Oversee intake efforts; perform analysis/review of new client intake forms; provide Spanish translation services for diverse clients to effectively reduce the negative impact of language barriers on access to legal representation; conduct interviews to determine legal requirements; provide legal advice, representation, and litigation for judicial and non-judicial foreclosures, quiet title actions, and predatory contract-for-deed schemes, resulting in favorable results for clientele; connect clients to necessary resources. Represent eight neighborhood associations to combat blight and nuisance conditions via utilization of the Missouri Abandoned Housing Act, resulting in neighborhood revitalization. Collaborate with municipal and nonprofit entities in the drafting and implementation of policies aimed at preserving and expanding affordable housing/tenant rights and identifying/implementing anti-gentrification solutions; liaise with city-funded programs. Conduct extensive legal research and analysis to remain abreast of legal issues, legislation, regulations, and court decisions; recognized as real estate law subject matter expert; draft all real estate transaction documents (e.g., deeds of transfer, purchase/sale agreements).

Promoted from Legal Investigator to Assistant City Prosecutor after approximately three years as a direct result of legal expertise, as well as the demonstrated ability to conduct extensive legal research and interpret rules and statutes and apply them to various legal matters. Collected and evaluated data, evidence, and reports submitted by law enforcement to determine whether prosecution was warranted; arranged and led hearings in the capacity of Assistant City Prosecutor with a focus on domestic violence offenses; worked diligently to clear a months-long backlog of cases that needed to be filed, processed, and charged to obtain arrest warrants for defendants who absconded. Rendered legal opinions on various matters based on statutes, regulations, policies, court decisions, and directives; monitored and enforced compliance with City/Department policies, laws, and provisions. Provided legal policy guidance, counsel, and assistance to staff and operating offices with the demonstrated ability to handle progressively more complex matters, documentation, and cases. Approved and submitted warrants for arrest in criminal matters.

Performed legal research and fact investigation as a Legal Investigator for issues involving dangerous buildings and abandoned properties; generated and submitted written investigation findings/reports; drafted consent to enter letters, diligent search statements, notice publication, search warrant applications, probable cause statements, and case narratives in preparation for possible prosecution of civil suits. Conducted title research to establish owners and interested parties as a Legal Investigator; investigated skip traces to locate property owners and interested parties, resulting in the prosecution of absentee property owners causing blight in their neighborhoods; ensured contractor compliance related to dangerous building demolitions.