The Consumer Center for Health Education & Advocacy (CCHEA), a part of Legal Aid Society of San Diego, specializes in health law, health care access and education. We help people access needed health care services from both government health coverage programs and private insurance plans. As a staff attorney, I maintain and manage a caseload of complex cases. I interview prospective clients, render legal advice, prepare legal documents, and represent clients in all phases of administrative hearings or court litigation, including research, drafting pleadings and briefs, discovery, trial, and appeal. I provide support to our non-attorney advocates through training, case review and review of written materials related to client advice and case management. I participate in community outreach events, collaborate with fellow advocacy groups on a state-wide level, and provide educational presentations to fellow advocates, medical professionals and insurance organizations, and other members of our community.

Kathirn S. Mautino, APLC, is an immigration law firm focused primarily on citizenship and nationality, business and family based-petitions, including consular processing, naturalization, and representation before USCIS. As a law clerk, I managed a complex caseload with the majority of cases involving adjustment of status and legal permanent residency applications, asylum applications, U.S. citizenship and naturalization applications, family-based and employment-based visas, and waivers. I communicated directly with clients, conducted legal research and document review, and drafted legal correspondence, briefs, motions, and appeals for cases with the USCIS, the Immigration Court, the Department of State and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. I also assisted and observed USCIS interviews and hearings with the Immigration Court.

The California Western Community Law Project (CLP) is a law student-run project which provides pro bono legal services to low income people in the greater San Diego community.As Student Manager, my main responsibilities include assisting with new student orientation and training, serving on speaking panels at information fairs, organizing fundraising and social events, as well as updating our website and social media pages, and working as liaison between CLP and our volunteer attorneys and other organizations. I was awarded the Judge Judy Keep Award.

The California Western Community Law Project (CLP) works to provide sustainable and competent legal services to low-income and indigent members of the local community while advancing the profession of law. CLP is a law student-run project which provides pro bono legal services to low income people in the greater San Diego community. Our client base includes individuals who are homeless, disabled, immigrants, or otherwise without access to legal services. As an intern, and under the supervision of an attorney, I conducted new client interviews and follow up interviews related to issues in immigration law, family law, public interest, trusts and estates, and others. Where appropriate, we provided consumer friendly resources and referral services.

Kathirn S. Mautino, APLC, is an immigration law firm focused primarily on citizenship and nationality, business and family based-petitions, including consular processing, naturalization, and representation before USCIS. As a legal intern, I maintained a complex caseload relating to adjustment of status and legal permanent residency applications, asylum applications, U.S. citizenship and naturalization applications, family-based and employment-based visas, and waivers. I communicated directly with clients, conducted legal research and document review, and drafted legal correspondence, briefs, motions, and appeals for cases with the USCIS, the Immigration Court, the Department of State and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

The Office of the District Attorney represents the People of the State of California in some civil and in all criminal proceedings. As a legal intern within the DNA Unit, I worked closely with deputy district attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and witnesses. I conducted legal research, gathered facts and documents relevant to the investigation, drafted memoranda, motions, and verdict forms. I assisted in trial preparation and accompanied deputy district attorneys to proceedings.

ERN Enterprises, Inc. provides representation and advocacy in the legislative and regulatory arenas related to health care. Some of the services include fighting unfair payment practices, challenging negligent utilization reviews and improper denials by health plans, education and providing support to medical professionals, and helping patients get the services they need.As a compliance auditor, I conducted healthcare claim audits by examining records and relevant healthcare law and regulations, and prepared demand letters with supporting documentation.I led the Veteran Affairs Project consisting of over ninety claims where veterans requested and were improperly denied emergency medical care at non-VA facilities. I assisted in drafting media and resources published in the company’s website and distributed to their newsletter. I helped establish internal protocols and procedures and assisted in employee training. I was recognized with the ERN Humanitarian Award.

The Law Offices of Rezai handles a wide variety of workers' compensation cases and personal injury claims. As a legal administrative assistant, I completed administrative tasks such as phone intake, data entry, and photocopying and scanning of case files. I managed calendar for five attorneys, scheduling depositions, hearings, meetings, and made arrangements for interpreter services when needed. I assisted caseworkers with opening insurance claims and transferring clients into the care of a medical practitioner within their provider network.

Accurate Background offers background screening services to major companies. As an international verification specialist, I verified employment and education credentials as part of background screenings with aggressive deadlines with extreme discretion and efficiency. I updated metric reports, ensuring our team maintained a +85% verification rate. My fluency in Spanish decreased translator costs for the company. I assisted in new hire training as well as ongoing training.

Best Buy is a consumer electronics retailer. As a Mobile Consultant, I assisted customers with mobile service activation through major carriers and networks, from an initial in-person consultation, to account and mobile phone set-up, signing of service contracts, and completing the transaction/point of sale. I assisted in new employee training, served as translator for Spanish speaking customers, and completed merchandising and inventory for my department. I prepared a consumer friendly resource that was rolled out company-wide. I was recognized with employee of the month awards as well as district and regional recognition.