Credentials & Certifications:      

• University of Vermont, Bachelor of Science in Political Science/Pre-Law (2010)
• New York University, Paralegal Certification,
  ABA Approved (2014)
• Notary Public, State of New York (2010)

E laine’s love for the law began as a freshman in college, where she majored in Human Development and Family Studies and minored in Political Science-Pre-Law. Subsequently, she interned at the Law Offices of John C. Dearie, a personal injury law firm in New York City in 2009.  The same year she also interned at the State of Vermont Public Defender’s office providing legal services to the indigently accused in 2009 for over a year.

In 2010, she graduated from the University of Vermont. After graduation, Elaine was offered a full-time position at The Dearie Law Firm, PLLC where she focused on Asbestos claims and personal injury accident cases.  She was responsible for medically developing client’s files and helping attorneys prepare the cases for litigation proceedings. In addition, she had direct client communication providing case status and prepping them for depositions/hearings.  Elaine also assisted attorneys in going to court to file legal documentation and pleadings.

In 2016, she began working at Oresky & Associates, PLLC, another personal injury law firm, as a Senior Paralegal. This is where she gained more experience in trial preparation, motion practice and a variety of pre-litigation legal document preparation. Her focus was on different types of personal injury accident cases, that included motor vehicle, slip and fall, trip and fall, lead paint poisoning, and ceiling collapse cases.

In 2018, she founded Paralegals for the Community, and is currently the Head Freelance Paralegal focusing on Family and Personal Injury Matters.

Credentials & Certifications:

• Devry University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Hospitality (2011) Minor in Psychology
  of Mental Health Graduated Magna Cum Laude

• TCI College, Paralegal Certification,
  ABA Approved (2012)

• Notary Public, State of Connecticut (2017)

Rachel received her Bachelor of Science from Devry University in Business Administration and Hospitality in 2011 with a minor in Psychology of Mental Health, in 2012, she decided to  pursue a Paralegal Certification to enhance her skills and specialize in different areas of the law.

After receiving her Paralegal Certification, Rachel also earned an advanced certification as an Immigration Form Specialist while interning at M.C. Law Group, a small law firm in Connecticut. She has helped hundreds of individuals and families complete and successfully  submit various petitions to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

In late 2014, Rachel began working at the Hilton Stamford Hotel as a Guest Ambassador.  She was responsible for ensuring all guests needs were met at the highest standards. Subsequently, she began working as a Reservations and Revenue Manager. Rachel, implemented different policies and procedures, and monitored the effectiveness of all accounts receivable and payable were up to date.

In 2018, she founded Paralegals for the Community along with her sister Swannie Batista and Elaine Castillo. Rachel is now the head Paralegal in overseeing our Divorce and Immigration Department as she has extensive knowledge on the various procedures and practices. Her management experience coupled with her legal academia make her role in Paralegals for the Community that much lucrative.

Credentials and Certifications

• Associates Degree from BMCC (2005)
• Biometric Enrollment Agent with the State of New York (2019)
• Notary Public (In Process)

Vanessa joined the team in 2019 as our Biometric Technician and Legal Assistant.

She is responsible for performing quality biometrics processing to include capturing electronic fingerprints, photographs, and signatures in our Bronx office.

Vanessa is also one of the Legal Assistants who handles scheduling and managing the firms calendar.

Legal Assistant and Biometric Technician

• New Jersey City University (Bachelor’s Degree- In Progress)
• Notary Public in the State of New Jersey (Commissioned in 2021)
• Biometric Enrollment Agent with the State of New Jersey (2021)

Daveliz joined the team in 2021 as a Legal Assistant and Biometric Technician for our Union City office.

She has over five years of administrative and clerical experience.  Ms. Nova is the head biometric technician processing applicants for background checks and employment verifications.

Daveliz is also the head intake specialist.

Shakira Nova joined our firm in 2022 as our Marketing Manager. She currently holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany. In the past several years, she has worked for Nonprofit organizations in the Bronx where she advocated for clients in criminal court to be placed in alternative to incarceration programming. She truly enjoys making an impact within her own community by educating and providing resources to those around her. Within the last year, Shakira has worked towards combining her passion for marketing and legal services.