Sara Walenta Email & Phone Number

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Serves as senior paralegal tasked with overseeing the case management for the entire 40-person unit, including the ordering and storing of physical files as well as keeping electronic records management systems accurate.• Supervise 5 PCRA paralegals, assigning and delegating tasks, managing projects, and training new hires.• Assist attorneys in preparing for hearings, investigating cases, developing and filing briefs, legal research, as well as accompanying them to court listings.• Manage the unit’s entire discovery process, including requests, redactions, and document production. • Lead the unit’s open file discovery policy; this requires locating or reproducing discovery for over 200 hundred cases per year – dating back several decades – for outside counsel to review, all in the interest of supporting the integrity of past convictions. • Innovated and implemented mission critical work from home capabilities for the entire unit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington D.C. Metro Area (Remote Position)

JPI is an organization dedicated to reducing the use of incarceration and the justice system by promoting fair and effective policies. Facilitated JPI’s communications, which included content creation, posting, scheduling on all of their social media platforms as well as tracking social media analytics. Created written content for their platforms, website, and newsletters. Solely responsible for the management of JPI’s website, both updating existing pages as well as creating new landing sites.

Poughkeepsie, Ny

Conducted administrative duties such as maintaining RTDC’s client and data management platform on Salesforce, preparing deposits, and answering client, volunteer, and donor inquiries. Directed RTDC’s AmeriCorp members and the Home Safety and Fire Prevention program, which included organizing volunteers, supplies, and project installation. Maintained RTDC’s communications, including website, social media platforms, emails, newsletters, and press releases.

Poughkeepsie, Ny

In charge of all clerical and office tasks, such as: greeting clients, answering phones, handling scheduling, organizing mass mailings, and managing upcoming events. Proficient in two separate client database programs as well as Microsoft Office.

Suny New Paltz

Constant communication and problem solving with patrons. Skilled in researching, organizing, and locating materials. Proficiency with computers, corresponding programs, managing calls and other office equipment. As a supervisor, acts as the person in charge of organizing other students, tasks, and the general library. Requires working as a team player.

Assistant to Professor Anne Roschelle in finishing her book centering on the intersections and realities of women, poverty, and homelessness.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Participated in all aspects of JPI’s work, which centers on research, communications, and organizing. Hands-on experience conducting research, analyzing policy, communicating across an array of platforms, and working closely with other organizations to advocate for reform.

Poughkeepsie

Assisted with client intakes that are in need of legal representation. Conducted intake interviews within the office as well as Dutchess County Jail.

Grace Smith House is a not-for-profit domestic violence agency that provides shelter, support, and various forms of community consciousness raising. Assisted the shelter with any and all tasks needing completion.