Melina Dworsky
Deerfield
Summary
Initiative-taking and results-driven Immigration and Legal Operations Specialist with10+ years of experience successfully navigating complex global mobility challenges for high-tech organizations. Proven track-record of delivering exceptional client service, ensuring compliance with immigration laws, regulations while achieving successful outcomes. Skilled in analyzing case requirements, while maintaining the highest ethical standards in all interactions. While incorporating into budgeting and legal operations. Adept in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, outside counsel, outside legal professionals, and clients. Committed to helping individuals and organizations achieve their immigration goals while ensuring strict adherence to legal and
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Operations
Underwriters Laboratories - UL LLC
07.2023 - Current
- Developed and integrated an internal e-billing software program to streamline legal invoicing.
- Spearheaded the management of U.S. immigration processes for a diverse workforce, ensuring timely and equitable sponsorship for over 200 employees and candidates annually.
- Established and maintained strategic partnerships with immigration vendors, enhancing service delivery and compliance, resulting in a 30% increase in processing efficiency and a 25% reduction in response times to employee inquiries.
- Acted as the primary liaison between candidates, internal stakeholders, and outside counsel, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate among managers and new hires regarding immigration support.
- Conducted assessments of candidates and internal transfers for eligibility, improving accuracy of sponsorship determinations by 40%.
- Designed and implemented standardized processes and workflows for legal activities such as immigration, global mobility, contract management, e-billing, knowledge management, and compliance
- Evaluated, selected, and implemented strategies and solutions with HR and Legal team for Immigration and Global Mobility programs for foreign nationals
- Overseen the integration and adoption of new tools, including AI-driven platforms
- Led initiatives for process improvements that streamlined communication and reduced administrative burdens, resulting in a 20% increase in overall employee experience ratings.
- Monitored and responded to immigration inquiries, ensuring timely resolution of issues and maintaining consistent communication with key stakeholders, leading to a 50% decrease in unresolved inquiries.
- Established and managed relationships with external vendors and legal service providers
- Developed and managed the legal operations budget, tracking expenditures and optimizing resource allocation to achieve cost-effective operations
- Collaborated closely with legal teams, finance, IT, HR, and other relevant departments to align immigration strategies with broader organizational objectives
- Coordinated responses to regulatory audits or examinations, ensuring complete cooperation from all involved parties.
- Contributed to cost reduction efforts through careful evaluation of contracts and vendor agreements before execution resulting in 25% cost savings.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information while handling various aspects of the organization''s legal affairs.
- Managed complex projects, resulting in timely completion and increased operational efficiency.
- Assisted in drafting corporate policies and procedures to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Consistently met deadlines for high-priority tasks or projects while maintaining a strong attention to detail and quality work output.
- Streamlined operations processes by identifying inefficiencies and implementing effective solutions.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing inquiries from stakeholders on legal matters.
- Organized weekly team meetings to discuss project progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
Director Business Operations
DLF LAW GROUP
01.2015 - 06.2023
- Managed immigration process for all business visa categories for IT, Pharmaceutical, and Manufacturing clients
- Managed client's immigration needs and strategized with RFE responses especially dealing with specialty occupation
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders while implementing strategic plans to increase department productivity and quality of services
- Complete understanding of all Business Visa categories including but not limited to: H1b, TN, H1b1, E, O, L1/L1A, J, I-140, I-485 and PERM
- Managed Global Mobility for clients while adhering to laws and regulations in the global arena
- Worked with employees ensuring their Global assignments adhere to local immigration laws
- Stayed updated on immigration laws, regulations, and policies to provide accurate and up-to-date information to clients
- Researched and interpreted complex legal documents and provided guidance accordingly
- Managed multiple client cases simultaneously, ensuring that deadlines were met and all necessary documentation was submitted on time
- Kept track of case progress and updated clients accordingly
- Ensured clients comply with immigration laws and regulations at all times
- Helped clients maintain accurate records and documentation, such as visa expiration dates, work permits, and travel documents
- Stayed informed about changes in immigration laws, procedures, and regulations
- Advised clients on the potential impact of changes on their immigration status and provided appropriate guidance
- Collaborated with other professionals, such as immigration lawyers, human resources personnel, or relocation specialists, to provide comprehensive immigration services to clients
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of California
Los Angeles, CASkills
- Process Improvement: Streamlined immigration inquiry processes, resulting in a 50% decrease in unresolved inquiries and improved stakeholder satisfaction Led initiatives that increased overall employee experience ratings by 20%
- Project Management: Successfully managed projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and exceeding key performance indicators
- Stakeholder Management: Built and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, effectively communicating project updates, addressing concerns, and ensuring alignment with business objectives
- Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Proactively identified and analyzed complex issues, developed and implemented effective solutions, and consistently exceeded performance targets
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to effectively communicate with individuals at all levels
Timeline
Legal Operations
Underwriters Laboratories - UL LLC
07.2023 - Current
Director Business Operations
DLF LAW GROUP
01.2015 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of California
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