Resumé

Heather R. Todd, Esq.

Acworth, GA · cellular (937) 829-5848 · office (678) 265-4200

PROFILE

Accomplished, energetic writer and attorney with extensive experience in executive communication, advocacy and organizational management. Articulate communicator and clear, concise writer with polished professional and interpersonal skills. Committed to excellence, superior communication, and professionalism. Fluent in Spanish. Impeccable ethics and integrity.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

· Research and Writing

· Direct Advocacy

· Budgeting / Cost Controls

· Strategic Planning and Growth

· New Business / Revenue Development

· Workflow Optimization

· Staff Management & Training

· Brand Development / Recognition

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS AND AFFILIATIONS

· Admitted to Ohio Bar

· Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

· Member, Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)

· Member, ACES: The Society for Editing

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Todd Immigration, LLC 3745 Cherokee St NW Suite 202 Kennesaw, GA 30144

Owner / Attorney September 2013 – present

Founder and principal of firm, represent clients in complex immigration issues including removal defense, family petitions, consular processing, and advanced naturalization issues. Provide representation before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR). Prepare appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Affirmative cases include all types of family-based immigrant petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, temporary protected status, U nonimmigrant status, VAWA, deferred action and consular processing. Removal defense experience includes preparation of the following types of cases and representation: cancellation of removal, 212(c), VAWA adjustment of status, bond, voluntary departure, de novo TPS, motions to reopen, motions for administrative closure/termination and requests for prosecutorial discretion. Own and operate two office locations (cities of Kennesaw and Dalton). Organized community outreach events, including “Know Your Rights” presentations at various events/community centers, hiring and training of paralegal staff.

Key Accomplishments:

· Direct Advocacy - successful representation of diverse clientele in all aspects of immigration matters,

including extensive VAWA and U visa filings on the basis of domestic violence / victims of violent crimes

· Project Management - Initiation and growth of firm, averaging 20-25% increase in sales volume/revenue

each year

· Staff Management – hiring and training of paralegals

· Communication / Education – weekly Spanish radio broadcast

Vazquez & Servi, P.C. 3190 Northeast Expressway #220 Atlanta, GA 30341

Associate Immigration Attorney February 2012-August 2013

Represent clients in a variety of legal issues, including removal defense, family petitions and consular processing. Provide direct representation to individuals in filings and administrative interviews before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR). Responsible to conduct consultations with potential clients in Spanish and English and to manage/review work of paralegals.

Key Accomplishments:

· Process management - developed and implemented firm-wide tracking system for time-sensitive filings,

including U nonimmigrant visas and Motions to Reopen

· Worked as a team associate to carry out planning, forecasting and troubleshooting areas of difficulty

Latin American Association 50 Buford Hwy NE Atlanta, GA 30324

Staff Attorney – Immigration Services November 2010-February 2012

Provide legal services to immigrants and their families. Conduct intakes and client screenings in Spanish, providing information on a variety of legal issues, including family petitions and consular processing. Provide direct representation to individuals in filings and administrative interviews before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Cases include all types of family-based immigrant petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, temporary protected status and consular processing. Responsible to manage and review work of paralegals and law students.

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality Inc. (ABLE) 130 W 2^ndSt Suite 700 Dayton, OH 45402

Staff Attorney – Migrant Farmworker and Immigration Program September 2008-November 2010

Provide high-quality legal services to migrant farmworkers and immigrants throughout the state. Conduct outreach in Spanish to migrant farmworker labor camps, providing information on protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Migrant and Seasonal Worker Protection Act (AWPA). Responsible to monitor housing license violations, investigate problems related to pesticides, resolve wage disputes. Represent individuals through filings before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Cases include family-based immigrant petitions, U-visa petitions, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitions and adjustment of status.

Office of the Public Defender—Franklin County Municipal Division Columbus, OH

Law Clerk May 2006-May 2008

· Interview/assist clients at intake sessions and in courtrooms, including screening financial status

· Translate between attorneys / Spanish-speaking clients

· Research charges and past offenses of potential clients

The Legal Aid Society of Columbus Columbus, OH

Law Clerk May 2006-August 2006

· Drafted divorce pleadings

· Served in the Tenant’s Advocacy Clinic

The Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic Indianapolis, IN

Intern January 2005-May 2005

· Collected and statistically analyzed data from previous clients’ feedback