Paula Acuna
Fort Lauderdale
Summary
Detail-oriented individual skilled in legal research, drafting immigration motions, and client communication. Committed to supporting effective case strategies and enhancing client experiences. Currently waiting to sit for the July 2026 Florida Bar Exam.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Law Clerk
Garcia, Montoya, & Rengifo Law, PLLC
Miami
05.2025 - Current
- Researched case law to support ongoing litigation efforts.
- Organized case files and maintained accurate documentation systems.
- Coordinated communication between clients and legal team members.
- Performed data entry of confidential client information into a computer database system.
- Collaborated with paralegals to ensure accuracy of all filings made with the courts.
- Maintained client files by organizing paperwork into appropriate categories.
- Attended hearings in order to observe proceedings and document results.
- Draft immigration motions, legal memoranda, appellate briefs, and supporting documentation for proceedings before USCIS, EOIR, and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
- Assist attorneys with affirmative and defensive asylum cases, including legal research, country conditions analysis, and brief preparation.
- Prepare family-based immigration petitions and applications, including adjustment of status packages, employment authorization applications, and supporting evidence.
- Conduct client consultations and gather documentary evidence for family-based and humanitarian immigration matters.
- Communicate directly with clients regarding case strategy, filing requirements, procedural updates, and case progress.
- Draft motions to reopen, waivers, appeals, and assist with removal defense matters.
Vice President
Professional Tax & Business Services
Tamarac
08.2016 - 05.2025
- Prepare family immigration petitions/applications.
- Manage multiple companies’ annual accountings.
- Prepared corporation taxes and individual taxes.
- Assist customers with the preparation of pro se dissolutions of marriage forms.
- Perform marital ceremonies with notary services.
Judicial Intern to the Honorable Kristin Kanner
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida Family Law
Fort Lauderdale
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Drafted proposed orders and reviewed existing court orders.
- Observed trials and motion calendar in family law proceedings.
- Take notes of all court proceedings to debrief with Judge.
- Review court orders.
Education
J.D. - Law
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL12-2022
Skills
- Legal research
- Motions drafting and filing
- Document drafting
- Immigration law research
- Motions drafting
- Legal documentation
- Legal citation
- File review
- Tax preparation
- Immigration processes
- Family law
- Client communication
- Excellent communication
- Notary public
- Memorandum preparation
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
- Florida Notary Public
- QuickBooks Certified
- Microsoft Office Certified
- Certified Tax Preparer
Timeline
Law Clerk
Garcia, Montoya, & Rengifo Law, PLLC
05.2025 - Current
Judicial Intern to the Honorable Kristin Kanner
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida Family Law
05.2024 - 08.2024
Vice President
Professional Tax & Business Services
08.2016 - 05.2025
J.D. - Law
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies
Florida Gulf Coast University