Los Angeles Legal Assistant

Joel Isai Rodriguez

Los Gatos, CA 669-***-**** ***************@*****.***

EDUCATION

University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA American Bar Association - Paralegal Certification Graduation Date: June 2023 University of California, Merced Merced, CA

Bachelors of Arts - Political Science Graduation Date: August 2022 Organizations/Awards: Hermanos Unidos De Merced - Community Service Award, Social Justice Living Learning Community Scholar, Community Service Leader - Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Treasurer WORK EXPERIENCE

Clapp, Moroney, Vuicinch, Beeman+Scheley Pleasanton, CA August 2023-August 2024

Executive Legal Secretary/Paralegal

- Drafted discovery shells, all pleadings, subpoenas (in some cases complex case), and motions for over 140 active cases a month.

- Used COMPULAW system to calendar deadlines while also ensuring there was no flaws within the system’s calculations.

- Updated trial/hearing calendar for a team of 5 civil litigation attorneys using court dockets and pleadings within company drive.

- Collaborated closely with attorneys in trial preparations, organized trial exhibits, managed court filings, and provided critical support during trial proceedings.

- Implemented and refined case management systems, enhanced efficiency in document retrieval, client communication, and overall workflow within the legal team. Masoom Law Firm P.C. Santa Clara, CA

Legal Assistant August 2022-February 2023

- Managed a high volume of over eight cases daily, ensuring efficient handling and timely completion in a business and labor law firm.

- Proficiently utilized the Odyssey Court filing system for e-filing, ensuring accurate and seamless electronic document submission.

- Conducted thorough daily checks on the Public Case Search Docket, ensuring up-to-date case information for the firm.

- Facilitated effective communication by promptly emailing and sending filed motions, pleadings, and related documents to Opposing Counsel.

- Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills by maintaining and coordinating personal and work calendars for three attorneys daily.

- Played a key role in the preparation of legal documents, including Discovery efforts, Pleadings, Motions, Memos, and Letters for opposing counsel, contributing to the smooth operation of the firm.

- Assisted in capturing critical information by taking verbatim notes during hearings, client meetings, court proceedings, and depositions.

- Supported the legal team by creating subpoenas, proof of services, translating documents, and organizing attorney binders.

Immigration Law Office of Roberto Serrato Turlock, CA Legal Assistant/ Office Assistant June 2019-May 2020

- Effectively handled a high volume of 20 daily phone calls, providing exceptional customer service and support for 16+ cases.

- Collaborated closely with attorneys and fellow legal assistants, contributing to the management and progress of complex cases and legal processes.

- Demonstrated proficiency in managing various immigration cases and tasks, including DACA, U-VISA, I-130 Forms (Alien-Relative Petition), FOIA Requests, and Court Record Requests, utilizing Docusign for efficient documentation and workflow management.

- Expertly completed USCIS forms, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness, and facilitated the submission process by uploading scan PDF files and sending them via postal services after lawyer review.

- Exercised utmost discretion and maintained strict confidentiality while managing accounts and client records, upholding professional standards and ethical responsibilities.

- Actively participated in document revisions, court document filings, and client billing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and adherence to established protocols. Masoom Law Firm P.C. Santa Clara, CA

Trial Advocacy Intern Summer and Winter 2018 and 2019

- Orchestrated trial preparation, diligently organizing attorney binders for court proceedings, ensuring seamless access to necessary documents and information.

- Conducted thorough research on various legal matters, contributing to the development of strong case strategies and informed decision-making.

- Skillfully navigated through the discovery provided by opposing counsel, identifying and extracting pertinent documents relevant to the cases at hand.

- Played a pivotal role in the development of a motion for summary judgment response, meticulously crafting a persuasive argument and providing compelling evidence to refute claims.

- Collaborated in revamping the filing and document review systems, implementing improved procedures and streamlining workflows to enhance efficiency and accuracy. JOB GAPS - COMPLETING EDUCATION AND COVID-19

Law Offices of Richard Hobbs San Jose, CA

Immigration Law Firm Intern Summer 2017

- Compiled Complex Waiver Exhibit List for Adjustments of Migratory Status

- Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail in compiling a comprehensive list of waiver exhibit articles and descriptions for Adjustments of Migratory Status cases, ensuring accurate and organized documentation for legal proceedings.

- Proactive Client Communication and Appointment Management

- Consistently maintained open lines of communication with clients, proactively reaching out to discuss in-house appointments, deadlines, and biometric appointments, providing exceptional customer service, and keeping clients well-informed throughout the process.

- Accurate Transcription of Legal Documents from Spanish to English

- Proficiently transcribed a variety of legal documents, including birth certificates, identifications, and diplomas, from Spanish to English, ensuring precise and accurate translations that adhered to legal standards and requirements.

- Demonstrated strong language proficiency and cultural understanding by providing translation and interpretation services for clients during 1-2 hour meetings for court purposes, accurately conveying clients' legal declarations, and facilitating effective communication within the legal process.’ LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Scholars For Justice - Official UC Registered On-Campus Organization Merced, CA Founder; President September 2018- April 2019

- Organized a team effort dedicated to a commitment to local (Merced) youth and their needs.

- The Aguilar Toy Drive (2K) for foster children and government-funded apartments with the message of community resilience.

- Hosted an Educational Empowerment conference (5K) at Merced High School.

- Organized a debate for Congressional candidates and local politics to help UC Merced students make better decisions in local Merced politics.

SKILLS & INTERESTS

Languages: Spanish (Fluent - Reading, Writing, Speaking) Skills:

Bilingual; Fluent in Spanish and English (Passed Judicial Council of California’s Written Exam, waiting for more Exam dates to open to take the Bilingual Interpretation Oral Exam) Proficient in Google Drive, Docs, Slides, and Sheets Organizing and Event Leadership

Interests:

Stock Trading

Community Service

Art (Music, Painting, and Fashion)

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