Diego Menéndez-Estrada
Miami,FL
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Immigration Attorney
Colombo & Hurd, PL
12.2023 - Current
- Manage a high caseload of EB-2/NIW, O-1, Adjustment of Status, and Consular Processing cases, focusing on clients from diverse professional backgrounds, including educators, medical scientists, and business professionals. Supervise a team of paralegals in detailed case preparations and guide USCIS processes.
- Draft comprehensive RFE and NOID responses for employment- and family-based immigration cases.
- Provide ongoing training to attorneys and support staff on complex immigration issues; assess case strategy before assignment to filing attorneys, manage client escalations, and contribute to improving client service through feedback and tailored surveys.
- Conduct initial consultations with prospective clients for E-2, EB-2 NIW, EB-5, and O-1 matters, providing strategic legal guidance and collaborating with the client liaison team to optimize intake processes and increase client engagement.
Caretaker
Family Leave
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Provided 24/7 in-home care for my father during treatment for a medical condition until he made a full recovery.
- Offered pro bono legal services to low-income immigrants, including filing applications for relief before EOIR and USCIS.
Associate
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
08.2021 - 01.2023
- Supervised the work of four paralegals and oversaw their preparation of nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions, including TNs, L-1As and L-1Bs, H-1Bs, E-3s, O-1As, EB-1Cs, EB-2s, and EB-3s. Oversaw a docket of 400+ active cases and billed in excess of $2.5 million in 2022. Ensured that paralegals met productivity metrics. Drafted complex RFE and NOID responses, Motions to Reopen, and other responsive legal documents.
- Managed the PERM program for a global management consulting client, collaborated directly with general counsel on complex RFE responses, and supported the development of an automated RFE system to improve efficiency and consistency across case types.
- Resolved internal escalations and provided strategic feedback to attorneys to enhance initial case quality; counseled clients throughout the PERM process and contributed to process improvements through collaboration with legal and operational teams.
- Counseled clients throughout the PERM labor certification process and supervised one PERM paralegal.
Justice Fellow
Immigrant Justice Corps Fellowship – Public Law Center
09.2019 - 08.2021
- Prepared and filed applications for relief before USCIS and EOIR, including Asylums, Cancellations of Removal, T and U visas, Family Petitions, Adjustment of Status applications, and I-601A Provisional Waivers.
- Supervised team of two paralegals, providing constant feedback on case quality and progress metrics.
Law Clerk
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Drafted and prepared cover letters, petitioner letters, and USCIS forms, and gathered supporting evidence for nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions, including O-1As, L-1As, L-1Bs, H-1Bs, EB-1s, and EB-2s. Prepared complex RFE and NOID responses.
Judicial Intern to the Honorable Darrin P. Gayles, U.S. District Judge
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Drafted judicial orders and conducted in-depth legal research on civil RICO and trademark claims.
- Edited and proofread draft opinions, motions, and orders for accuracy and clarity.
Lead Paralegal
Law Offices of Robert Sheldon
07.2016 - 10.2016
- Conducted in-depth intakes to assess visa eligibility, and prepared and filed nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions, including E-2s, L-1As, EB-1Cs, EB-5s (pilot regional program), and O-1s.
Legal Assistant
Americans for Immigrant Justice, Children’s Legal Project
10.2012 - 12.2012
- Drafted legal documents with direction from the team of attorneys; filed and prepared Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, DACAs, and T and U visas.
Education
J.D. -
Boston University School of Law
Boston, MA05.2019
B.A. - History and Political Science
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA05.2011
Bar Admission
California Bar No. 330923
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
French
Full Professional
Timeline
Immigration Attorney
Colombo & Hurd, PL
12.2023 - Current
Caretaker
Family Leave
01.2023 - 12.2023
Associate
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
08.2021 - 01.2023
Justice Fellow
Immigrant Justice Corps Fellowship – Public Law Center
09.2019 - 08.2021
Law Clerk
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
08.2018 - 05.2019
Judicial Intern to the Honorable Darrin P. Gayles, U.S. District Judge
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
05.2017 - 08.2017
Lead Paralegal
Law Offices of Robert Sheldon
07.2016 - 10.2016
Legal Assistant
Americans for Immigrant Justice, Children’s Legal Project
10.2012 - 12.2012
B.A. - History and Political Science
Swarthmore College
J.D. -
Boston University School of Law
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