Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
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Kristani DaCosta

Riverview

Summary

Proficient in comprehensive legal research and drafting of legal documents. Utilizes analytical skills for effective case development and trial preparation. Experienced in courtroom procedures and client consultation. Committed to developing efficient processes that align with organizational goals and maintain high standards.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Certified Legal Intern

Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
09.2024 - 12.2024
  • Assisted in trial preparation and case management.
  • Communicated with State Attorneys to discuss clients’ position.
  • Reviewed plea forms with clients and observed negotiations to enhance case strategy understanding.
  • Assisted clients in preparing for hearings and actively support during Walker Plan hearings to ensure effective representation.
  • Interacted with clients both inside the detention center during attorney visits and in separate meetings outside the facility to discuss case updates and legal options.
  • Reviewed police body camera footage and case files.


Teaching Assistant

Cooley Law School
06.2024 - 12.2024
  • Led weekly study groups and review sessions, fostering student engagement and collaboration.
  • Provided academic support and guidance to students in Property Law.
  • Developed and maintained instructional materials such as lesson plans, handouts, and PowerPoint presentations to supplement course curriculum.
  • Actively participated in faculty meetings, offering insights into student performance and curriculum improvements.
  • Assisted the professor in classroom management.

Research Assistant

Cooley Law School
06.2024 - 12.2024
  • Assisted in preparing materials and data for presentations at a global policy forum attended by international delegates.
  • Conducted comprehensive research to support professor's academic projects and publications.
  • Organized and compiled research data, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for ongoing academic projects.
  • Conducted legal research on various case laws, statutes, and regulations to support case strategies and arguments.
  • Analyzed and summarized legal documents, including depositions, witness statements, and expert reports.
  • Collaborated with attorneys and legal staff to develop case strategies and trial preparation plans.

Law Clerk

Brandon Law, PLLC
09.2023 - 12.2024
  • Enhanced attorney's trial strategy by conducting detailed examination of discovery materials.
  • Drafted motions, pleadings, and legal documents to facilitate litigation and trial preparation.
  • Conducted legal research on various case laws, statutes, and regulations to support case strategies and arguments.
  • Analyzed and summarized legal documents, including depositions, witness statements, and expert reports.
  • Collaborated with attorneys and legal staff to develop case strategies and trial preparation plans.


Computer Teaching Assistant

Cooley Law School
02.2022 - 12.2024
  • Provided technical assistance and support to professors and students during live classroom sessions.
  • Addressed student inquiries and concerns related to account issues, login credentials, and access permissions.
  • Collaborated with IT staff to resolve technical problems and escalate complex issues as necessary.
  • Conducted training sessions for faculty and students on the use of educational technology tools and learning management systems.
  • Maintained documentation and records of technical support activities, including problem resolution steps and user feedback.

Legal Assistant Intern

Pierre Simon, LLC.
05.2020 - 08.2021
  • Managed legal documentation and correspondence in strict confidence.
  • Drafted documents and letters from existing acquisitions using proper licensing templates.
  • Organized, analyzed, and compiled information for trial and hearings.

Customer Service Specialist

Arise/Home Depot/Oshkaree Quality Consulting
03.2019 - 08.2021
  • Built customer confidence by actively listening and giving appropriate feedback.
  • Resolved post-order issues such as returns and made sure that the customers’ needs are fulfilled.

Legal Intern

The Law Office of Jennito Simon
05.2017 - 01.2018
  • Supported attorneys and legal staff by assisting with court errands, including filing and retrieving legal documents, and attending hearings.
  • Prepared files for court proceedings by organizing documents, creating exhibit lists, and ensuring compliance with court rules and procedures.
  • Assisted in case preparation and trial support activities, including witness preparation, and document review.

Sales Specialist

MetroPCS Authorized Dealership
09.2017 - 12.2017
  • Maintained and operated kiosk on an independent basis.
  • Answered customers’ questions and addressed their concerns in person and via phone.

Crew Member

McDonald’s
07.2015 - 09.2017
  • Built loyal clientele through friendly interactions.
  • Resolved customers’ concerns or complaints.

Education

Juris Doctorate -

Cooley Law School
Riverview, FL
12.2024

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Sociology

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
08.2020

Associate of Arts -

Broward College
Davie, FL
12.2017

Skills

  • Courtroom etiquette
  • Task prioritization
  • Client communication
  • Proficient in MS office
  • Legal research
  • Legal writing

Certification

State Bar of Texas - April 2025

Affiliations

  • American Constitutional Society – Vice President, Treasurer
  • Christian Legal Society – President, Vice President
  • Black Law Student Association – President, Treasurer
  • Florida Association of Women Lawyers – Community Service Director
  • Hispanic Organization of Legal Advocates – Member
  • Military Veterans Law Student Association – Member
  • Moot Court Honor Society – Member
  • George Edgecomb Bar Association – Member
  • Fred G. Minnis Bar Association – Member

Timeline

Certified Legal Intern

Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
09.2024 - 12.2024

Teaching Assistant

Cooley Law School
06.2024 - 12.2024

Research Assistant

Cooley Law School
06.2024 - 12.2024

Law Clerk

Brandon Law, PLLC
09.2023 - 12.2024

Computer Teaching Assistant

Cooley Law School
02.2022 - 12.2024

Legal Assistant Intern

Pierre Simon, LLC.
05.2020 - 08.2021

Customer Service Specialist

Arise/Home Depot/Oshkaree Quality Consulting
03.2019 - 08.2021

Sales Specialist

MetroPCS Authorized Dealership
09.2017 - 12.2017

Legal Intern

The Law Office of Jennito Simon
05.2017 - 01.2018

Crew Member

McDonald’s
07.2015 - 09.2017

Juris Doctorate -

Cooley Law School

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Sociology

Florida Atlantic University

Associate of Arts -

Broward College