SHARON ZARATE
San Francisco,USA
Summary
Bilingual internationally trained attorney with experience in litigation, contract law, and immigration case support. Skilled in legal drafting, case management, client interviews, and legal research. Seeking to contribute to a litigation or legal support team in a fast-paced law firm environment with strong attention to detail and procedural accuracy.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Legal Intern
La Raza Community Resource Center
06.2025 - 10.2025
- Drafted client declarations and affidavits for immigration matters, including affirmative and defensive asylum applications. Conducted client intake, interviews, and case preparation.
- Assisted in preparing applications for U visas, work permits, and other immigration benefits, while supporting attorneys with case management and legal research.
- Provided community members with information on available legal and social services.
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and client consultations.
Administrative Assistant
American Academy of English
09.2023 - 11.2024
- Assisted in the day-to-day operations of the English academy, managing student records, scheduling, and customer service. Review and process legal documents, including I-20 forms, enrollment agreements, and other essential paperwork.
Lawyer
VEHIFINANZAS S.A.S.
09.2020 - 10.2022
- Reviewed contracts for accuracy and drafted essential legal documents.
- Prepared witness statements and conducted interviews with witnesses prior to trial hearings. Developed persuasive legal arguments in court proceedings.
- Drafted legal documents, including contracts and agreements, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Provided legal counsel on corporate governance issues to enhance decision-making processes.
- Represented client in court proceedings and hearings.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
Public Sector Legal Professional
Concejo de Bogotá
04.2020 - 08.2020
- Demonstrated the ability to work independently and meet deadlines and maintained confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information or documents and Utilized strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Conducted research on relevant topics using both primary and secondary sources and compiled statistical information from various sources into meaningful formats.
Head of Legal, Legal Department
Acsorar S.A.S. - Corporate Law Firm
09.2016 - 11.2018
- Drafted and negotiated commercial agreements such as service level agreements, non-disclosure agreements, supply agreements and employment contracts.
- Analyzed contractual terms from both a practical and theoretical perspective and developed and implemented legal strategies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Led legal strategy development for corporate clients, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.
- Mentored junior attorneys, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance.
- Resolved disputes efficiently through mediation or arbitration, avoiding costly litigation when possible.
- Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
Education
L.L.M. Graduate - Concentration in Immigration Law
University of California, Davis – School of Law
Davis12-2025
Master in Private Law, Person, and Society - Law
Universidad Externado De Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia02-2022
Bachelor of Law - Law
Universidad Externado de Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia06-2016
Skills
- Westlaw
- HeinOnline
- Bluebook citation
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Case analysis
- Immigration law
- Contract drafting
Certification
Concentration in Immigration Law
LANGUAGES
Spanish (Native Language)
English Advanced
Timeline
Legal Intern
La Raza Community Resource Center
06.2025 - 10.2025
Administrative Assistant
American Academy of English
09.2023 - 11.2024
Lawyer
VEHIFINANZAS S.A.S.
09.2020 - 10.2022
Public Sector Legal Professional
Concejo de Bogotá
04.2020 - 08.2020
Head of Legal, Legal Department
Acsorar S.A.S. - Corporate Law Firm
09.2016 - 11.2018
Bachelor of Law - Law
Universidad Externado de Colombia
L.L.M. Graduate - Concentration in Immigration Law
University of California, Davis – School of Law
Master in Private Law, Person, and Society - Law
Universidad Externado De Colombia