Maria P. Ardila
Bolingbrook
Summary
Detail-oriented Paralegal with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Motivated to ensure company policy compliance and legal document interpretation.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal, Procurement
Rush University Medical Center, RUMC
07.2024 - Current
- Utilize knowledge of the Agiloft Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system to support contract management processes and improve operational efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with purchasing protocols by effectively communicating and reinforcing guidelines to internal stakeholders, external sales representatives, and partner organizations.
- Manage work queues, promptly addressing issues and collaborating with internal teams to minimize disruptions and maintain seamless workflows.
- Oversee purchasing, contracting, purchase orders, and invoicing tasks, ensuring accuracy and strict adherence to organizational policies.
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of various contract types, organizational policies, and statutory guidelines to support informed decision-making.
- Implement and monitor risk management strategies within the contracting environment, proactively mitigating potential legal and financial risks.
Bid Coordinator
Broadway Electric Inc.
03.2021 - 07.2024
- Monitored prequalification renewal requirements and assembled prequalification packets
- Discussed upcoming bid opportunities and maintained the bid calendar
- Monitored local and federal opportunities daily for amendments and attachments.
- Distributed amendments/correspondence internally and on Building Connected.
- Continuously updated knowledge on industry best practices and bid management tools, enabling the implementation of innovative approaches in proposal writing.
- Managed multiple complex bids from up to 7 different bidding entities simultaneously, while effectively prioritizing tasks and resources to meet deadlines.
- Optimized company's win rate by identifying areas for improvement through post-bid analysis and escalation.
- Review, personalizing and editing of contract documents.
- Enhanced team productivity by creating effective templates for proposals, presentations, and other documentation that align with company policies.
- Implemented robust quality assurance processes for all submitted proposals, minimizing errors and enhancing overall presentation standards.
- Collaborated with sales resources and set timeframes for project deliverables in response to requests for proposals.
- Provided regular updates on bid progress to senior management, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.
- Spearheaded the development of a centralized bid library, improving access to relevant information for all team members.
- Coordinated and managed internal resources during proposal process and verified achievement of milestones and deliverables.
- Managed the new project startup process following successful bids.
- Increased bid success rates by developing and implementing a streamlined bid management process.
- Reviewed RFP requirements meticulously to ensure accurate interpretation of client needs before initiating proposal development efforts.
- Prepared bids and proposals to submit to clients and secure new business.
- Collaborated with project managers and contractors to obtain necessary information for preparing cost estimates.
Freelance Senior Paralegal
Law Office of Michael Moyse
11.2016 - 01.2024
- Draft correspondences, motions, legal memorandums
- Prepare documentation and filing of Non-immigrant, Immigrant visa petitions and Deportation/Removal Defense
- Work closely with clients and attorney to gather and organize supporting data
- Researched immigration and government regulations, case law and procedures to support client cases
- Translate communication between client and attorney.
- Assisted attorneys in preparing for trials, leading to successful outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Prepared persuasive legal arguments for court hearings, resulting in favorable rulings for clients.
- Developed comprehensive case strategies by analyzing relevant laws and regulations.
- Explained visa rules and regulations to comply with Department of Labor and Department of State standards.
- Contributed to client case file preparation and verified inclusion of required documentation.
- Analyzed client documentation and history to determine eligibility for immigration-related benefits.
- Assisted clients with immigration application completion to improve timeliness of case review and disposition.
- Monitored immigration law developments and procedural changes to improve client service quality and case outcomes.
- Conducted client intake interviews to determine client service need and eligibility.
- Managed a high volume of cases simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
- Provided exceptional administrative support to attorneys, drafting correspondence and maintaining organized filing systems.
Document Control
Gurtz Electric Co.
08.2018 - 02.2021
- Assisted Project Managers by submitting RFIs and Submittals via email or FTP sites
- Collated requested documents for closeout – compiling O&M Manuals and As-Built Drawings
- Facilitated the bid process by assigning bid numbers, sending out requests for quotes to vendors, and organizing electronic bid files
- Compiled Project Drawings – plotting and distributing blueprints for project managers, foremen, and estimators.
- Scanned, filed and transmitted various documents and adhered to digital filing procedures.
- Maintained document archive and file server of approved documents and drawings to provide easy traceability and retrievability.
- Maintained accurate records of all project-related documents, facilitating quick retrieval when needed.
- Provided support for document controls and worked with contract documents.
- Checked accuracy and completeness of documents to identify deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
- Ensured timely submission of project documents by closely monitoring deadlines and prioritizing tasks accordingly.
- Monitored due dates and deadlines and worked to submit all documents on time or early.
- Supported quality assurance efforts by conducting thorough audits of existing documentation and making necessary revisions as needed.
- Carefully reviewed all documents and reports for completeness and accuracy.
- Maintained strict compliance with industry regulations governing document retention periods, archiving obsolete materials promptly and securely when required.
- Checked blueprints and drawings for accuracy and completeness.
Paralegal
Manuel Cardenas & Associates P.C.
05.2015 - 06.2018
- Drafted correspondences, motions, legal memorandums in Civil, Criminal, and Family Law
- Prepared documentation and filing of Non-immigrant and Immigrant visa petitions
- Worked closely with clients and attorney to gather and organize supporting data
- Researched immigration and government regulations, case law and procedures to support client cases.
Sales Representative
Illinois Farmers Insurance Grp.
05.2012 - 01.2015
- Conducted quality monitoring of team members regarding processing accuracy, underwriting authority, and documentation of records
- Investigated all formal/informal insurance complaints and compiled necessary information prior to policy changes
- Handled and resolved direct bill inquiries
- IL Licensed – Home, Auto, Life, and Health.
Intern
Constitutional Rights Foundation
10.2011 - 12.2014
- Provided technical assistance and training to teachers, coordinated civic participation projects in schools and communities
- Assisted with coordinating events and programs, including professional development and educational programs, conferences, and fundraising and outreach events
- Managed Volunteer/Intern materials, procedures, communications, and provided administrative support as needed.
Education
High School Diploma -
Stephen T. Mather High School
01.2012
Law Academy Certificate -
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
01.2012
Skills
- Bilingual - Spanish/English
- Proficient court interpreter
- Legal Research
- Proficient in MS Office
- Notary Public
- Document Preparation
- Research and data collection
- Legal Compliance
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Paralegal, Procurement
Rush University Medical Center, RUMC
07.2024 - Current
Bid Coordinator
Broadway Electric Inc.
03.2021 - 07.2024
Document Control
Gurtz Electric Co.
08.2018 - 02.2021
Freelance Senior Paralegal
Law Office of Michael Moyse
11.2016 - 01.2024
Paralegal
Manuel Cardenas & Associates P.C.
05.2015 - 06.2018
Sales Representative
Illinois Farmers Insurance Grp.
05.2012 - 01.2015
Intern
Constitutional Rights Foundation
10.2011 - 12.2014
Law Academy Certificate -
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
High School Diploma -
Stephen T. Mather High School
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