Michelle Chmara

• Assisted clients in completing forms and understanding legal processes related to immigration issues.
• Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and external stakeholders to facilitate case progress.
• Gathered key information during initial client intake interviews that contributed significantly to the formulation of effective legal arguments.
• Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
• Delivered exceptional service to clients by assisting them with routine needs like obtaining copies of pertinent records or directing them to appropriate resources for social service needs when needed.

• Prepared and filed immigration petitions and applications with USCIS and relevant agencies for various visa categories, including foreign artists, scientists, and other special persons.
• Improved communication between law firm and clients, providing prompt updates on case progress in their native language.
• Supervised translations of legal documents such as affidavits, waivers, and supplemental evidence to ensure accurate document translations for clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Tracked developments in immigration policy changes, keeping colleagues informed on relevant legislation updates.

• Drafted legal documents, including motions and agreements, for attorney review.
• Conducted legal research to support case preparation and client consultations.
• Collaborated with attorneys during trials to ensure effective presentation of cases.
• Assisted in case management by organizing files and maintaining documentation accuracy.
• Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.

• Researched and drafted legal briefs for employment and family-based immigration cases, achieving successful outcomes for Afghan asylum, VAWA, H-1B, and SIJS petitions.
• Assisted attorneys in trial by preparing exhibits, witness binders, and tracking key documentation to support case presentation.
• Drafted and submitted legal documents for state and federal court.
• Assisted attorneys in trial by preparing exhibits, witness binders, and tracking key documentation.
• Secured asylum for Ukrainian client and family under CAT, providing critical support during their immigration process.
• Researched legal issues and drafted demand letters, economic demands, and rebuttals for employment law matters, enhancing case strategy for EEOC and OSHA filings.

• Assisted attorneys during hearings by taking notes, entering attorney notes into statewide databases, and delegating tasks to legal secretaries and paralegal specialists to ensure workflow efficiency.
• Coordinated schedules for pre and post-trial hearings with judicial clerk to facilitate timely case management.
• Reviewed discovery materials, redacted confidential information, distributed redacted materials to proper recipients, and maintained their proper organization in the electronic filing system.
• Reviewed and organized discovery materials, redacted confidential information, and distributed properly organized redacted materials to recipients to support case preparation.

• Engaged in daily law school classes focused on the American legal system and legal writing, led by distinguished FSU College of Law faculty.
• Collaborated to draft and edit a paper and handout on criminal law, which was recognized with the Best Law Group Paper award.
• Conducted a moot court oral argument in front of a panel of six judges.

Cum Laude