Itzel Ochoa
Orange,CA
Summary
Bilingual Paralegal with comprehensive experience in high-volume immigration law practices. Expertise in managing case files from client intake to resolution, ensuring timely and accurate submissions of USCIS applications and court filings. Strong organizational skills and effective communication with clients and government agencies enhance overall operational efficiency.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal / Legal Assistant
LAW OFFICE OF FERNANDO ROMO AND ASSOCIATES, PLC
Santa Ana, CA
01.2023 - Current
- Manage a high-volume caseload from initial client intake through case preparation, filing, follow-up, and completion, ensuring cases progress in accordance with applicable deadlines and attorney instructions.
- Track filing deadlines, attorney calendars, and case timelines to ensure immigration applications, petitions, court filings, and supporting documentation are accurately prepared and timely submitted.
- Assist attorneys with the preparation and submission of USCIS immigration applications and petitions, including but not limited to: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status; Form I-485 Supplement A, Supplement A to Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i) and 245(a); Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records; Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence; Form I-601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver; Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card); Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative; Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA; Form N-400, Application for Naturalization; Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant; Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e); Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document; Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion; Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal; Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member; and Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.
- Prepared client declarations, legal correspondence, cover letters, filing packets, and supporting documentation for attorney review and submission, ensuring thoroughness and clarity in presentation.
- Prepare and window file EOIR pleadings, motions, notices, applications, and supporting documentation with the Immigration Court, ensuring compliance with applicable court filing procedures, requirements, and deadlines.
- Maintained accurate and organized electronic and physical case files, ensuring compliance with office procedures and confidentiality standards to support effective case management.
- Communicate with clients, attorneys, USCIS, EOIR, and other government agencies regarding case status, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), court notices, filing requirements, deadlines, and required documentation.
- Provide comprehensive administrative and legal support to attorneys in a fast-paced immigration law practice, including case preparation, document management, deadline tracking, client communication, and filing support.
Legal Assistant
BRUDNER LAW
Irvine, CA
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Supported attorneys with daily legal and administrative operations in a high-volume immigration law practice.
- Maintained, organized, and updated active electronic and physical case files, ensuring documentation was complete, accurate, and readily accessible.
- Prepared immigration petitions, declarations, legal correspondence, cover letters, and supporting documentation for attorney review.
- Tracked filing deadlines and monitored case progress to ensure timely submission of immigration applications and government responses.
- Gathered, reviewed, and organized client information, supporting evidence, and legal records for attorney evaluation.
- Reviewed, translated, and proofread legal and federal documents in English and Spanish for accuracy and completeness.
- Assisted with client intake and maintained accurate case information within legal databases.
- Served as lead interpreter and translator during attorney-client meetings and legal consultations.
- Managed incoming legal correspondence and maintained strict confidentiality while handling sensitive legal records and client information.
Legal Assistant
DERDEN LAW
Meridian, ID
06.2021 - 02.2022
- Prepared legal documents, immigration applications, and supporting documentation for attorney review and filing.
- Gathered, reviewed, and organized documentation required for immigration applications and legal filings.
- Managed client files throughout all stages of case processing while maintaining accurate electronic and physical records.
- Monitored filing deadlines, maintained accurate case records, and ensured timely completion of required documentation.
- Organized electronic and paper records to support efficient case management and document retrieval.
- Proofread, translated, and reviewed legal and federal documents between English and Spanish for accuracy and completeness.
- Provided administrative and legal support to attorneys while ensuring compliance with office procedures and records management standards.
Education
Associate of Arts - ABA Approved Paralegal Studies
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, California12-2026
Skills
- Immigration procedures
- Legal document translation
- Document preparation
- Filing procedures
- Case management
- effective communication
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Client communication
- Time management
- Organization
- Analytical thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Bilingual communication
Timeline
Paralegal / Legal Assistant
LAW OFFICE OF FERNANDO ROMO AND ASSOCIATES, PLC
01.2023 - Current
Legal Assistant
BRUDNER LAW
08.2022 - 12.2022
Legal Assistant
DERDEN LAW
06.2021 - 02.2022
Associate of Arts - ABA Approved Paralegal Studies
Santa Ana College