Meet the Team Behind Canero Fadul Reis Law: Briana Hernandez, PERM Coordinator

Briana Hernandez’s journey in the legal field showcases her dedication, drive for personal growth, and unwavering commitment to helping immigrants navigate their paths toward new opportunities. Her extensive experience and passion for making a meaningful difference are evident throughout her career.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became a PERM coordinator?

I joined the firm in 2016 as an Executive Assistant to the partners. Over time, my role expanded to include key responsibilities in the initial stages of the PERM process. This involved coordinating calls with potential employers, explaining representation agreements, and assisting clients in gathering the necessary documentation. My role then evolved into Operations Assistant, where I focused more on the accounting aspects of the firm, such as handling contracts, payments, collections, and follow-ups after initial consultations. Throughout this period, I continued to support the legal team whenever needed, which allowed me to grow into my current position as PERM Coordinator. In this role, I not only manage legal tasks but also guide clients through the entire PERM process, from their initial consultation with the attorney to achieving their status as green card holders.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in the legal field?

I was inspired to enter the legal field by the powerful role attorneys play in standing up for their beliefs and advocating for their clients. I am drawn to the justice system because it is fundamental to the growth of our country while preserving the core principles of our nation. I am passionate about contributing to this growth through advocacy and persistence.

3. What does a typical day look like for you at Canero Fadul Reis Law?

A typical day for me at Canero Fadul Reis Law begins with reviewing and responding to emails received the previous evening and early morning. I then prepare for my 10:00 AM intake appointment, which involves reviewing all documents the client has uploaded to our system and ensuring that the information in the completed questionnaire is accurate and consistent. After the intake appointment, I focus on the tasks I have scheduled for the day, including attending calls with clients to provide status updates on their cases. I also send contracts and invoices to clients whose potential employers have confirmed their readiness to proceed with the PERM process. Throughout the day, I keep my email open to respond promptly to client inquiries, understanding that timely answers can significantly impact their decision-making.

4. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is when a client gets their application approved and seeing or hearing the joy they exude and knowing I helped make this possible.

5. Can you share a memorable experience or case that you worked on?

A memorable moment for me was when I got my first Relative Petition application approved in record time and I was in fact on a call with the client to provide them with an update of their case.?I was able to tell them their case was approved and see the joy and appreciation they reflected, and it felt so amazing to not only be able to provide such amazing news but to see the results it had on them.

6. What skills do you believe are essential for a successful PERM coordinator?

I believe to be a successful PERM Coordinator the individual must be very keen in attention to detail and organized. As we must be aware of every phase that occurs throughout this process, and in which phase each client is in order to ensure we are providing the proper information and guidance.

7. How do you stay organized and manage multiple tasks and deadlines?

I have multiple excel sheets that I use on a daily basis where I track all cases that I am managing including when it is estimated to submit and if there are any deadlines. I also plan out my schedule daily to reflect all the task I plan on concurring in that day in order to ensure I hold my self-accountable for getting to each and every task.

8. What do you enjoy most about working at Canero Fadul Reis Law?

I enjoy being part of an amazing team and knowing that the work we do has a positive impact on our clients’ lives.

9. How do you handle the challenges and pressures of working in immigration law?

I handle challenges and pressures with a clear mind and head on. There will always be challenges when try to obtain anything new but what is important is how you overcome those challenges. I always go into all challenges with a clear mind and positive outlook and that there is a solution for everything, and we will be able to overcome these challenges.

10. What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a PERM coordinator?

The advice I can give anyone interested in this career field to ask the questions as no question is wrong. The only way one can ever grow is through the knowledge we obtain and the perseverance we have to grow.

11. How do you continue to learn and grow in your role?

I stay proactive by asking questions and seeking to understand the "why" behind processes. I also keep up to date with any new policies or procedures released by USCIS or the Department of Labor, as staying ahead of changes is crucial to providing the best service to clients.

12. What do you enjoy doing in your free time outside of work?

I love traveling, experiencing new adventures, and trying new foods. I also enjoy spending time with my family and close friends as one should aways ensure they have a great support system surrounding them.

13. Can you share a fun fact or something unique about yourself that people might not know?

I was a competitive cheerleader for 13 years, from the age of 15 until I graduated high school. It taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to balance multiple responsibilities—skills that have been invaluable in my career.

14. How do you balance work and personal life?

I make sure to schedule my tasks efficiently to stay focused during work hours while being realistic about what I can accomplish in a day. I also prioritize dedicating my evenings and weekends to personal time, ensuring I can recharge and give my best effort at work.

15. What do you think sets Canero Fadul Reis Law apart from other law firms?

Our attention to detail and the care we give our clients truly sets us apart. When a client hires our firm, they become part of our family, and we protect and support them throughout the entire process. We strive to make a difference in their lives and achieve the best outcomes possible.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know our PERM Coordinator Briana Hernandez! Stay tuned for more interviews with our dedicated team at Canero Fadul Reis Law.