KARLA LEONADO

LAWYER

“Grounded, people-first advocacy that turns careful research into concrete results.”

Karla is a litigation and legal-aid–trained associate who pairs clear drafting with steady case control. She prepares complaints, affidavits, answers, replies, motions, and letters; coordinates filings with courts and agencies; and keeps clients aligned through timely updates and practical next steps. Her background spans hands-on courtroom work under the Student Practice Rule, paralegal experience, and specialized writing for immigration and regulatory matters—skills she now applies to civil, criminal, labor, and special proceedings.

MATTERS HANDLED

Criminal: Homicide, Attempted Homicide, VAWC, AFASA / Large-Scale Estafa.
Civil & Special Proceedings: Collection of Sum of Money, Enforcement of Visitation Rights, Habeas Corpus, Annulment.
Labor: NLRC cases. (as provided)

HOW SHE WORKS

Thorough drafting & review: Complaints, affidavits, answers, replies, and motions prepared to court-standard, with attention to evidence and procedural requirements.
Court & agency coordination: From calendaring to service and follow-ups, she ensures filings move without bottlenecks and that clients understand each milestone.
Client-centered communication: Legal advice delivered in plain language; options framed around risk, cost, and realistic timelines.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Supervising Lawyer (Volunteer), Rene A.V. Saguisag Legal Aid Center — 2025–Present Mentors student practitioners, provides strategic direction, supervises interviews, and leads court representations for indigent clients.
Case Production Writing Specialist / Subject Matter Expert, Boundless Immigration / RapidVisa — 2024–Present Drafts briefs and visa application packages; sets drafting standards and trains writers; aligns deliverables with evolving regulations.
Case Manager & Intern, Rene A.V. Saguisag Legal Aid Center — 2022–2024 Appeared in court and before agencies, handled negotiations, and managed intake for free legal-aid programs.
Intern, Office of the City Prosecutor – Las Piñas — 2018–2019 Assisted in research and drafting; reviewed documents and official communications.

TRAINING & SKILLS

Cognitive Interviewing; Psychology of Violent Crimes & Terrorism (PIFSA).

Legal research & case analysis; litigation support; client advocacy; negotiation; case management; leadership & mentorship; proficiency with Microsoft/Google Workspace and modern legal tools (Anycase.AI, JetDocs, Okta, Slack, Front, Parley).

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor, San Beda College Alabang – School of Law (2019–2024).
B.S. Legal Management, San Beda College Alabang (2015–2019).