Madison McLaughlin
Chicago,IL
Summary
Experienced Immigration Paralegal with a demonstrated history working in the legal industry. Skilled in legal document drafting, case management, multi-tasking, and organization, with strong written and oral communication. I have been in the legal field for nearly 5 years, and my love for the industry and hunger to learn continues to grow.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Immigration Paralegal
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
12.2019 - Current
- Utilize a deep understanding of corporate immigration regulations and processes to draft petitions, applications and specialized support letters detailing eligibility for visa classification such as H-1B, L-1A/B, TN, and H-1B1, as well as prepare immigrant petitions such as PERM, I-140, and employment and family based I-485
- Analyze case documents and prepare immigration applications for filing with the appropriate government agency
- Handle urgent cases that require additional attention and efficient execution
- Handle VIP clients/cases to ensure appropriate execution and top tier client service
- Perform legal research when necessary for cases and Requests for Evidence (RFE)
- Stay abreast of procedural and processing requirements for various types of non-immigrant and immigrant visa petitions and applications.
- Act as the main client contact for new and existing clients to ensure we are delivering high-quality client services
- Communicate regularly with clients and foreign nationals regarding procedure and case processing protocols
- Create and manage the Chicago immigration practice’s innovative billing procedures; Subject Matter Expert (SME) for billing
- Create and manage administrative practices such as how/where we keep track of expirations and important documents
- SME for immigration technology (INSzoom), DS-160s, DS-260s, and visa appointment scheduling websites
- Train, manage, provide support, and assign tasks to the Chicago immigration Legal Assistant
- Interface with interoffice departments such as Office Services, HR, Records, and other legal practice groups
- Work closely in a team environment and support attorneys while building knowledge of firm and client processes
Assistant Paralegal I
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
06.2019 - 12.2019
- Analyzed case documents and prepared immigration applications for filing with the appropriate government agency
- Drafted petitions, applications and specialized support letters detailing eligibility for visa classification
- Communicated regularly with clients and foreign nationals regarding procedure and case processing protocols
- Worked closely in a team environment and supported attorneys while building knowledge of firm and client processes
- Learned and utilized procedural and processing requirements for various types of non-immigrant and immigrant visa petitions and applications.
After School Counselor
Lake Shore Schools
- 06.2019
- Organized classroom supplies to foster a creative and welcoming classroom environment
- Maintained positive classroom environments by fostering relationships and enforcing expectations for behavior
- Mediated disagreements between students and facilitated effective communication and problem-solving skills
- Created process art and experiment lesson plans to encourage teamwork and critical thinking among the students
- Collaborated with colleagues to create activities that promote teamwork and communication skills for the students.
Hostess/Main Filler
The Cheesecake Factory
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Managed guest expectations by conveying optimal information about wait times, policies and specials
- Stayed on top of server availability and table turnover to make accurate decisions about seating locations
- Resolved guest complaints and maintained a positive dining experience for all restaurant customers
- Created repeat business by developing long-term relationships with customers
- Supervised other hosts, controlled the computer system, and decided where guests should be seated
- Quickly created effective, innovate solutions to issues as they occurred
- Adapted to a fast-paced environment while remaining calm and efficient
Data Entry Specialist
Durr Systems Inc.
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Input client information into spreadsheets and company database to provide leaders with quick access to essential client data
- Completed accurate and efficient data entry and database updates to support sales operations
- Identified and corrected data entry errors to prevent duplication across systems
- Reported directly to both the VP of Marketing and the Sales Director.
Education
J.D. -
UIC Law
Chicago, IL05.2026
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2019
Skills
- Great attention to detail
- Extraordinary organizational skills
- Performs well in fast-pace, high intensity environments
- Ability to think quickly and adapt to situations
- Efficient problem solver
- Effective at building relationships with colleagues and clients
- In depth knowledge of immigration law
- Effective immigration case strategies and legal analysis
- Expertise in visa applications, appointment scheduling, interview prep
- Expertise in document preparation, petition drafting, legal research, legal writing
Community Service
- January 2023 to Present, Safe Humane Chicago. Court advocate volunteer. Appear in criminal court animal cruelty proceedings on behalf of the animal victims.
- May 2022 to July 2023, Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago, IL. Dog animal advancement and adoption experience volunteer. Walk, train, play with, and comfort shelter dogs. Clean kennels. Perform tasks such as laundry, feeding, meet and greets, and assisting with adoptions.
- 03/2017, A Just Harvest Community Kitchen, Chicago, IL. Prepare food and beverages, serve patrons, and assist staff and volunteers. Clean kitchen and dining area to ensure a safe environment. Contribute to the friendly environment and communicate with patrons to foster relationships.
- 09/2015 to 08/2016, Livingston County Humane Society, Howell, MI. Walk, play with, and comfort dogs in the shelter. Maintain yards and kennels to ensure cleanliness. Assist staff with laundry, cleaning, meet and greets, and adoptions.
Hobbies and Interests
- Avid reader. Enjoys reading nonfiction: history, current events, political topics, anthropology, true crime; fiction: mystery, sci-fi, romance.
- Animal rights advocate. Involved in local, national, and worldwide animal rights initiatives.
- Vegan.
- Amateur boxer.
- Enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.
- Loves the outdoors including hiking, wooded areas, and the beach.
- Practices meditation and mindfulness.
- Enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures.
Timeline
Immigration Paralegal
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
12.2019 - Current
Assistant Paralegal I
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
06.2019 - 12.2019
Hostess/Main Filler
The Cheesecake Factory
08.2017 - 08.2018
Data Entry Specialist
Durr Systems Inc.
05.2017 - 08.2017
After School Counselor
Lake Shore Schools
- 06.2019
J.D. -
UIC Law
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Loyola University of Chicago
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