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Crystal Espinoza
Immigration Paralegal
Dallas
Summary
Highly skilled and experienced immigration paralegal with a proven track record to manage complex caseloads, prepare and file immigration petitions, and collaborate closely with attorneys, clients, and government agencies supporting high-volume, employment-based immigration practices. Recognized for subject matter expertise, strong client service, and consistent accuracy in fast-paced legal environments. Seeking to leverage expertise in a dynamic legal environment to contribute effectively and fulfill the American dream.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Immigration Paralegal
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
04.2021 - Current
- Responsible for coordinating with attorneys to prepare, file, and monitor various immigration law matters.
- Evaluate cases and proactively recommend strategies in partnership with attorneys.
- Conduct in-depth client kick-off calls for all case types, with particular emphasis on extraordinary ability and NIW matters to identify qualifying evidence, develop case strategy, and align expectations.
- Collaborate closely with clients to draft and refine expert and reference letters for extraordinary ability and national interest cases, providing strategic, criterion-specific feedback to strengthen evidentiary support and overall case theory.
- Prepare, file, and monitor a wide range of employment-based immigration petitions and applications, including H-1B, H-1B Cap Lottery, I-140 (EB-1A/B/C and EB-2/EB-3 PERM-based), I-485, O-1, and dependent filings.
- Draft, review, and edit legal documents, petitions, correspondence, and ad-hoc letters, with a strong focus on persuasive, well-supported extraordinary ability narratives that clearly and compellingly present each client’s professional achievements and impact.
- Navigate the DS-160 consular processing system and coordinate visa appointment scheduling for clients.
- Prepare and respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), ranging from routine to highly complex.
- Liaise with USCIS and other government agencies to resolve case issues.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the immigration process, mastering multiple case types and enhancing client interaction.
- Manage high-volume caseloads while maintaining accuracy and meeting strict deadlines.
- Serve as a practice group resource for H-1B and Adjustment of Status matters, providing guidance to team members.
- Provide white-glove service to VIP and corporate clients through phone, email, video, and written communication.
- Mentor junior team members and support training initiatives.
Data Entry Clerk
IT Coalition (Federal Contractor for USCIS)
03.2020 - 04.2021
- Verified immigration forms, including I-140, H-1B, L-1, and H-1B Cap Lottery for accuracy and acceptability, entering personal identifiable information (PII) into USCIS databases to meet contract requirements.
- Conducted thorough proofreading, identifying and correcting errors to maintain accuracy and compliance.
- Organized and assembled documents in the proper sequence to facilitate efficient processing.
- Managed system rejects based on acceptability criteria, ensuring timely resolution.
- Utilized barcode scanning technology to update file movements within USCIS systems, maintaining accurate records.
- Enforced adherence to fee security guidelines and processes per standard operating procedures (SOP), ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinated biometrics appointments scheduling to streamline the immigration process.
Data Entry Clerk
Central Research Inc. (Federal Contractor for USCIS)
02.2018 - 08.2018
- Verified immigration forms, including DS-230 and I-864, for accuracy and acceptability, entering personally identifiable information (PII) into USCIS databases to meet contract requirements.
- Conducted meticulous proofreading, identifying and rectifying errors to uphold accuracy and compliance standards.
- Organized and assembled documents in the correct sequence, ensuring efficient processing and submission.
- Managed system rejects based on acceptability criteria, swiftly resolving issues to maintain workflow continuity.
- Utilized barcode scanning technology to update file movements within USCIS systems, maintaining accurate document location and status records.
- Enforced adherence to fee security guidelines and processes outlined in standard operating procedures (SOP), ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Dallas College – El Centro Campus
06.2020
Associate of Applied Science - undefined
Dallas College – Eastfield Campus
06.2017
Skills
- Microsoft Office 365 Software Google Workspace
- Data Analysis Skills
- Case management systems
- Legal writing
- Effective time management
- Typing speed of 40-50 WPM
- Proficient in task management
- Strong independent worker
- Proficient in client relationship management
Interests
AWARDS
Received “exceptional achievement” award for perfect metrics within 6 months of current employment.
Timeline
Immigration Paralegal
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
04.2021 - Current
Data Entry Clerk
IT Coalition (Federal Contractor for USCIS)
03.2020 - 04.2021
Data Entry Clerk
Central Research Inc. (Federal Contractor for USCIS)
02.2018 - 08.2018
Associate of Applied Science - undefined
Dallas College – Eastfield Campus
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Dallas College – El Centro Campus