SOFIA SOLANO
B.A IN CRIMINILOGY
YONKERS
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven forensic professional with a proven record of supporting high-stakes legal operations in Ecuador’s judicial system. Adept in digital forensics, evidence coordination, and courtroom presentation, with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to justice. Known for streamlining processes, mentoring teams, and thriving in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Bilingual communicator (English/Spanish) with a talent for bridging operational needs and strategic goals to drive impactful outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Forensic Expert Criminalistics & Evidence Analysis
Courts of Ecuador
Cuenca, Azuay
03.2017 - Current
- Contributed to advancements in forensic science by consistently staying current with research publications and attending conferences.
- Effectively communicated complex scientific findings to non-experts during courtroom presentations, aiding juries'' understanding of technical aspects relevant to each case.
- Promoted best practices by conducting regular workshops on proper evidence handling for law enforcement personnel.
- Assisted law enforcement agencies in over 15 high-profile cases, providing expert forensic examinations and testimony that supported key investigative breakthroughs and court decisions.
- Collaborated with other forensic experts to share knowledge and continually improve methods used within the field.
- Increased conviction rate through accurate, unbiased, and scientifically sound expert witness testimonies in court proceedings.
- Ensured chain of custody integrity by meticulously documenting all steps in the evidence handling process.
- Utilized advanced techniques to identify and analyze evidence.
- Mentored junior colleagues, sharing valuable knowledge gained from years of experience within the field of forensics science.
Paralegal
Alejandro Nieto, P.C
Elmhurst
10.2009 - 09.2014
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm's system.
- Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
- Increased department efficiency, organizing continuing legal education seminars for paralegal staff.
- Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing title reports.
- Reviewed Deed of Trust, Title Commitment, and prior bankruptcies documents.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Analyzed deeds of trust to verify grantor, grantee, trustee and loan amounts for executive leadership.
- Prepared various exhibits for attorneys for public meetings, zoning commission meetings, and legal resolutions.
Real Estate Paralegal
Diego Estradaa, P.C
Corona, NY
11.2008 - 08.2009
- Prepared legal property descriptions for use in transactions.
- Streamlined the closing process for residential and commercial transactions, resulting in improved efficiency.
- Created detailed closing checklists to ensure accuracy and completeness of required documentation prior to finalizing transactions.
- Conducted thorough title searches and examinations, mitigating potential risks and discrepancies.
- Facilitated successful negotiations between buyers and sellers by providing comprehensive legal support.
- Prepared legal documents such as contracts
- Enhanced client satisfaction by efficiently managing real estate transactions and ensuring timely completion.
- Assisted clients by providing clear explanations and answering questions promptly.
- Organized contracts and closing documents for purchases.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Reviewed Deed of Trust, Title Commitment, and prior bankruptcies documents.
- Analyzed deeds of trust to verify grantor, grantee, trustee and loan amounts for executive leadership.
- Prepared various exhibits for attorneys for public meetings and legal resolutions.
- Initiated and negotiated short sales with 10+ banks daily, facilitating favorable outcomes for clients and expediting the resolution of distressed property cases.
Education
Master of Arts - Criminalistics
EIG
Granada, Spain 03.2021 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology
John Jay College
New York, NY 08.2005 - 02.2013
Dispute Resolution - Legal
John Jay College
New York, NY 01.2010 - 02.2013
Skills
Digital forensics
Fingerprint analysis
Questioned document analysis
Court proceedings/ Case support
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Time management
Teamwork skills
Multitasking
Excellent communication
Decision-making
Organizational skills
Attention to detail
SPANISH
Hablo español de manera fluida, originaria de Ecuador, con una formación profesional en criminalística y traducción legal. He trabajado como perito forense certificado y traductora en cortes en Ecuador, y he continuado usando mis habilidades lingüísticas en Estados Unidos como mediadora y asistente legal. Tengo amplia experiencia en la traducción e interpretación de términos legales, médicos y forenses, tanto de forma oral como escrita. Mi formación académica incluye una licenciatura en Criminología y una maestría en Criminalística, lo que me permite ofrecer un uso del español preciso, profesional y adaptado a contextos de alta exigencia.
Timeline
Master of Arts - Criminalistics
EIG
03.2021 - 06.2022
Forensic Expert Criminalistics & Evidence Analysis
Courts of Ecuador
03.2017 - Current
Dispute Resolution - Legal
John Jay College
01.2010 - 02.2013
Paralegal
Alejandro Nieto, P.C
10.2009 - 09.2014
Real Estate Paralegal
Diego Estradaa, P.C
11.2008 - 08.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology
John Jay College
08.2005 - 02.2013
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