Cristina Natalie Meneses
Oakland,CA
Summary
Legal Assistant with nearly four years of experience supporting immigration and removal defense matters in high-volume, client-centered law firm environments. Specialized in SIJS and UAC proceedings, case management, bilingual client communication, and legal research and drafting. Known for integrity-driven work, strong organizational skills, and commitment to equity and access to justice.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Assistant (Removal Defense)
Mira Law Group
San Leandro, CA
03.2024 - Current
- Provide day-to-day legal support for removal defense matters, including preparation and filing of EOIR-28 notices of appearance, monitoring immigration court dockets, calendaring master and individual hearings, and ensuring timely submission of applications, declarations, and supplemental evidence.
- Coordinate Individual Calendar Hearing (ICD) preparation, track deadlines, and maintain accurate case records within the firm's case management system.
- Schedule and facilitate client preparation sessions, assist with declarations and affidavits, and coordinate referrals for psychological or mental health evaluations when required.
- Coordinate and attend client meetings to finalize retainer agreements and initiate case intake.
- Maintain regular bilingual (English/Spanish) communication with clients regarding document collection, appointments, biometrics, and court hearings.
- Arrange attorney-client meetings for case strategy, preparation, and review of filings.
- Perform core administrative and case-management functions, including maintaining organized electronic and physical files, tracking correspondence, contacting courts and government agencies as directed, preparing FOIA and expedited biometrics requests, sending ICE check-in correspondence when required, and drafting motions and supporting documents for attorney review and finalization.
Legal Assistant (SIJS)
Mira Law Group
San Leandro, CA
02.2023 - 03.2024
- Support Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases by coordinating intake, organizing predicate order documentation, and assisting with the preparation of supporting evidence for state court and USCIS filings.
- Drafted legal correspondence and assisted attorneys with case preparation and legal research.
- Managed case files and ensured accuracy and completeness of records.
- Supported filings and administrative processes related to immigration matters.
Office Administrative Assistant
Mira Law Group
San Leandro, CA
04.2022 - 01.2023
- Provided administrative and clerical support to legal staff in a fast-paced law office.
- Managed scheduling, correspondence, and document organization.
- Supported bilingual communications with clients.
Office Assistant
Alameda County Child Support Services
Pleasanton, CA
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Assisted with administrative operations, file management, and client-facing services.
- Supported office organization and time-sensitive documentation.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University - East Bay
Hayward, CA05-2027
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Merritt College
Oakland, CA05.2023
Skills
- Immigration case management
- Client communication
- Removal defense support
- Legal research and drafting
- Court and agency filings
- Bilingual intake and interviews
- Document preparation and review
- Records management
Languages
- English, Native/Bilingual Proficiency
- Spanish, Native/Bilingual Proficiency
Volunteer Internship Experience
- Administrative Intern, Alameda County District Attorney's Office, 12/01/21, 02/28/22
- Student Intern, Merritt College Child Development Center, 08/01/22, 04/30/23
Earlier Experience
Team Lead and Food Service Worker (Target) - Demonstrated leadership, time management, and bilingual communication skills.
Timeline
Legal Assistant (Removal Defense)
Mira Law Group
03.2024 - Current
Legal Assistant (SIJS)
Mira Law Group
02.2023 - 03.2024
Office Administrative Assistant
Mira Law Group
04.2022 - 01.2023
Office Assistant
Alameda County Child Support Services
07.2021 - 04.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University - East Bay
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Merritt College