Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Sonia Sultanzada

Winchester,VA

Summary

Dynamic legal professional with extensive experience as a Defense Lawyer at SDLR, specializing in strategic communication and community engagement. Proven track record in advocating for clients' rights and enhancing public awareness through effective outreach initiatives. Skilled in legal research and policy analysis, driving impactful results in diverse legal environments.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Consultant

Sultanzada Consulting
02.2021 - 12.2024
  • Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
  • Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
  • Monitored operations and reviewed records and metrics to understand company performance.

Municipal Public Outreach Adviser

RAMP-UP-NORTH - ICMA -USAID
Sheberghan, Afghanistan
12.2012 - 03.2014
  • Developed and implemented mechanisms for eliciting citizen participation in government decision-making, including citizen forums, public hearings for municipal budgets, and other community meetings
  • Provided input to municipalities and RU-N on ways to increase citizen awareness of municipal functions and services
  • Built municipal capacity on public outreach efforts and activities, including the development and implementation of a Municipal Strategic Communication Plan

Defense Lawyer & Provincial Supervisor

SDLR
Sheberghan, Afghanistan
11.2011 - 08.2012
  • Conducted criminal and civil lawsuits, drew up legal documents, advised clients as to legal rights, and practiced other phases of law.
  • Prepared legal briefs, developed strategy, arguments, and testimony in preparation for presentation of case
  • Provided legal consultations to clients

Legal Advisor

OESD
Sheberghan, Afghanistan
09.2010 - 10.2011
  • Performed complex legal research to prepare for cases or arbitration.
  • Developed detailed litigation strategies for client cases.
  • Provided advice and guidance to clients on legal matters related to contracts, litigation, and regulations.

Defense Lawyer & Legal Counselor

Human rights Organization
Sheberghan, Afghanistan
03.2010 - 09.2010
  • Conducted legal research and analysis to draft legal opinions, studies and reports.
  • Attended hearings in order to present evidence or make arguments before judges or juries.
  • Interviewed clients and witnesses to acquire additional insight into case details.

Paralegal (Assistant of Advocate)

ILF-A (International Legal Foundation- Afghanistan)
Mazar e sharif, Afghanistan
01.2009 - 03.2009
  • Met with clients and attorneys to discuss case details and evidence.
  • Drafted legal complaints, summonses and interrogatories.
  • Assisted in document review process by identifying key issues within complex contracts

Education

Master degree - Middle East studies

Sakarya University
01.2020

Bachelor - Law & Political sciences

University of Balkh
Afghanistan
01.2009

High School -

Qazanchi baba High School
Jawzjan, Afghanistan
01.2005

Skills

  • Community engagement
  • Strategic communication
  • Legal research
  • Policy analysis
  • Crisis communication

Timeline

Consultant

Sultanzada Consulting
02.2021 - 12.2024

Municipal Public Outreach Adviser

RAMP-UP-NORTH - ICMA -USAID
12.2012 - 03.2014

Defense Lawyer & Provincial Supervisor

SDLR
11.2011 - 08.2012

Legal Advisor

OESD
09.2010 - 10.2011

Defense Lawyer & Legal Counselor

Human rights Organization
03.2010 - 09.2010

Paralegal (Assistant of Advocate)

ILF-A (International Legal Foundation- Afghanistan)
01.2009 - 03.2009

Master degree - Middle East studies

Sakarya University

Bachelor - Law & Political sciences

University of Balkh

High School -

Qazanchi baba High School
Sonia Sultanzada