Elbi Lorena Riascos
Houston,TX
Summary
Experienced and bilingual Immigration Paralegal with 5+ years supporting attorneys in complex immigration matters including asylum, removal defense, family-based petitions, humanitarian applications, and adjustment of status. Highly skilled in preparing detailed filings, drafting persuasive legal motions, and managing high-volume caseloads for detained and non-detained clients. Passionate about immigrant advocacy, and known for client-centered, empathetic communication.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Paralegal – Legal Assistant
Aaron G. Christensen, Attorney at Law
Houston, TX
04.2022 - Current
- Drafted and filed EOIR motions, including bond motions, motions to change venue, motions to consolidate, motions to terminate, and motions to reopen.
- Prepared asylum applications (I-589), supporting declarations, country conditions, and client exhibits for detained and non-detained clients.
- Filed TPS, family-based, and permanent residency applications, including I-821, I-130, I-485, I-864, I-765, I-751, I-601A, I-212, and parole requests (I-131).
- Handled the adjustment of status packets, and responded to RFEs and NOIDs for USCIS.
- Liaised with ICE ERO and OCC to submit prosecutorial discretion and bond redetermination requests.
- Maintained all case deadlines and filings using ECAS, monitored hearing schedules, and prepared attorneys for individual and master calendar hearings.
- Assisted in client interviews, interpreted Spanish to English and vice versa, and built strong client relationships in high-stress situations.
Legal Assistant – Legal Writer
Meneses Law
Houston, TX
06.2020 - 04.2022
- Assisted clients in gathering civil documents, completing biometrics, and preparing for interviews and hearings.
- Managed communication with Spanish-speaking clients from intake through case resolution.
- Drafted client declarations, affidavits, and legal narratives.
- Trained new staff on immigration procedures and case management systems.
Education
B.S. - Criminal Justice & Sociology
Sam Houston State University
Skills
- Notary public, State of Texas (valid through 2026)
- ECAS, Docketwise, MyCase, LawLogix, Microsoft Office Suite
- Adjustment of status (I-485, I-864)
- Employment authorization (I-765)
- Legal permanent residency (I-130, I-751)
- Waivers (601A, 212)
- Business immigration support (basic NIV filings, intake)
- Asylum (I-589), parole (I-131), TPS, DACA
- Motions to reopen, terminate, change venue
- EOIR & USCIS Procedures
- Client intake and affidavit drafting
- Docketwise, MyCase, ECAS, LawLogix
- Bilingual: Spanish-English interpretation
Languages
Spanish & English – Native Fluency
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Paralegal – Legal Assistant
Aaron G. Christensen, Attorney at Law
04.2022 - Current
Legal Assistant – Legal Writer
Meneses Law
06.2020 - 04.2022
B.S. - Criminal Justice & Sociology
Sam Houston State University
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