Diana Avila
El Paso,TX
Summary
Versatile Senior Paralegal with background managing cases, coordinating documents and completing in-depth research to support work in immigration law. Strengths include verbal and written communication, multitasking and time management. Over 6 years of experience working in private, public and organizational environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Paralegal
Tohidi Law Office, PLLC
05.2019 - Current
- Managed all incoming correspondence from judges, court administrative staff and opposing parties.
- Trained new employees on company policies and legal standards.
- Coordinated settlement talks between counsel, defendants and plaintiffs.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Researched law literature, databases and public information to investigate case issues.
- Consulted with foreign nationals on non-immigrant and immigrant visas and resolved routine and non-routine questions.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Prepared affidavits, waivers, translations and asylum requests for ongoing cases.
- Analyzed client documentation and history to determine eligibility for immigration-related benefits.
- Compiled client application packets and included relevant documentation to present strongest case for successful outcome.
- Provided United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with information about case changes or problems.
- Monitored immigration law developments and procedural changes to improve client service quality and case outcomes.
Paralegal
Johnson And Masumi, PC
11.2017 - 04.2019
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Interacted with telephone callers and answered questions about immigration attorneys' services.
- Illustrated green card and immigration processes and managed communication channels to provide high level of service and consultation to immigration inquiries.
- Developed comprehensive client case list and performed file maintenance to promote accuracy and information compliance.
- Identified potential issues and concerns and proactively escalated to manager to reduce barriers.
- Analyzed client documentation and history to determine eligibility for immigration-related benefits.
Manager
McDonalds
06.2005 - 11.2017
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Maintained compliance with company policies, objectives, and communication goals.
- Created successful work schedules for each team member to maintain deadlines and fully staff shifts.
Education
Master of Science - Criminology/Criminal Justice
The University of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
The University of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX08.2017
Minor - Intelligence And National Security Studies
The University of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX08.2017
Skills
- Team Oversight
- Schedule Coordination
- Proficient in MS Office
- Exhibit Preparation
- Attorney Support
- Document Filing
- Database Research
- Legal Research
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Paralegal
Tohidi Law Office, PLLC
05.2019 - Current
Paralegal
Johnson And Masumi, PC
11.2017 - 04.2019
Manager
McDonalds
06.2005 - 11.2017
Master of Science - Criminology/Criminal Justice
The University of Texas At El Paso
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
The University of Texas At El Paso
Minor - Intelligence And National Security Studies
The University of Texas At El Paso