Our practice focuses on construction litigation, including construction defect claims, property damage claims, construction injury, New York Labor litigation, commercial litigation, and civil litigation involving employment discrimination claims and discrimination claims in public accommodations.I regularly handle cases dealing with New York Labor Law section 200, section 240, and section 241 claims along with contractual indemnity claims. I handle various construction cases, involving construction defect claims, construction accidents, code violations and building and design related deficiencies. My clients include owners, developers, general contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, commercial landlord and tenants, among other clients.I also handle various civil litigation cases including employment law claims and issues of discrimination in public accommodations. I am experienced in handling cases involving federal, New York State, and New York City local laws pertaining to claims of discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, age, disability, and gender identity. I also handle cases involving Title III and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, New York State Human Rights Law and New York City Human Rights Law.

I assist with litigation in various civil practice areas and cater to racial minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. I help research and write numerous pretrial documents including complaints, motions, discovery demands, and relevant legal memoranda in preparation for every stage of litigation. Further, I assist Junior and Senior Partners with case management, scheduling, discovery, and document review, and case maintenance from client intake through trial. Develop and maintain an understanding of New York Civil Practice Law and Rules by researching amendments, and judicial interpretation. I engage with a diverse client base to inform strategy, and expectation setting regarding specific litigation milestones. Along with civil litigation, I assist with transactional work in a variety of issue areas including trusts and estates, estate planning, and real property.

Researched and wrote two criminal appellate briefs for the second department, honing legal research and writing skills in criminal appellate cases related to the Sex Offender Registration Act, as well as plea deals. I worked with two staff attorney supervisors on each respective brief, honing the writing and research process from beginning to end, utilizing resources within the organization. Additionally, given the COVID-19 emergency, we participated virtual networking and professional development workshops whereby staff attorney’s presented topics spanning criminal law including but not limited to COVID-19 response, bail reform, forensic DNA analysis, and wrongful convictions.

The externship was a year-long program comprised of a seminar and field work, which exposed me to the Civil Rights Bureau in the Office of the Attorney General. I assisted with investigations and litigation research, developing skills in witness interviewing, legal research and writing, fact discovery and depositions, motion practice, and negotiation and settlement. During the seminar portion, we discussed the work of each Bureau within the Social Justice Division, familiarizing ourselves with legal and procedural issues in cases handled by staff attorneys in each Bureau.

Assists with client intake, legal research, and organization of case documents. Interacts directly with clients through LeGaL’s free legal clinics, client phone calls, and online inquiries. Assists in a wide range of legal issue and practice areas, including housing, criminal law, discrimination, employment, family law, immigration, and estate planning. Finally, I am honing research and writing skills necessary for advocating legislative and policy changes related to social justice initiatives in marginalized communities throughout New York.

I assisted Members with their communications, and scheduling of conference meetings and calls. I maintained organization in the many different administrative and data processes we work with and coordinate.I collaborated with committee members and outside designers to manage the execution and distribution of legal newsletters for our 32 general content committees. I coordinated using continued communication between editor and designer to ensure efficiency and accuracy throughout the process. Administratively, I organized our section’s leadership and staff directories. I assisted with organizing our database of contacts. I organized information pulled from this database requiring awareness of time sensitive changes, and thorough attention to detail.As my role developed, I began coordinating the TIPS Leadership Academy; a year-long professional development program for 20-25 Members. I assisted with logistical planning, event planning, and administrative processing of conference materials. I coordinated one complete cycle of the Leadership Academy, which included a year of planning and reorganization in preparation for a second year of programming at our department's four major conferences. My role grew to include the coordination and execution of the TIPS Scholarship Fund, from processing applications, to recommendations regarding approval and denials; I worked with lawyer members to evaluate and process the financial need applications for members of our Section to participate in sponsored events throughout the year. Furthermore, I maintained the record-keeping and accounting needed to ensure continued use of the Fund in compliance with departmental and organizational standards. Finally, I coordinated and managed the development and implementation of the the department's 4 Million Dollar budget. I coordinated the project from beginning to end for two Fiscal Year cycles, assisting lawyer members and staff alike in putting together the budget for our year.

As the Program Associate, I implement our AIM High Curriculum in Chicago High Schools focused on high school and college graduation. I build and maintain relationships with AIM High Students, their family members, and school staff participating in AIM High. Develop and execute mentor, student, and family training for all AIM High program events. Recruiting mentors and implementing strategies for continued engagement across stakeholder industries. Plan and manage the execution of monthly events for the 300+ participants in our program.Maintain participation data for the continued evaluation, renewal, and development of programming and events.

Teaching cross categorical special education for students in Chicago Public Schools. Developing long-term plans based on Illinois curricular standards as well as incorporating student individual education plans. Creating lesson plans based on long-term curricular goals. Developing classroom management systems and procedures. Participating in professional development workshops and discussions for the betterment of both teaching practice and the education of Chicago school children.

As the community outreach and volunteer coordinator, it is my responsibility to handle Volunteer correspondence, recognition, and retention. Furthermore, I manage social media outlets for Chicago Run promotions, community awareness, and relationship building purposes. As the Community Outreach Coordinator, I helped organize and explore new media for cross community collaboration in the neighborhoods of Chicago related to the health and wellness of Chicago Children. I assisted 8 schools with their applications for Gold Status of health and wellness through Michelle Obama's Healthier US Schools Challenge. I also assisted 8 Wellness Team Leaders in their implementation and management of Chicago Public School's new Health and Wellness Policy.I gained experience in developing and maintaining the organization's website. I also developed content to be posted on the website for use by parents, guardians, students, and community stakeholders. All of the content was related to health and wellness, awareness building, healthy living, and healthy lifestyles.

Along with being placed at Chicago Run, Public Allies provides the professional structure necessary for training in the non-profit arena. The three-tiered structure of the program allows ally's to participate in a partner organization, develop non-profit skills professionally, and complete a Team Service Project throughout the program. Finally, these components allow a certain level of personal development as well, even incorporating an Individual Development Plan into the curriculum to allow maximum personal and professional growth.My experiences at Chicago Run allowed me the experience of being the organizations Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator.Through Public Allies, I participated in weekly professional development seminars related to non-profit administration and development. I was also able to complete numerous volunteer hours through many organizations in Chicago and Washington DC through partnerships with Public Allies Chicago. For example, we volunteered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, helped build and stock a library for a high school in Washington DC, and we were able to help renovate a high school in Chicago.As part of a 5 member team, I was able to complete a Team Service Project and help draft, detail, and implement a development plan for the Iraqi Mutual Aid Society here in Chicago. I was part of a team that helped draft plans for the expansion of community programs as well as the requirements for expanding existing programs. Furthermore, my primary responsibility was related to communication, editing, and maintenance of organization.

Processed memberships, assisted in customer relations and publicizing for gym events and promotions. Verified and processed employee sales. Reacted to immediate problems during shifts including first aid, lost and found, and customer complaints. Utilized communication skills, encouraging a welcoming and open attitude throughout the facility.

Organized client folders in order to ensure easy accessibility for upcoming cases. Contacted clients for necessary information upon request from an attorney or paralegal. Helped draft, deliver, and file court documents to court houses, clients, and associate attorneys.