Maria Benavidez
Miami,FL
Summary
Detail-oriented and organized, I am an entry-level paralegal specializing in corporate law, adept at preparing affidavits, briefs, legal correspondence, and other essential legal documents. With a proven track record of thriving in high-stress office environments, I excel in adapting quickly to changing circumstances while maintaining meticulous attention to detail under pressure. Proficient in English and Spanish, and with an intermediate level of French, my linguistic abilities enable effective communication with diverse clientele. I am particularly interested in applying my skills within a law firm specializing in personal injury, property damage, and/or immigration law, where I can contribute to impactful legal strategies and client advocacy.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Legal Assistant
Cernitz Law
01.2021 - Current
- Prepare case briefs and summarize depositions, interrogatories and testimony
- Organizing and maintaining case files and legal documents.
- Manage four (4) attorneys calendar including scheduling hearings, trial, mediations, conferences
- Provide status updates to clients on their cases.
- Translate documents, interviews, depositions and mediations.
- Assist the attorneys in all aspects of investigations, discovery, and preparation of trials.
- Research case law, statutes, regulations and other legal authorities to support assigned tasks.
- Drafting and composing typing routine correspondence, reading and routing of incoming mail, taking calls from clients, attorneys, adjusters, judicial assistants, opposing counsel, etc.
- Court filings with state and federal courts (PACER), ensuring compliance with court deadlines, rules and procedures.
Legal Intern
AYUDA USA Immigration Lawyer
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Assisted with preparation of petitions/applications for various immigration-related matters (PERM, I-140, CP, AOS, Naturalization, H-1B, L, E-1/2, TN, O-1, J)
- Provided interpretation/translation support to Spanish speaking clients by educating them on firm services/options
- Contacted USCIS and U.S. consulate/embassies, schedules visa appointment interviews.
- Maintained accurate and timely client documentation records by inputting all relevant information in both internal and external (USA Immigration Database) systems
- Performed case research on immigration law for clients from Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
- Contacted USCIS and U.S. consulate/embassies, schedules visa appointment interviews.
- Compiled supporting documentation for immigration cases including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and financial records.
Political Campaign Intern
Reach Voters
05.2020 - 08.2020
- Managed Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar Facebook page and created social media posts and videos; responded to messages, inquiries, and comments
- Attended political meetings, debates, and fundraisers
- Translated written and verbal communications in English and Spanish; translated text projects including legal documents, news articles, and corporate reports
- Responsible for detailed weekly readings and research on government policy and programs.
Political Affairs Associate
The Borgen Project
06.2018 - 09.2018
- Jun 1, 2021
- Mobilized 50 people to email, call, and mail their Congress members in support of key poverty-reduction legislation
- Lobbied with members of congress and congressional staffers in FL State and District to address global poverty
- Assisted with fundraising by creating a personal fundraising campaign
- Conducted research on poverty bills and pro-actively participated at team meetings with coordinators
- Represented The Borgen Project at various business, political, and community events.
Education
BA - International Relations
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY05.2020
Skills
- Legal Compliance
- Legal Document Preparation
- Writing and Editing
- Administrative Support
- Legal Research and Writing
- Review of Pleadings
- Legal Translation
- MS Office
- Nulaw
- Slack
- Lead Docket
- NetDocuments
- MS Office Proficient
- Google Docs
Certification
LexisNexis Certified
Westlaw Certified
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Professional
Timeline
Legal Assistant
Cernitz Law
01.2021 - Current
Legal Intern
AYUDA USA Immigration Lawyer
09.2020 - 12.2020
Political Campaign Intern
Reach Voters
05.2020 - 08.2020
Political Affairs Associate
The Borgen Project
06.2018 - 09.2018
BA - International Relations
Syracuse University