Karen Fonseca
1545 W Colter St, 13 Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Mexican Licensed Attorney who is focused and dedicated to handle legal immigration cases from family based petitions to naturalization under attorney supervision. Familiar with USCIS and EOIR forms and their procedures. Detail oriented in preparing case files, investigating and researching issues. Organizing and producing legal paperwork. Delivers quality work and customer service to clients, team oriented and self motivated. Eager and ready to learn.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
EOIR Paralegal
Lelli Law Firm
Phoenix, AZ
08.2023 - Current
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
Senior Immigration Paralegal
Burns Law Firm
Chandler, AZ
09.2021 - 07.2023
- Maintained case load of USCIS family based and EOIR cases.
- Created and managed processes and procedures to coordinate documentation for visa processing on immigrant and non-immigrant applications.
- Identified potential issues and concerns and proactively escalated to manager to reduce barriers.
- Researched law literature, databases and public information to investigate case issues.
- Met with clients to gather information, prepare documentation and determine necessary actions.
- Complied client applications packets and included relevant documentation to present strongest case for successful outcomes.
- Maintained immigration attorney's schedules to enable timely client service delivery and promote firm's income growth.
- Prepared USCIS applications, affidavits, waivers, translations, EOIR 42-B, 42-A and asylum applications for ongoing cases.
- Contributed to client case file preparation and verified inclusion of required documentation.
- Filed correspondence and legal documents in correct client files and transmitted applicable documentation to court and government agencies.
Legal Assistant
Maria Jones Law Firm
Phoenix, AZ
09.2019 - 09.2021
- Intake/Sales Process with prospective clients.
- Processed daily mail and preformed clerical duties.
- Case preparations on family based cases such as Adjustment of Status, Consular Process, Naturalization, Removal of Conditions, VAWA, Paroles and Work Permits.
- Preparation of FOIA's for all agencies.
- Translation of legal documents.
- Maintained knowledge on case status by reviewing relevant records and reporting back to clients.
- Interpreter for Interviews at USCIS.
- Organized an prepared case packets for attorney review.
Paralegal
The Pew Law Center
Mesa, AZ
01.2019 - 09.2019
- Assisted clients in obtaining work permits, green cards, and citizenship through diligent case management.
- Filed correspondence and legal documents in correct client files and transmitted applicable documentation to courts and government agencies.
- Contributed to client case file preparation and verified inclusion of required documentation.
- Monitored changes in immigration law to ensure compliance in all submitted applications.
Immigration Legal Assistant
Excelsior Family Services
Mesa, AZ
03.2018 - 04.2019
- Assisted in Immigration Family Based cases.
- Managed phone calls and assisted clients.
- Translations of Legal Documents.
- Managed calendar for Legal Document Preparer.
- Contributed in organizing case files, gathering paperwork from clients for further processing.
- Filled out immigration forms and prepared packets for outtake.
- Gathered required immigration application documents.
- Drafted and sent correspondence to clients and assisted clients with documentation acquisition and assembly and completed forms.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
Law Office Assistant
Rodolfo Rodriguez Chavez Law Firm
Hidalgo Del Parral , Chihuahua, Mexico
05.2016 - 02.2017
- Assisted in Family, Civil and Criminal Law.
- Scheduled initial interviews with clients on certain types of cases.
- Designated to maintain and organize all hard copy case files.
- Drafted Divorce Demands and child custody agreements.
- Accompanied attorneys to court for certain phases of cases and was asked to take notes.
- Maintained knowledge on case status by reviewing relevant records and reporting back to clients.
- Participated in client interviews, observed questioning process and documented information.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents and precedents to support case preparation.
- Filed pleadings and paperwork with court clerk to meet strict deadlines.
Tax Enforcement Assistant
City Hall
Hidalgo Del Parral , Chihuahua, Mexico
08.2014 - 04.2015
- Door to door notifications of past due tax payment.
- Processed customer payments and set up payment plans.
- Assisted in property evaluations.
Education
J.D. - Legal Studies
Universidad Autonoma De Chihuahua
Hidalgo Del Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico09-2017
Skills
- Knowledge in Immigration law with USCIS and EOIR
- Bilingual Interpreter
- Inzsoom and Docketwise Software
- Case management
- Legal research skills
- Preparation of Motions
- Case File Preparation
- Drafting Correspondence
- Hearings Preparations
Timeline
EOIR Paralegal
Lelli Law Firm
08.2023 - Current
Senior Immigration Paralegal
Burns Law Firm
09.2021 - 07.2023
Legal Assistant
Maria Jones Law Firm
09.2019 - 09.2021
Paralegal
The Pew Law Center
01.2019 - 09.2019
Immigration Legal Assistant
Excelsior Family Services
03.2018 - 04.2019
Law Office Assistant
Rodolfo Rodriguez Chavez Law Firm
05.2016 - 02.2017
Tax Enforcement Assistant
City Hall
08.2014 - 04.2015
J.D. - Legal Studies
Universidad Autonoma De Chihuahua