Valeria DeAngelis (Mena)
Deputy Director at Large
Valeria DeAngelis (Mena) is a Colombian attorney with a distinguished international legal background and a strong commitment to client advocacy, cross-border legal services, and community impact. She earned her law degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, where she developed a solid foundation in legal analysis and public service. She further specialized in Health Law at Universidad del Rosario, gaining experience in regulatory compliance and healthcare oversight. Expanding her global legal perspective, Valeria obtained her Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts, where she strengthened her understanding of the U.S. legal system and international legal practice.
Valeria recently passed the California Bar Exam and is working on additional requisites to obtain her license. Since December 2021, Valeria has been an integral member of Rafael Tirado & Associates, PLC in Phoenix, Arizona. Valeria provides comprehensive legal and operational support in business immigration and personal injury matters. Her immigration experience includes working on a wide range of employment-based visa petitions, including E-1, E-2, H-1B, L-1, O, P, TN, and EB categories. She also contributes to legal research in removal defense and supports pre-litigation personal injury cases.
Beyond her legal responsibilities, Valeria plays a key role in the firm’s day-to-day operations, overseeing case management systems, coordinating client communications, and ensuring the efficient handling of complex legal matters. Her ability to combine legal knowledge with organizational leadership makes her a valuable asset to both her colleagues and clients.
Prior to relocating to the United States, Valeria gained significant experience in Colombia’s legal sector. She served as a Judicial Assistant at the Supreme Court of Justice of Colombia, where she conducted legal research and assisted in the preparation of judicial decisions. She also worked as a Junior Attorney with the District Health Secretariat of Bogotá, contributing to regulatory enforcement and the development of administrative legal documents within the public health system. Additionally, she worked in the private sector as a Contract Management Analyst for Avianca Airlines, where she handled contract compliance and supplier relations.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Valeria is dedicated to providing accessible and effective legal support to a diverse client base. Her multicultural background and international legal training allow her to approach cases with cultural sensitivity, precision, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and businesses navigating complex legal systems.
Outside of her legal career, Valeria is deeply committed to animal welfare and community service. Valeria’s career reflects a unique combination of legal excellence, operational leadership, and a strong commitment to service, both within the legal profession and beyond.
Education
LL.M., Masters in Law, Northeastern University, 2024
Masters in Health Law, Rosary University Colombia, 2019
Law Degree (J.D. Equivalent), Pontifical Xaverian University Colombia, 2017