MELISSA LÓPEZ-DÍAZ
San Juan
Summary
Dynamic, goal oriented, litigation management expertise, Bilingual English and Spanish, ability to work under pressure and 20 years experience, achieving favorable outcomes in court and administrative cases. Dedicated legal professional offering expertise in Administrative and Educational law. Hardworking and dedicated to client advocacy.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Of Counsel
Cancio, Nadal & Rivera, L.L.C.
03.2023 - 09.2024
- Developed strong relationships with clients, leading to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on legal transactions.
- Created comprehensive employee handbook for clients, outlining company policies, procedures, and employee benefits.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Researched, wrote and filed motions, writs and briefs for each case.
- Negotiated collective bargaining agreement.
Lawyer
Cancio, Nadal & Rivera, L.L.C
05.2003 - 02.2023
- Advised on labor related arbitration grievances, charges and mediation
- Negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Advised and represented clients in administrative forums, collective bargaining procedures, negotiation strategies, and other issues related to labor unions
- Drafted complaints, appeals and certiorari petitions in the Court of Appeals and the Puerto Rico Supreme Court
- Lead litigation in Court
- Supervised four (4) associates and three (3) administrative assistants
- Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
- Represented clients in court proceedings, hearings and arbitrations.
- Improved client satisfaction with timely communication and thorough explanations of complex legal concepts.
- Delivered exceptional client service through attentive listening, empathetic understanding, and creative problem-solving to address individual needs.
- Counseled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.
- Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
- Worked with legislators to assist in drafting bill legislation in favor of my clients.
- Analyzed and applied legal principles and performed legal research to support litigation strategy.
- Built lasting relationships with clients by demonstrating integrity, dedication, and a genuine commitment to their success.
- Used knowledge of legal precedents to analyze probable outcome of cases.
- Presented compelling arguments in court proceedings, achieving favorable rulings for clients across various cases types.
- Mentored junior associates on effective legal writing techniques and courtroom presentation skills, fostering professional growth within the firm.
- Championed a positive work environment within the firm, fostering collaboration among colleagues and promoting a strong culture of teamwork and mutual support.
Assistant to the Director School to Work Program
Puerto Rico Department of Labor
08.1997 - 12.1999
- Supervised eight (8) employees
- Wrote and edited reports for local and federal government
- Coordinated and supervised three (3) special projects
Assistant to the Director for Tech-Prep
Puerto Rico Department of Education
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Coordinated special activities for teachers and students
- Represented Tech -Prep Director in local and national activities
- Distributed specific tasks to employees
- Prepared draft language for proposed legislation
Education
Juris Doctor -
University of Puerto Rico, School of Law
San Juan05.2002
B.S. - Business Management, minor in Organizational Psychology
Emmanuel College
Boston, Massachusetts05.1996
Skills
- Legal research
- Legal analysis
- Legal drafting
- Client counseling
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Staff supervision
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
Admissions
- P.R. State Bar
- P.R. Public Notary
- U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico
- U.S. Court of Appeals
- U.S. Supreme Court
Timeline
Of Counsel
Cancio, Nadal & Rivera, L.L.C.
03.2023 - 09.2024
Lawyer
Cancio, Nadal & Rivera, L.L.C
05.2003 - 02.2023
Assistant to the Director School to Work Program
Puerto Rico Department of Labor
08.1997 - 12.1999
Assistant to the Director for Tech-Prep
Puerto Rico Department of Education
01.1997 - 01.1999
Juris Doctor -
University of Puerto Rico, School of Law
B.S. - Business Management, minor in Organizational Psychology
Emmanuel College
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