Staff

Mariana Balzer

PARALEGAL

Education
  • Bachelor of Laws from FAESA - Centro Universitario, Espirito Santo, Brazil
Overview
Mariana has previous experience working as a Legal Assistant and Law Clerk. She is proficient in conducting comprehensive research, meticulous documentation and strategic case organization. 

Languages
  • Fluency in English and Portuguese
 

Katia Mara Araujo de Barros

PARALEGAL

Education
  • Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Paralegal Certificate from Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY
  • Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from Candido Mendes University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Veiga de Almeida University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil​​

Overview

Katia is an internationally trained attorney with over 10 years of legal experience in both public and private practice. She has extensive experience in legal research, document drafting, case preparation, and client communication. Her background includes serving as a Notary Legal Professional and a Municipal Attorney in Brazil, as well as completing a paralegal internship with the Legal Aid Society of Rochester, where she assisted with asylum and refugee cases. Katia's long-term goal is to become a licensed attorney in the United States.​

​Languages
  • Native fluency in Portuguese
  • Professional fluency in English, Spanish​​​

Patrick Swain

LEGAL ASSISTANT
​
Education
  • Master of Science in Quantitative Economics - University of Pittsburgh
  • Bachelor of Science in Economics, Minor in Hispanic Language - University of Pittsburgh, Frederick Honors College
  • Semester Abroad - Universidad de Sevilla, Spain​​

Overview

Patrick has a strong background in advocacy, research, and administration. He has experience in market strategy, data analysis, and coordinating educational programs. His professional journey includes serving as a culture editor and senior staff writer, where he managed complex editorial processes and produced persuasive narratives. Additionally, he has experience serving as a reliable point of contact for Spanish-speaking individuals through his work with local community organizations.​

​Languages
  • Native fluency in English
  • Advanced fluency in Spanish​​​