Luis Fernando Parra, Esquire

RESUME

ADDRESS: 571 N. GRAND AVENUE NOGALES, ARIZONA 85621

TELEPHONE: 520-281-9369

FAX:  520-281-1396 

E-MAIL ADDRESS: lfparra@azmxlaw.com

LEGAL EDUCATION:

· ASU COLLEGE OF LAW  JURIS DOCTOR     MAY 1999 

· UNVERSITY OF ARIZONA B.A. PSYCHOLOGY     MAY 1995

*GONZAGA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW FELLOW.    1994

DATE ADMITTED TO PRACTICE LAW IN:

State of Arizona: MAY 24, 2002

U.S. District Court-(Arizona):  JULY 12, 2002

LEGAL EXPERIENCE:

Sole Practice Attorney, Parra Law Offices, P.L.L.C.:

Our Law Office currently serves cross border clients in the Arizona-Sonora border region with an emphasis in Immigration Law, Personal Injury,  and Business Law Matters. For the past ten years I have assisted clients on all matters relating to the their cross border legal needs and have represented clients in Federal, State, and Municipal Courts on wide ranging civil matters.  June 15, 2008-Present 

City Attorney for City of Nogales, Arizona

Represent the City in administrative hearings before City boards and commissions, and state and federal agencies including civil litigation matters and dispute resolutions and responded to inquiries by City Council and City Manager regarding legal ramifications of pending litigation. Supervise and manage the day-to-day operations of a multi-practice law office, including determinations for the appropriate outsourcing of legal work as well as render oral and written legal opinions to the Mayor and Council, City Manager, Department Directors and other City staff. Provide legal opinions and advice on ethics, open meetings act requirements and parliamentary processes of the City Council, and contemplate actions of City Council and City Manager, and potential legislation under consideration by City Council. Coordinate claims and litigation for suits against the City; especially in property damage or Worker’s Compensation matters by coordinating with outside counsel, drafting pleadings, and preparing for court. April 2018-April 2019 

Chief Deputy County Attorney, Civil // Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office:

Chief Counsel on all General Civil matters on behalf of Santa Cruz County. Duties include: Supervising all Civil Attorneys and Staff for the Civil Division; Coordinating with all Contract Attorneys working on Civil matters on behalf of Santa Cruz County; Advising the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on all matters before them to include guidance on issues relating to the Open Meeting Law; preparation and coordination on all preliminary, evidentiary, tax forfeiture hearings and civil trials; advising the Planning and Zoning Director and zoning enforcement staff on all land use matters including land development agreements, zoning, eminent domain, land and building leases, environmental, and water issues; Conducting all prosecution functions for the Planning and Zoning Department including the preparation of misdemeanor long form complaints; Involved in over five bench trials and numerous discovery motions. As Chief Deputy I represented Santa Cruz County in various Federal Cases involving eminent domain and other civil matters. Prior to appointment as a Chief Deputy I worked on an assigned general misdemeanor and felony prosecution caseload. Served as lead counsel in two Felony trials and numerous bench trials. September, 2006 - March, 2009.

Associate Attorney, Coogan & Martin, P.C.

Practice areas emphasized: International Commercial Transactions; U.S./Mexico agricultural transactions preparation of contracts for sale and PACA legislation matters. Advised clients on employment law matters. Conducted general research and writing on issues relating to Secured Transactions applicable to Mexican growers. General representation on Real Estate and Property; Rendered legal advice to Produce Distributors on general civil law matters, including law matters including lease agreements and International Real Estate Transactions. Represented clients involved in criminal matters, both Felony and Misdemeanor, in both State and Federal Courts. January 2005 -September 2005.

Interim City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney:

General representation of City of Nogales. Conducted general prosecution functions including long form complaints, pre-trials, plea negotiations, bench trials and jury trials in City Court as the Assistant City Attorney from September, 2002 through December 2003. Lead counsel in three Jury trials and numerous discovery motion hearings. Other duties as Interim City Attorney included supervisory and administrative functions as well as lead counsel on Employment Law, Land Leases, Zoning Issues, Eminent Domain, Water Law, International Environmental Law, and Contractual matters. Rendered legal advice on matters relating to union activity and participated in the meet and confer process. Represented the City in meditation and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Prepared memorandum for the Mayor and City Counsel. Drafted land development agreements, pleadings, and correspondence. Lead Counsel in Federal Court litigation pertaining to the International Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Consent Decre from 12/2003 through 12/2004. Coordinated and maintained the victim rights advocacy program while supervising office compliance with constitutionally mandated victim rights. September 2002 - December 2004

Public Defender/Law Clerk, City of Tucson Public Defender’s Office: Tucson, Arizona

Conducted investigations and utilized information gathered during client or witness interviews to determine the consequences of a guilty plea to a specific crime. Conducted general legal research on recent criminal law issues pertinent to client caseload. Supervised law clerks and legal assistants on matters pertaining to English/Spanish translations and interpreting services for the Office. Other duties included drafting motions, appeals, memorandums, and preparing evidentiary material for attorney use at City Court Proceedings. Provided court coverage in matters pertaining to an assigned caseload. June 1999 - September 2002

Law Clerk, ASU Legal Advisor‘s Office:

Conducted negotiations with Insurance Companies, Banks, and other institutions on behalf of Arizona State University students and faculty. Supervised first and second year law students/clerks. Conducted legal research and prepared demand letters as well as advisory memorandum on various legal topics including commercial law, criminal law, landlord tenant law, and immigration law. Coordinated and conducted legal rights workshops. Maintained files, records, and information systems related to assigned cases and claims. Implemented a mediation program as an ADR. June 1998 - May 1999

Law Clerk, Osborn Maledon P.C., :

Participated in pre-trial settlement conferences and debtor’s examinations relating exclusively to homeowners associations. Conducted legal research on Constitutionally mandated rights such as the 5th Amendment and prepared correspondence for associate attorneys on matters pertaining to Commercial and Property Law matters. Drafted motions, appellate briefs, and other legal documents pertaining to civil litigation and probate issues. Tracked and monitored Arizona legislation including legislative history. September 1997 - May 1998

Criminal Trial Experience:

- Member, State Bar of Arizona, Section on International Law, Active Status 

- Member, U.S. Federal District Court, District of Arizona, Active Status

- Member, U.S. - Mexico Bar Association, Active Status.

Military Experience: 

VETERAN OF FOREGIN WAR: Active Duty Military 1989-1992; Arizona National Guard 1992-1993

Awards: Served tour of duty in the Persian Gulf War during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Awarded Army Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars for overseas service as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle Driver and Gunner. 1992 Graduate of the Army Non-Commissioned Officer Primary Leadership Development Course.

MEMBERSHIPS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:

· Board Member,VICE-CHAIR University of Arizona College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (2016-Present)

· Advisory Board Member, Tucson Catholic Diocese Foundation (2014-2020)

· Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Board Member (2012-2016)

· Member, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School Advisory Board (2007-2012)

· Past President, Nogales Lions Club Member (2009-Present)

· Founding Chairman, Board Member Emeritus, Kino Border Initiative (2009-Present)

· American Foreign Legion; Nogales, Arizona, 2003 – Present

· Veterans of Foreign War Post 2066; Nogales, Arizona, 1993 – Present

· Advisor, Governor Janet Napolitano’s Hispanic Advisory Council Member, 2004-2008.