Maria Carolina Chaves Yepes
Queensland
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with a bachelor’s degree in law and a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. Experienced in providing trauma-informed support and advocacy to victims of human rights violations, particularly sexual violence survivors in armed conflicts. Proficient in conflict analysis, contextual understanding, human rights and international human rights law. Passionate about contributing to peacebuilding processes and working towards a more just and inclusive society for victims. Skilled in programme development and implementation. Seeking opportunities to contribute my expertise in transitional justice, victim support and advocacy, human rights violations, and conflict resolution.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Management Professional
Special Jurisdiction For Peace (JEP-SJP)
12.2022 - Current
- Served as a key member of the Sexual Violence Special Investigation Team, focusing on providing trauma-informed support and advocacy to victims of sexual violence during the Colombian armed conflict.
- Collaborated closely with victims, their representatives, partner agencies in order to ensure victims' rights to justice, truth, reparation and non-repetition are guaranteed. Advised prosecutors on how to approach criminal investigations involving sexual violence crimes.
- Documented and reported on the activities, decisions, and findings of the JEP, including preparing reports, memoranda, and legal briefs for internal use and external dissemination.
- Organised numerous events and restorative workshops aimed at promoting healing and reconciliation for victims of sexual violence during the Colombian armed conflict.
- Provided support to sexual violence victims in accessing reparations for the harms they have suffered. These reparations varied from financial compensation, psychological support, medical care, and other forms of assistance aimed at restoring dignity and supporting their recovery.
- Served as a key member of the Analysis and Context Group (GRANCE) responsible for providing critical assistance to prosecutors during the trial of the maximum responsible individuals of serious crimes committed during the Colombian armed conflict by examining thoroughly large datasets, historical records, and testimonies in order to uncover systemic human rights violations or breaches of international humanitarian law.
- Collaborated closely with prosecutors in order to identify the key facts that support the case against the maximum responsible individual. Worked closely with the victims and their representatives to understand their experiences, gathered their testimonies, and ensured their voices are heard throughout the investigation and prosecution process.
- Identified patterns of criminal behaviour, hierarchical command structures operating within the Colombian National Army, and the specific roles undertaken by the accused individuals while the systemic crimes were being committed.
Judicial Law Clerk
Special Rapporteur Office At JEP
03.2021 - 11.2022
- Monitored and provided oversight of the implementation of the peace agreement, focusing on transitional justice, human rights, and reconciliation.
- Prepared comprehensive reports on the progress, challenges, and obstacles encountered in the implementation of the peace agreement, including the functioning of the JEP.
- Documented and reported on the activities, decisions, and findings of the JEP, including preparing reports, memoranda, and legal briefs for internal use and external dissemination.
- Engaged in advocacy efforts to raise awareness and support for the peace process, including communication with various stakeholders such as government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners.
Judicial Law Clerk
Supreme Court Of Justice
10.2018 - 02.2019
- Assisted justices in drafting legal opinions, decisions, and other relevant documents related to cases pending before the court, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to legal standards and procedures.
- Analysed legal arguments, briefs, and submissions from parties involved, identifying key issues, evaluating the merits of arguments, and preparing summaries and recommendations for justices' consideration.
- Conducted thorough legal research on diverse topics relevant to cases pending before the Supreme Court, including analysing statutes, regulations, case precedents, and legal literature to offer comprehensive analysis and assistance to justices.
- Managed a caseload of legal cases, including reviewing case documents, maintaining electronic and physical filing systems, tracking case progress, and ensuring compliance with court deadlines and procedures.
- Attended court hearings, sessions, and conferences to assist justices, took notes, and provided administrative support as needed.
Judicial Law Clerk
S&S Legal Firm
03.2016 - 06.2018
- Conducted comprehensive legal research using various resources, including case law, statutes, regulations, and legal databases to support attorneys in case preparation and strategy development.
- Drafted and edited legal documents such as memoranda, briefs, motions and pleadings.
- Assisted attorneys with case management tasks, including organising case files, maintaining calendars, scheduling appointments and court appearances, and tracking deadlines.
- Reviewed and summarized deposition transcripts, witness statements, and other discovery materials to extract relevant information for case analysis and preparation.
- Prepared trial exhibits, exhibit lists, for use in court proceedings, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all documents.
- Coordinated communication with clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, and other parties involved in legal matters.
Legal Intern
Legal Option Corporation
06.2015 - 12.2015
- Conducted legal research on human rights issues, relevant case law, and international legal frameworks to support advocacy efforts and legal assistance programs to victims.
- Assisted in case management tasks, including reviewing case files, gathering evidence, drafting legal documents, and communicating with victims and their representatives.
- Provided direct support to victims seeking legal assistance, including conducting interviews, assessing legal needs, and explaining legal procedures and their rights.
- Engaged in training sessions, workshops, and capacity-building programs aimed at empowering individuals and communities to comprehend and assert their human rights effectively.
Education
Master of Peace And Conflict Studies -
The University of Queensland
Brisbane08.2020
Bachelor of Law -
Rosario University
Bogota, Colombia09.2018
Skills
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Valuable interpersonal and communication skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Community engagement and advocacy
- Advanced research skills
- Time Management
- Trauma-informed support and advocacy for victims
- Program development and implementation
- Event Coordination and Workshop Facilitation
- Cross-cultural competence
- Empathy and emotional intelligence
- Proficient in legal research and analysis
- Strong writing and editing skills, with experience drafting legal
- Ethical judgment and integrity
Certification
- Spanish - Native
- English - Proficiency
Timeline
Management Professional
Special Jurisdiction For Peace (JEP-SJP)
12.2022 - Current
Judicial Law Clerk
Special Rapporteur Office At JEP
03.2021 - 11.2022
Judicial Law Clerk
Supreme Court Of Justice
10.2018 - 02.2019
Judicial Law Clerk
S&S Legal Firm
03.2016 - 06.2018
Legal Intern
Legal Option Corporation
06.2015 - 12.2015
Master of Peace And Conflict Studies -
The University of Queensland
Bachelor of Law -
Rosario University
- Spanish - Native
- English - Proficiency
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