Christina Welch

Detail oriented | Collaborative | Thinks outside the box | Excellent written and oral communication skills

A former lawyer with three years’ experience in private practice. Known for ability to streamline processes & business development acumen. Ensures high quality documents with broad perspective to meet client needs.  Strong work ethic delivered through going above and beyond and supporting team goals by taking extra projects and assisting co-workers. Ability to translate complex legal principles into plain language.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Philanthropy Officer, United Way of Calgary and Area                                               

August 2022 - Present 

• Manage donor relationships for 150 major donors, ensuring organizations largest revenue stream is maintained through timely contact, authentically connecting with donors, and understanding needs                             
• Doubled three donor gifts through timely and accurate communication solicitation and stewardship
• Tailor strategies and communications to major stakeholders to meet donation goals 
• Cultivate close relationships with internal and external stakeholders, volunteers, and clients 
• Solicit volunteer feedback on programming and advocate for institutional change  

Associate, The Last Word Wills and Estates, Calgary, AB           

November 2019-July 2022                        

• Created a confidential and comfortable environment for clients to discuss uncomfortable topics to prepare legal documents and protect loved ones in a timely fashion 
• Maintained client and referral relationships through solicitation, follow up and initiating collaborative relationships with other professionals to ensure continued business streams  
• Uncovered client’s value in terms of legacy for charitable giving, and provided guidance using knowledge of tax laws, personal assets, and estates 

Articling Student, Russ Weninger, Calgary, AB                 

September 2018-October 2019

• Prepared submissions for immigration hearings, ensuring documents addressed all anticipated questions and hearing process was successful  
• Advocated zealously for clients at the Refugee Protection Division and the Immigration Appeal Division, by preparing submissions and presenting oral arguments for client refugee status 
• With excruciating attention to details, conducted initial interviews of immigrants looking for status in Canada, completing forms and applications, writing reports, meeting with client, filing paperwork and managing application to ensure successful outcomes

Summer Law Student, Balbi and Company Legal Centre, Calgary, AB               

May-August 2017

• Drafted research memorandums and pleadings regarding family law matters and presented information to lawyers 
• Worked independently to ensure that all assigned projects were completed in a timely fashion
• Helped build client’s understanding of their family law matter and worked with a diverse range of clients to ensure an optimal outcome for their legal case 

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor                                                                                                                           2018

University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, Ottawa, ON

Bachelor of Arts, Major History                                                                                         2015

University of Southern California, Dornsife College of Arts, Los Angeles, CA