OSCAR DAVALOS
Houston,USA
Summary
Results-driven legal professional with a strong background in immigration law, recognized for excellence in legal analysis and client communication. Leadership in pro bono initiatives has fostered enhanced paralegal capabilities, contributing to the successful resolution of complex cases. Proven ability to navigate intricate legal challenges while maintaining compassionate client relations. Career aspirations include further advancing advocacy efforts within the immigration sector.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Paralegal Pro-Bono team
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
01.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: St Francis Legal Center for Immigration Legal Assistance
- As one of the leaders in the paralegal team, it is my responsibility to train new members and provide guidance throughout the journey in the legal field and making sure the paralegals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their role
- As a member of the pro bono team my responsibilities include helping pro bono attorneys guiding cases and monitoring their progress
- I stay in touch with clients to ensure that all deadlines are being met
- Additionally I have participated in various workshops organized by the team
- My role is crucial in supporting the team and ensuring that legal assistance is provided to those in need
- St Francis Legal Center for Immigration Legal Assistance
Senior paralegal Detained Team
Kids in Need of Defense Houston Office
Houston, TX
02.2023 - 01.2024
- Involve with the professional development of paralegals in the detained team under the supervision of senior attorney
- Serve as the team lead to ensure consistent, accurate and timely file maintenance and data entry into case management system
- Providing legal assistance to attorneys in cases before the Immigration Court and USCIS
- Conducting follow-up intakes to minors who have been reunified within the Houston area to identify possible legal relief
- Drafting motions such as motions to dismiss, motions to withdraw and motions for change of venue
- Filling out and submitting clients' applications for asylum and applications for Special Immigrant Juvenile petitions before USCIS
- Conducting legal research to support legal cases
- Presenting the Know Your Rights (KYR) presentation to Unaccompanied Minors in ORR shelters as well as conducting initial legal screenings for the minors
- Translating documents to be submitted before the immigration court and state court
Paralegal Detained Team
Kids in Need of Defense Houston Office
Houston, TX
07.2022 - 02.2023
- Providing legal assistance to attorneys in cases before the Immigration Court and USCIS
- Conducting follow-up intakes to minors who have been reunified within the Houston area to identify possible legal relief
- Presenting the Know Your Rights (KYR) presentation to Unaccompanied Minors in ORR shelters as well as conducting initial legal screenings for the minors
- Drafting motions such as motions to dismiss, motions to withdraw and motions for change of venue
- Filling out and submitting clients' applications for asylum, work permit authorizations and Special Immigrant Juvenile petitions before USCIS
- Conducting legal research to support asylum applications
- Translating documents to be submitted before the immigration court and state court
DOJ Accredited Representative
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
09.2021 - 07.2022
- Company Overview: St Francis Legal Center for Immigration Legal Assistance
- Providing legal representation to unaccompanied children and other clients, including conducting intakes, and follow-ups, doing legal research, preparing immigration applications, and attending interviews at USCIS and Asylum Office
- Appearing before the Immigration Court when needed, either as a friend of the court in support of the minors detained at the ORR facilities or as the main counsel of the clients
- Drafting and preparing different motions to submit before the Immigration Court
- Drafting and filing PD requests with the Department of Homeland Security
- St Francis Legal Center for Immigration Legal Assistance
Paralegal
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
06.2019 - 09.2021
- Company Overview: St Francis Legal Center for Immigration Legal Assistance
- Providing legal assistance to attorneys in cases before the Immigration Court and USCIS
- Drafting motions such as motions to continue, motions to withdraw, and motions to reopen among others, according to the guidelines outlined by the attorney in charge
- Filling out and submitting forms for clients' applications before USCIS
- Conducting legal research for supporting documentation for motions and asylum support evidence
- Translation of documents and live interpretation for office and asylum interviews
- Shelter counseling, preparing, and conducting KYR, completing legal screenings such as intakes and follow-ups
- Completing and accepting referrals in UCORD
- Keeping the client's data updated in the system
- St Francis Legal Center for Immigration Legal Assistance
Legal Counseling
Pro bono legal consulting services
, Remote work
06.2018 - 05.2019
- By means of telecommuting tools, I provide legal counseling to the underprivileged communities in Colombia mainly regarding the retention of their public services focusing on the legal arrangements available to them for overdue utility bill payments
Public Service Attorney
EMCALI
Cali, Colombia
04.2013 - 05.2018
- Company Overview: (Empresas Municipales de Cali / Municipal Companies of Cali)
- In charge of representing the company in administrative cases before the users and control entities such as the Superintendence of Public Services, Comptroller of Public Accounts, and Municipal Planning among others
- Accomplishments: Coordination and execution of processes in energy management operations providing support in the current regulatory framework obtaining the recovery of up to one million dollars in revenue for the company
- (Empresas Municipales de Cali / Municipal Companies of Cali)
National Regulatory Attorney
INVIMA
Bogota, Colombia
04.2012 - 04.2013
- Company Overview: (Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos / National Institute for Food and Drug Monitoring)
- Serviced the company by providing legal support to the food and beverage department providing revision and approval of new sanitary registrations, certifications, and licenses of operation
- Development of official reviews and management of modifications of the Sanitary Registry in the field of medicines and biological products
- Recovery of the Entity's portfolio through coercive collection processes
- Accomplishments: Legal analysis of the current regulations on food and beverages in the country
- Advisory to the vice-presidency of food and beverages in legal matters
- Development of concepts in legal matters for the correct application of current health regulations
- (Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos / National Institute for Food and Drug Monitoring)
Legal Counsel
INVERPROG LTDA.
Cali, Colombia
01.2008 - 12.2008
- In charge of providing legal counseling and representation in civil and commercial actions, legal strategies, and drafting of legal motions, demands, pleadings, contracts, and other documents
Education
Specialist in Customs Law -
Universidad Externado de Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia01.2014
Masters in business administration -
University of Wales Institute Cardiff
London, UK01.2011
Bachelor of Laws -
Universidad Javeriana de Cali
Cali, Colombia01.2009
LLMin U.S Law - Candidate -
University of Houston
Houston, TX, USASkills
- Client communication excellence
- Legal analysis
- Team leadership experience
- Immigration law experience
- Legal research expertise
- Document drafting proficiency
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Lead Paralegal Pro-Bono team
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
01.2024 - Current
Senior paralegal Detained Team
Kids in Need of Defense Houston Office
02.2023 - 01.2024
Paralegal Detained Team
Kids in Need of Defense Houston Office
07.2022 - 02.2023
DOJ Accredited Representative
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
09.2021 - 07.2022
Paralegal
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
06.2019 - 09.2021
Legal Counseling
Pro bono legal consulting services
06.2018 - 05.2019
Public Service Attorney
EMCALI
04.2013 - 05.2018
National Regulatory Attorney
INVIMA
04.2012 - 04.2013
Legal Counsel
INVERPROG LTDA.
01.2008 - 12.2008
Specialist in Customs Law -
Universidad Externado de Colombia
Masters in business administration -
University of Wales Institute Cardiff
Bachelor of Laws -
Universidad Javeriana de Cali
LLMin U.S Law - Candidate -
University of Houston