BIANCA COSTA PAULA

Los Angeles 424-***-**** ad4klx@r.postjobfree.com linkedin.com/in/biancacostapaula/ RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

CASE COORDINATOR / SENIOR PARALEGAL Jul 2021 – Current Gondim Law Corp., Century City, CA

• Successfully managing a heavy caseload of 250 cases, ensuring timely progression and adherence to legal procedures.

• Provide guidance and oversight to junior paralegals, ensuring consistency and quality in case handling.

• Conduct training sessions for paralegals and legal assistants to enhance team capabilities and efficiency.

• Demonstrated experience with Court procedures, including calendaring/docketing

• Draft legal documents such as briefs, motions, and opinions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.

• Coordinated with clients and external parties, maintained case files, and served as the main point of contact for client inquiries.

• Conducted legal research, analyzed documents, and supported attorneys in case preparation.

• Handled administrative tasks and ensured accurate data entry into the case management system. PARALEGAL Jan 2018 – Jul 2019

ALPR - Aussie Legal Professionals, Sydney – Australia

• Prepared and filed non-immigrant and immigrant visa petitions, adhering to immigration regulations and procedures.

• Demonstrated experience with Court procedures, including calendaring/docketing

• Conducted legal research and analysis to support client cases, staying abreast of relevant laws and precedents.

• Communicated with clients regarding case status and procedural matters, ensuring transparency and satisfaction.

• Managed legal documents and maintained accurate records using spreadsheets and databases.

• Collaborated with government liaisons to address client concerns and resolve issues efficiently.

• Assisted attorneys with case management, calendar maintenance, and document preparation. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Sep 2016 – Jan 2018

Transport for NSW- Sydney Metro, Sydney – Australia (2 roles)

• Successfully managed stakeholder engagement projects, including high-profile events with public attendance exceeding 65,000.

• Prepared presentations and communications materials for various stakeholders, ensuring clarity and effectiveness, with emphasis on the legal implications of the communications presented.

• Redesigned reports for improved readability and comprehension, enhancing communication of project status and updates.

• Managed multiple projects within tight deadlines and shifting priorities, demonstrating adaptability and organizational skills.

• Engaged with the public and community groups to foster positive relationships and promote understanding of Sydney Metro initiatives.

• Provided accurate and timely responses to public inquiries via multiple channels, maintaining a high standard of customer service.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

• Developed internal and external communications strategies, utilizing social media and other platforms to engage stakeholders.

• Ensured compliance with publication approval processes and internal guidelines, maintaining consistency and accuracy.

• Streamlined internal processes and reduced paperwork through the development of digital collaterals and forms.

• Resolved community complaints by liaising with internal stakeholders and addressing concerns promptly and effectively.

• Facilitated communication between regional offices and headquarters through presentations and engagement initiatives.

• Reviewed and updated policies to align with current trends and best practices, contributing to organizational improvement.

PARALEGAL/ LAW CLERK Sep 2014 – Aug 2016

Justice Connect - Mosaic, Sydney – Australia

• Provided comprehensive legal support to the MOSAIC team, managing multiple cases under strict deadlines.

• Conducted client assessments and maintained accurate records in the Information Management System.

• Liaised with clients, government departments, and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication and case management.

• Assisted with legal research, document preparation, and policy development.

• Utilized teaching experience to facilitate training for pro bono lawyers and community members.

• Supported outreach services and assisted with administrative tasks as needed. PARALEGAL, SOCIAL SECURITY DIVISION Dec 2008 – Feb 2011 State Attorney’s Office, Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

Developed strategic relationships with court registrars to expedite court certificates, maximize the removal and return of courts’ records and enhance procedures in registries and courts. Conducted and summarized legal research on rules, regulations, statutes, and decisions, concerning the granting or payment of social security benefits granted by the state pension scheme. Drafted orders, letters, memos, petitions and appeals. Liaised with State Attorneys to determine the best approach to cases and opinions. Monitored status of cases in lower and appellate courts. PARALEGAL, CRIMINAL DIVISION Aug 2008 – Aug 2010

Federal Public Defender’s Office, Rio de Janeiro - Brazil Enhanced legal assistance during prison visits by establishing communication with the foreigners incarcerated in federal prisons. Developed strategic relationships with consulates and embassies to expedite the return of their nationals upon their release from prison. Handled telephone inquiries from clients and third parties regarding their cases and issues on criminal law. Successfully researched, drafted and prepared for cases involving federal crimes, including human trafficking.

PARALEGAL, SPECIAL NEEDS DIVISION Apr – Dec 2008

State Public Defender’s Office, Rio de Janeiro - Brazil Successfully worked with blind public defender by conducting comprehensive research and drafting legal documents. Provided specialized legal assistance ensuring to promote lay communication and efficiently reducing clients interview time. Effectively advised and prepared clients for mediation certifying their needs were achieved on settlement and noticeably decreasing number of complaints. PARALEGAL, E&P, DOWNSTREAM, CORPORATE AND LITIGATION May 2007 – Jul 2008 Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

Assisted with preparation and negotiation of oil and gas contracts, mainly regarding the joint ventures created for E&P projects in Brazil, as confidentiality agreements, letters of agreement, joint bidding agreements, joint operating agreements, lifting agreements, unitization agreements, and farm in and farm out contracts. Accompanied principal lawyer to legal procedures before the regulatory body for the grating of concession contracts, for assignments of E&P projects, and for defending the Company's rights in administrative proceedings. Drafted legal opinions related to E&P projects and to oil and gas regulation.

EDUCATION

• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, The College of Law (NSW), Sydney, Australia

• Diploma of Accounting, TAFE (NSW), Sydney, Australia

• M.B.A., University of Sydney Business School, Sydney, Australia, (incomplete)

• Graduate Diploma in Laws, University of Sydney Law School, Sydney, Australia

• Juris Doctor, University of Sydney Law School, Sydney, Australia

• Bachelor of Laws, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), RJ, Brazil

• B.Ed. - Lic. (Secondary), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil

• B. of Arts (Languages), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil

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