Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Sandra Guzman

Orange,CA

Summary

PARALEGAL-IMMIGRATION SPECIALIST Resourceful Paralegal with solid legal background and fluency in Spanish. Managed client communications for four immigration attorneys and assisted in preparation of legal documents for immigration applications. Superb organizational skills and compassionate nature leading to optimum outcomes. Knowledgeable and inclusive with twenty+ years of domestic immigration and visa experience. Demonstrated understanding of immigration and work authorization laws and regulations. Flourishes in fast-paced high-stress environments with sensitive information that requires high degree of confidentiality. Motivated to continually improve and extend personal skills and knowledge to attain increased responsibility and opportunities for professional growth.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Immigration Paralegal

U.S. Immigration Law Group LLP
11.2010 - Current
  • Prepared and filed nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions including H-1B, TN, L-1A, L-1B, PERM, I-140s, I-130s, I-485s and N-400 applications.
  • Prepared and filed U visa applications and subsequent adjustment of status applications.
  • Prepared, filed and followed up on immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications at different U.S. Posts abroad.
  • Communicated with NVC, DOS, U.S. Posts abroad and/or USCIS.
  • Established and maintained relationships with individual and business clients and acted as liaison between the attorney and clients to resolve any issues
  • I-9 verification, audits and maintenance procedures
  • Translator for Spanish speaking clients as well as document translation and at USCIS interviews.
  • Liaison between attorneys, clients and governmental agencies
  • Analyzed client documentation and history to determine eligibility for immigration-related benefits.
  • Assisted clients with immigration application completion to improve timeliness of case review and disposition.
  • Corresponded with current and prospective clients to obtain information and enable effective case development.
  • Drove continuous improvement in day-to-day process and transformation initiatives that resulted in impactful evolution.
  • Contributed to client case file preparation and verified inclusion of required documentation.
  • Interacted with telephone callers and answered questions about immigration attorneys' services.
  • Met with clients to gather information, prepare documentation and determine necessary actions.
  • Compiled client application packets and included relevant documentation to present strongest case for successful outcome.
  • Created and managed processes and procedures to coordinate documentation for visa processing on immigrant and non-immigrant applications.
  • Filed correspondence and legal documents in correct client files and transmitted applicable documentation to clients.
  • Illustrated green card and immigration processes and managed communication channels to provide high level of service and consultation to immigration inquiries.
  • Monitored immigration law developments and procedural changes to improve client service quality and case outcomes.
  • Developed comprehensive client case list and performed file maintenance to promote accuracy and information compliance.
  • Led and offered consultation and guidance to business units to support PERM process.
  • Liaised with coworkers and immigration candidates to answer questions, resolve issues and explain immigration policy.
  • Consulted with foreign nationals on non-immigrant and immigrant visas and resolved routine and non-routine questions.
  • Maintained public access files to facilitate compliance, documentation and execution of immigration policies and procedures.
  • Explained visa rules and regulations to comply with Department of Labor and Department of State standards.
  • Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
  • Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
  • Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
  • Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
  • Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for government requests.
  • Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
  • Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
  • Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
  • Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.

Senior Immigration Paralegal

Carlton DiSante & Freudenberg
09.2009 - 10.2010
  • Prepared and filed nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions including H-1B, TN, L-1A, L-1B, PERM, I-140s, I-130s and N-400 applications.
  • Prepared and filed E-2 Entrepreneur and O-1 Petitions.
  • Prepare and file I-140 Extraordinary Ability Petitions.
  • Communicated with EDD, DOL and/or USCIS.
  • Served as link between HR and employees, responsible for handling questions relating to firm policies and resolving work related problems.
  • Assisted HR resolve work-related problems.
  • Created forms and establish procedures with clients to streamline case preparation.
  • Established and maintained relationships with individual and business clients and acted as liaison between attorney and clients to resolve any issues.
  • Resolve client complaints and answer client’s questions regarding firm policies and procedures
  • Provide case status to clients
  • Main point of contact for corporate clients, including their employees, Human Resources and Recruiters
  • Provide legal guidance to corporate clients on immigration policies
  • Assist corporate recruiters with recruitment phase of Labor Certification petition.
  • Translator for Spanish speaking clients as well as document translation.
  • Liaison between attorneys, clients and governmental agencies.
  • Assisted clients with immigration application completion to improve timeliness of case review and disposition.
  • Contributed to client case file preparation and verified inclusion of required documentation.

Paralegal

Fragomen
01.2001 - 02.2009
  • Prepared and filed nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions including H-1B, TN, L-1A, L-1B, PERM, I-140s, I-130s and N-400 for multiple attorneys.
  • Edited and proofread legal documents and forms to verify accuracy.
  • Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
  • Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
  • Worked with EDD, DOL and/or USCIS on daily basis.
  • Prepared NACARA-based cases.
  • Served as link between HR and employees, responsible for handling questions relating to firm policies and resolving work related problems.
  • Established and maintained relationships with individual and business clients and acted as liaison between attorney and clients to resolve any issues.
  • Resolved client complaints and answered client’s questions regarding firm policies and procedures.
  • Provided case status to clients.
  • Main point of contact for corporate clients, including their employees, Human Resources and Recruiters.
  • Provided legal guidance to corporate clients on immigration policies.
  • Assisted corporate recruiters with recruitment phase of Labor Certification petition.
  • Planned and organized office events, including, venue selection, budgeting and programs.
  • Translator for Spanish speaking clients as well as document translation.
  • Liaison between attorneys, clients and governmental agencies.

Legal Secretary

Stepp Law Group LLP
05.2000 - 01.2001
  • Prepare opinion letters and agreements with guidance of firm partner, client or transfer agent
  • Prepare and file Employment Identification Number and Power of Attorney Forms
  • Assist clients in specific case needs and concerns
  • Travel arrangements
  • Perform administrative duties including phones, filing, billing, bank deposits.
  • Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
  • Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
  • Communicated professionally with clients, colleagues and legal partnership verbally and in writing.

Immigration Legal Secretary

Belsuzarri & Associates
01.1994 - 04.2000
  • Prepared and filed Labor Certifications, Waiver in Recruitment, Reduction in Recruitment, Cancellation of Removal, Suspension of Deportation, NACARA-based cases, family-based petitions, Naturalization, adjustment of status, consular processing, and Immigration Court proceedings
  • Maintained communications with EDD, DOL and INS
  • Conducted initial prospective client interviews
  • Translator for Spanish speaking clients
  • Performed administrative duties including phones, filing, A/P and A/R, bank deposits.

Education

Certificate of Completion, Legal Secretary -

COASTLINE ROP
Irvine, CA

Certificate of Completion, Bookkeeping, Accounts Payable/Receivable -

CCROP
Santa Ana, CA

Skills

  • MS Office Suite, Google Docs, INSZoom, Soluno, Quickbooks, Clio Grow/Manage
  • Case File Preparation
  • Evidence Gathering
  • Immigration Case File Strategies
  • Case Management
  • Case Support
  • Client Support
  • Team Oriented
  • Visa Procedures Understanding
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Drafting Correspondence

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Elementary
Portuguese
Elementary

Timeline

Immigration Paralegal

U.S. Immigration Law Group LLP
11.2010 - Current

Senior Immigration Paralegal

Carlton DiSante & Freudenberg
09.2009 - 10.2010

Paralegal

Fragomen
01.2001 - 02.2009

Legal Secretary

Stepp Law Group LLP
05.2000 - 01.2001

Immigration Legal Secretary

Belsuzarri & Associates
01.1994 - 04.2000

Certificate of Completion, Legal Secretary -

COASTLINE ROP

Certificate of Completion, Bookkeeping, Accounts Payable/Receivable -

CCROP

Similar Profiles

  • Brenda Campos

    Brenda CamposBrenda Campos

    Administrative Assistant at Reeves Immigration Law GroupAdministrative Assistant at Reeves Immigration Law Group

  • Komahal Nada

    Komahal NadaKomahal Nada

    Freelance Assistant at Mithoowani Waldman Immigration Law GroupFreelance Assistant at Mithoowani Waldman Immigration Law Group

  • Emelina Ramos

    Emelina RamosEmelina Ramos

    Licensed Immigration Consultant at Mithoowani Waldman Immigration Law GroupLicensed Immigration Consultant at Mithoowani Waldman Immigration Law Group

  • Jaysen White

    Jaysen WhiteJaysen White

    Coordinator - Environmental, Health & Safety at Irvine CompanyCoordinator - Environmental, Health & Safety at Irvine Company

  • Greg Loaiza

    Greg LoaizaGreg Loaiza

    Team Member (Usher, Concessions) at The Frida CinemaTeam Member (Usher, Concessions) at The Frida Cinema

CREATE PROFILE
Sandra Guzman