Mercedes A. Hidalgo
Wauwatosa, WI *****
Cell: **4 – 324 – 1792 E-mail: *********@*********.***
EDUCATION
**** - **** ********* **** ********* College, Milwaukee, WI
ABA-Approved Paralegal Associate Degree
Achieved a 3.7 GPA
Coursework: Introduction to Para legalism, Legal Research, Civil Procedure, Legal
Writing, Domestic Relations and Divorce Practice Systems, Trusts and Estate –
Probate Systems, Business Law, Bankruptcy Law, Real Estate Law, Litigation,
Financial Accounting and Microsoft Office
May 2010 2010 Annual Paralegal Seminar (CLE), Brookfield, WI
Elder Law, Ethics, Patents and Trademarks, Mediation, Green Offices, and Immigration
2004 – 2006 Milwaukee Area Technical College – Milwaukee, WI
Medical Interpreter Program for Spanish and English
1984 – 1986 Mississippi State University – Starkville, Mississippi
Emphasis in International Business
Language Major: Spanish
EXPERIENCE
2011 to Present Volunteer Coach Coordinator Project Lead the Way Club/First Lego League:
Whitman Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI
• a branch of STEM (science, engineering, technology and mathematics)
• Advisor, Organizer, Recruiter and Coach for PLTW Club – Whitman
• Manage four First Lego League Teams with youth 10-14 that
include 13 coaches, 12 mentors and 29 students
May 2009 – Dec. 2009 Paralegal Internship: United States Federal Eastern District of Wisconsin,
Milwaukee, WI
Under the mentorship of Chief Judge, Charles N. Clevert:
• Observed and assisted in civil, criminal and bankruptcy court proceedings
• Prepared docket reports using CM/ECF software
• Prepared case files for court proceedings
• Maintained case filing and organization
• Edited court documents and memorandums
• Updated library resources
• Assisted in court scheduling
• Assisted in the preparation of Orders granting or denying leave to proceed in
forma pauperis
• Assisted in court minutes using the FTR and summaries thereof
• Summarized documents, such as summary judgments, habeas corpus, and
immigration asylum requests for the Judge or the law clerks
• Researched case law for cases pending or on appeal and presented findings
orally or via memorandums at law
2008 – 2011 Interpreter: Swits Interpreting Agency, Delevan, WI
• On call interpreter (Spanish – English)
2006 - 2007 Eisenhower Elementary, Wauwatosa, WI
• Recruited parents for different activities
• Organized and coordinated activities
• Assisted in fund raising for the PTA
• Spearheaded and taught a two day seminar in Digital Scrapbooking and
Photography which knowledge can assist me in evidence gathering and
exhibit assembly
2000 – 2010 Mayfair Neighborhood Association, Wauwatosa, WI
• Board Member for an 800 home association
• Spearheaded and created the welcome packet which introduces new
members to the benefits of living in Milwaukee County and Wauwatosa
1987 – 1997 Merchandising Assistant: J.C. Penney, Starkville, MS and Saginaw, MI
• Dealt with the public directly in commission sales with extensive ongoing
client contact
• Responsible for the ordering and maintaining of stock in the department
• Responsible for the supervision and training of co-workers
TECHNOLOGY Westlaw, Best Case Bankruptcy Solutions, Case Management/Electronic Case Filing
(CM/ECF), FTR, Microsoft Office 2007: Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and
Works; Corel Paint Shop Pro; internet browsers and search engines
HONORS/AWARDS Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Dean’s List as an Honor Student 2008 – 2010
Lamp of Knowledge Award Recipient / Para-legal Program – May 2010
First Lego League Regional Coach Award – November 2012
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
• Extensive experience in customer service/relations
• Excellent communication skills
• Bilingual: native fluency in Spanish and English
• Knowledge of US and Hispanic Culture
• Accurate, fast learner, responsible, dedicated
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to meet deadlines
AFFILIATIONS
• Paralegal Association of Wisconsin
• National Federation of Paralegal Associations
• MATC Paralegal Association
• Mayfair Neighborhood Association: Board Member
• Phi Theta Kappa
• Parent – Teacher Association: Wauwatosa, WI
• St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wauwatosa, WI
• Project Lead The Way: Wauwatosa, WI
• First Lego League