress software.
  • Provided technical assistance pertaining to FOIA requests to ORR staff and ensured compliance with FOIA and PA.
  • Established tools to track FOIA requests and ensure timelines were met.
  • Utilized electronic tracking system to track, manage, and complete FOIA assignments and save responsive records.
  • Processed requests for specific consent to juvenile jurisdiction for ORR Director adjudication.
  • Managed requests for UC case files from public, attorneys, UC, their sponsors, and Federal agencies and provided redacted records in compliance with ORR policies and procedures.
  • Analyzed, interpreted, and synthesized comments of external stakeholders on interim final rule and ORR policies on UC placement and release from ORR custody.

Immigration Paralegal

Law Offices Of Ricky Malik, P.C.
01.2019 - 04.2019
  • Managed high volume of cases simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
  • Maintained comprehensive knowledge of USCIS forms, immigration laws, and requirements, ensuring complete application packages for clients.
  • Conducted internal audits of active cases periodically to ensure compliance with established immigration procedures and regulations.
  • Successfully interviewed clients and assisted attorneys in designing best strategy for obtaining immigration benefits.
  • Prepared numerous applications and petitions for immigration relief and benefits including asylum, provisional waivers, family-based petitions, VAWA, U and T visa, and SIJ classification, cancellation of removal applications, adjustment of status, and naturalization applications.
  • Processed payments for legal services and ensured that case files were well-organized and in order.
  • Scheduled interviews with clients, handled mail and provided other administrative support.

DOJ Accredited Representative & Senior Paralegal

Mil Mujeres Legal Services
04.2016 - 01.2019
  • Represented clients before Department of Homeland Security/US Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHS/USCIS) for adjustment of status, naturalization, and other interviews.
  • Prepared and filed non-immigrant visas (U and T visas), DACA and VAWA petitions, family-based petitions, and waivers, adjustment of status and citizenship applications.
  • Completed applications for visas and interviews with Department of State National Visa Center, US Consulates and Embassies in other countries.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by managing complex immigration cases and ensuring timely completion.
  • Conducted thorough research on immigration policies and laws to support legal strategies for clients.
  • Navigated complex legal issues related to asylum claims, deportation defense, and adjustment of status processes for successful outcomes.
  • Tracked developments in immigration policy changes, keeping colleagues informed on relevant legislation updates.
  • Managed high caseload and team of paralegals and interns by reviewing their work product, providing feedback and other support.
  • Provided guidance to junior paralegals on best practices related to document preparation and case management techniques.
  • Developed training materials and facilitated trainings on immigration benefits and application process.
  • Conducted legal research and submitted appeals and responses to requests for information in complex cases resulting in approval of immigration benefits.
  • Built a reputation for professionalism and efficiency, leading to increased number of positive client reviews and referrals.

Legal Intern

Maggio+Kattar Law Firm
01.2015 - 05.2015
  • Prepared VAWA petitions, battered spouse waivers, and asylum applications and petitions for U and T visa.
  • Conducted extensive legal research for complex cases, resulting in approval of immigration benefits.
  • Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
  • Shadowed experienced lawyers during client meetings, gaining valuable insight into attorney-client relationships and effective communication techniques.

Summer Law Clerk/Legal Intern

Gilbert Employment Law, P.C.
05.2014 - 08.2014
  • Supported attorneys in preparing for hearings, depositions, and trials by compiling relevant information and evidence.
  • Successfully drafted and filed oppositions to motions for summary judgment (MSJ) in employment discrimination cases arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ADEA, ADA, and FLSA.
  • Conducted legal research, prepared interrogatories, deposition questions, and requests for production of documents.
  • Interviewed clients to review claims of employment discrimination and prohibited personnel practices in preparation for filing Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints and Merit System Protection Board appeals.
  • Conducted extensive research on relevant statutes, regulations, case law, and industry best practices to support case goals.
  • Assisted attorneys in drafting persuasive legal documents for successful trial outcomes.

Accounts Services Manager

Silk Rock Industries, Inc.
07.2009 - 08.2013
  • Administered and facilitated complex client and vendor contracts for renovation and remodeling.
  • Scheduled appointments, registered, and maintained records of customers’ accounts.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and providing exceptional customer service.

Staff Attorney

American Bar Association/CEELI
02.2004 - 06.2006
  • Managed one-of-a kind pro bono law firm project representing victims of human rights abuses.
  • Advised clients on risk mitigation strategies related to employment law matters such as discrimination, harassment, and wage disputes.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategies that effectively addressed complex legal issues.
  • Provided insightful analyses of proposed legislation or regulations to inform clients of potential impacts on their businesses or industries.
  • Recruited, trained and supervised interns and volunteers to provide client advocacy services and office support.
  • Developed and organized training programs on international law and human rights mechanisms for local attorneys.
  • Managed multi-million grants, drafted grant proposals and reports, and provided technical assistance to grantees.
  • Advised ABA/CEELI management on local laws and regulations related to operations of international non-profit organizations and recruitment of international and local talent in Uzbekistan.

Eligibility/Protection Assistant

United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees
09.1998 - 01.2004
  • Conducted personal interviews with asylum seekers from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and other countries to determine eligibility for refugee status.
  • Assessed credibility, evaluated evidence, and made refugee status eligibility determinations in accordance with international refugee law.
  • Drafted accurate and persuasive legal briefs and determinations on refugee status, contributing to successful adjudication of individual cases.
  • Collaborated effectively with multi-disciplinary teams to tackle complex cases, fostering positive work environment that promoted success.
  • Prepared and submitted applications for resettlement programs and coordinated with countries admitting refugees to ensure durable solutions and local integration of refugees.
  • Actively participated in advocating for refugee rights in Uzbekistan and assisted to draft legislation on refugees and immigration for host country.

Education

Master of Laws (L.L.M.) - International Business Law

American University Washington College of Law
Washington, DC
08.2013 - 05.2015

Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) (equivalent To J.D.) - International Law

University of World Economy And Diplomacy
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
09.1994 - 06.1998

Skills

Quadrilingual

undefined

Software

MS Office (Word, Adobe, Excel)

FOIAXpress

SharePoint

INSZoom

Westlaw and LexisNexis

Google Docs and Sheets

Timeline

Senior Policy Analyst

GDIT
03.2020 - Current

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Specialist

GDIT
04.2019 - 03.2020

Immigration Paralegal

Law Offices Of Ricky Malik, P.C.
01.2019 - 04.2019

DOJ Accredited Representative & Senior Paralegal

Mil Mujeres Legal Services
04.2016 - 01.2019

Legal Intern

Maggio+Kattar Law Firm
01.2015 - 05.2015

Summer Law Clerk/Legal Intern

Gilbert Employment Law, P.C.
05.2014 - 08.2014

Master of Laws (L.L.M.) - International Business Law

American University Washington College of Law
08.2013 - 05.2015

Accounts Services Manager

Silk Rock Industries, Inc.
07.2009 - 08.2013

Staff Attorney

American Bar Association/CEELI
02.2004 - 06.2006

Eligibility/Protection Assistant

United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees
09.1998 - 01.2004

Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) (equivalent To J.D.) - International Law

University of World Economy And Diplomacy
09.1994 - 06.1998

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Berna AkcaPolicy And Immigration Legal Specialist