Carolina Cardenas-Ibarra
Salinas,CA
Summary
Developed strong research, organizational, and communication skills in legal environment. Skilled in managing documentation, coordinating schedules, and supporting legal teams. Ready to develop my skills and understanding of the legal field even further in law school.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Legal assistant
ufw foundation
06.2025 - Current
- Conducted legal and case research to support accredited reps in various immigration matters.
- Assisted clients with naturalization applications and DACA renewals, ensuring accuracy and compliance with USCIS requirements.
- Prepared and reviewed legal documents, service agreements, and retainers under accredited rep supervision.
- Collaborated with clients to collect and organize necessary documentation for immigration proceedings.
- Maintained and updated case management databases to ensure accuracy and timely case tracking.
- Assisted legal providers with case preparation and document review across multiple immigration processes.
- Drafted professional correspondence and maintained detailed case notes to support legal staff and client communication.
- Coordinated client meetings, appointments, and case follow-ups while managing a high-volume caseload.
- Ensured confidentiality and adherence to professional ethical standards in handling sensitive client information.
- Monitored case deadlines, motions, and important dates to support timely filings and case progression.
Investigative intern
Public defender's office
11.2024 - 03.2025
- Collaborated with a team to investigate witnesses, including conducting thorough interviews and gathering critical information.
- Accurately documented witness statements and prepared detailed notes for attorney review.
- Utilized legal research and investigative databases such as JustWare, People Finder, and LexisNexis to retrieve and analyze information.
- Conducted evidence collection and analysis, including photographing evidence and reviewing case materials for accuracy and relevance.
- Composed comprehensive investigative reports for attorneys, summarizing findings and supporting case strategies.
- Demonstrated strong investigative skills by identifying key details and contributing to case preparation.
- Shadowed client interviews and participated in a mock interview to strengthen investigative and communication skills.
- Attended meetings to receive updates on current legal and policy trends relevant to ongoing cases.
- Utilized Spanish language skills to provide translation services for investigators and facilitate effective communication with clients.
Coach
Elevo
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Organized outside games for elementary kids providing guidance and instructions in different activities
- Communicated and collaborated with coworkers on the different activities that had to be taught to the students
- Assisted students with their homework, fostering academic growth and development outside the classroom
Secretary
Meadowbrook Swim and Tennis
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Responsibilities included addressing inquiries, managing payments, resolving concerns, and handling any issues related to club activities
- Acted as the primary point of contact for club members by promptly responding to emails and answering calls, addressing inquiries and providing assistance as needed
- Utilized my Spanish language skills to effectively communicate with Spanish-speaking members, ensuring clear understanding and facilitating positive interactions
- Proficiently updated Google Sheets and Excel with payment information, organized paperwork, and processed checks
- Managed and organized databases, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
- Performed detailed data entry and maintained up-to-date records.
- Managed communication channels to ensure prompt resolution of outstanding payments
- In addition to administrative duties, managed snack payments and prepared coffee for club members, fostering a welcoming atmosphere
- Actively engaged with members to ensure a positive experience and sense of belonging
- Conducted tours for prospective club members, showcasing facilities and amenities, and facilitated the enrollment process, effectively signing up new members
- Took on maintenance tasks such as pool cleaning and chlorine management to uphold a safe and enjoyable environment for all
Summer Health Institute internship
Memorial Hospital
06.2022 - 07.2022
- Engaged in the Summer Health Institute Internship, a comprehensive program offering exposure to various hospital job roles through job shadowing experiences with medical professionals
- Conducted in-depth observation of different doctors to gain insight into their specialties
- Developed a final project focused on diagnosing a disease afflicting a 40-year-old man, showcasing analytical and research skills
- Participated in educational sessions covering a range of medical professions, accompanied by quizzes to reinforce understanding of medical terminology
- Collaborated with Blue Zones to deliver a presentation on my case study as part of a group effort at a fair
- Worked closely with fellow interns to synthesize information and prepare a cohesive presentation highlighting our findings and insights
- Effectively communicated our research and recommendations to a diverse audience, demonstrating teamwork and presentation skills in a professional setting
Education
Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies with a concentration in criminology
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA08-2025
Associates for transfer - Administration of Justice
Monterey Peninsula College
Monterey, CA12.2023
High school diploma -
Alisal High School
Salinas, CA05.2022
Skills
- Language skills
- Teamwork
- Mediation Skills
- Fluent in Spanish
- Fluent in English
- File organization
- Scheduling/Planning
- Fast learner
- Client communication
- Problem solving
- Interpersonal skill
- Proficient in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Writing and editing
- Notary public
- Beginner in MMA
Certification
Public Notary March 2025
Timeline
Legal assistant
ufw foundation
06.2025 - Current
Investigative intern
Public defender's office
11.2024 - 03.2025
Coach
Elevo
01.2024 - 05.2024
Secretary
Meadowbrook Swim and Tennis
06.2023 - 09.2023
Summer Health Institute internship
Memorial Hospital
06.2022 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies with a concentration in criminology
San Jose State University
Associates for transfer - Administration of Justice
Monterey Peninsula College
High school diploma -
Alisal High School
Awards
Transferred with Deans honor, Completion of summer health institute, Completion of osha, Completion of health occupation and physical therapist aide, Certificate of recognition seal of merit