Diana Merino

Experienced litigation paralegal, court-form coach, and compliance specialist with 9+ years of legal support experience across workers' compensation, family law, administrative proceedings, and legislative policy environments. Currently completing an Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) and pursuing Utah Licensed Paralegal Practitioner (LPP) eligibility. Demonstrated track record supporting attorneys, organizing complex case files, drafting pleadings and discovery, and guiding self-represented litigants with procedural form preparation in a clear, ethical, and compliance-focused manner.

Entrepreneurial leader with additional experience managing nonprofit operations and regulated contracting activities.

Workers' Compensation Litigation Paralegal at Panzer Law (2024 – Present)

1099 Contract

• Draft pleadings, disclosures, discovery responses, and motions in WC litigation matters
• Review and summarize medical records, treatment histories, and billing documentation for case strategy and settlement evaluation
• Coordinate client communication, deposition scheduling, and hearing preparation
• Track deadlines and filings to ensure procedural compliance with court and agency rules

Consultant at Independent Court-Form & Procedure Coach (2023 – Present)

• Assist self-represented litigants with procedural guidance and form-preparation support in family law, small claims, and protective order contexts (non-legal-advice scope, consistent with Utah ethics guidance)
• Educate clients on filing workflows, service requirements, documentary organization, and hearing readiness
• Maintain documentation practices aligned with LPP-track experience standards

Compliance Specialist (1099) at Fiduciary Consulting (2020 – Present)

• Conduct compliance reviews, tax reporting support, and workers' compensation / unemployment audits
• Analyze policy and legislative changes impacting business operations
• Prepare written compliance summaries and audit responses
• Maintain financial documentation, reconciliation records, and internal accountability controls

Legislative & Gov. Operations Intern at Parsons Behle & Latimer (2018 – 2020)

• Researched legislative reform initiatives and supported policy analysis during Utah General Session
• Prepared briefing materials and tracked statutory developments affecting agency and community programs

Community Leadership — Founder & Program Director, Legacy FCA (Nonprofit Soccer Club) at Utah Youth Soccer Association Affiliate (2021 – Present)

• Manage organizational operations, budgeting, registrations, compliance reporting, and volunteer coordination
• Develop community-access sports programs serving diverse youth and family populations

Licensed B100 Contractor (Owner-Operator) at General Contracting (2021 – 2025)

• Oversaw regulated residential improvement projects, permitting coordination, vendor management, and contract documentation in compliance with state licensing standards

Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) in Law – Purdue University Global (2026-08)

Bachelor of Science in Political Science – University of Utah (Hinckley Institute) (2018)

Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies – Ensign College (2015)