Kathya Guzman Lazo
Dallas,USA
Summary
Bilingual Legal Professional with over 5 years of experience bridging operational leadership and legal advocacy. Expert in navigating complex USCIS and EOIR procedures with a focus on family-based petitions, humanitarian relief, and litigation support. Proven ability to streamline office workflows and manage selective caseloads while maintaining high-touch client relationships and meticulous document accuracy.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Immigration Paralegal
Law Office of Carrie Nguyen
Arlington, TX
06.2024 - 03.2026
- Directed selective caseloads of approximately 140 cases, specializing in complex filings including Adjustment of Status, Consular Processing, Work Permits, DACA, and Waivers.
- Synthesized evidentiary documentation for specialized humanitarian and litigation cases, including T-Visas, VAWA, Parole in Place (PIP), and Fiancée Petitions.
- Facilitated critical legal proceedings by managing Bond documentation, SIJS, SAPCR, and comprehensive FOIA requests.
- Refined legal work product through collaborative attorney review cycles, drafting precise legal briefs, affidavits, and cover letters for USCIS and EOIR submission.
- Liaised between clients and government agencies, providing bilingual updates and conducting intake interviews to ensure case accuracy and client retention.
- Audited case files against evolving immigration regulations to ensure 100% compliance and timely filing of travel documents and renewals.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for complex immigration cases.
- Trained junior paralegals on best practices for case management and document preparation.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency for case handling.
- Met with clients to gather information, prepare documentation, and determine necessary actions.
- 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.
- Provided United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with information about case changes or problems.
- Researched law literature, databases, and public information to investigate case issues.
- Identified opportunities to expedite case processing times through strategic utilization of premium processing services when applicable.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients through empathetic understanding of their unique situations and goals.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Coordinated appointment scheduling and case progress discussions to enhance client relationships.
- Coordinated comprehensive preparation strategies to equip clients for successful USCIS or embassy interviews.
Office Coordinator
Law Office of Carrie Nguyen
Arlington, TX
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Optimized client intake by managing multi-line phone systems and utilizing deep knowledge of immigration case types to pre-screen inquiries and schedule attorney consultations.
- Accelerated firm onboarding by facilitating the hiring process for new clients, ensuring all initial documentation and retainers were processed with zero errors.
- Streamlined administrative operations by coordinating legal service of process and managing executive schedules to maximize office workflow and attorney efficiency.
- Maintained 100% operational uptime by overseeing office supply procurement and professional reception area management.
Insurance Agent (Independent Contractor)
Globe Life
Dallas, TX
07.2023 - 12.2023
- Architected a private client base by marketing life and supplemental health insurance for the Liberty National and American Income Divisions.
- Delivered tailored financial protection strategies to working-class families, consistently meeting high-commission sales targets through self-directed scheduling.
Operations Manager
Chick-fil-A
Dallas, TX
04.2020 - 06.2023
- Championed Human Capital: Directed a diverse team of 10–20 members, fostering a culture of high engagement and peak productivity through active mentorship.
- Drove Operational Excellence: Achieved service times under 4 minutes and significantly reduced waste by deploying strategic performance monitoring and labor productivity analysis.
- Led Inclusive Training: Oversaw the entire recruitment and onboarding lifecycle, developing specialized bilingual training protocols for non-English speakers.
- Ensured Regulatory Integrity: Maintained 100% compliance with health codes and licensing regulations, effectively mitigating legal and financial risks for the facility.
Team Member
Chick-fil-A
Dallas, TX
02.2019 - 04.2020
- Facilitated Peer Growth: Selected to mentor and train 5–10 new team members monthly on safety protocols and company procedures.
- Collaborative Impact: Partnered with leadership to maintain an organized, high-efficiency work environment, contributing to consistent top-tier customer service results.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business
University of Dallas
Irving, TX05.2021
Associate of Science - Biology
Mountain View College
Dallas, TX05.2017
Skills
- Legal & Administrative: Case Management, Immigration Packet Preparation, Legal Correspondence, Records Management, FOIA Requests, Scheduling & Calendar Management
- Operations & Leadership: Staff Development, Hiring & Training, Process Optimization, Conflict Resolution, Human Capital Leadership
- Communication: Fluent in English & Spanish (Native/Bilingual); Professional Legal Translation and Client Advocacy
- Technical: MyCase, LawPay, Missive, USCIS Online Filing, CEAC (NVC), Ciudad Juarez Consular Supplements, Google Drive, Mac Proficiency, AI Proficiency (ChatGPT, Gemini)
Certification
Certification: InsTX-LAH05 General Lines, Life, Accident, and Health (Obtained 09/2023)
LICENSES & LANGUAGES
Languages: Spanish (Native/Bilingual Proficiency)
Timeline
Immigration Paralegal
Law Office of Carrie Nguyen
06.2024 - 03.2026
Office Coordinator
Law Office of Carrie Nguyen
01.2024 - 06.2024
Insurance Agent (Independent Contractor)
Globe Life
07.2023 - 12.2023
Operations Manager
Chick-fil-A
04.2020 - 06.2023
Team Member
Chick-fil-A
02.2019 - 04.2020
Associate of Science - Biology
Mountain View College
Bachelor of Arts - Business
University of Dallas