Rachel Simmons

Experience

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  New York State Department of State

  Jun 2010 - Aug 2010

  Litigation Intern

  Drafted licensing complaints and memoranda on inter-agency appeals. Reviewed disciplinary cases filed against licensed businesses and individuals convicted of felonies. Deposed witnesses, performed discovery and presented cases at administrative hearings

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  Manhattan DA

  Jan 2011 - May 2011

  Legal Intern, Forensic Sciences/Cold Case Unit

  Analyzed case files for two preeminent DNA experts in the investigation and prosecution of Alcala, a convicted serial killer on death row. Drafted an interstate detainer agreement to create a custody request of Alcala for a double homicide. Reviewed motions, evidence and autopsies for post-conviction DNA testing and reviewed unsolved homicide files.

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  Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York

  May 2011 - Aug 2011

  Legal Intern, Trial Bureau 30/60

  Drafted complaints and memoranda in response to post-judgment motions, memoranda to dismiss case files, parole letters, and memoranda in response to omnibus motions. Second-sat pre-trial Wade, Dunaway, Hinton, Mapp, Gethers, Sandoval, Huntley and Darden hearings. Assisted in preparation for trials, by reviewing files and grand jury minutes, researching case law, devising strategies and arguments for direct and rebuttal, preparing witnesses, compiling Rosario materials and exhibits

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  Kings County District Attorney’s Office

  Aug 2011 - May 2012

  Student Attorney, Criminal Prosecution Clinic

  Responsible for a caseload of 30 misdemeanor prosecutions.Interviewed and advised police officers, victims, and witnesses in preparation for court proceedings and trials. Presented Criminal Court cases on the record and negotiated plea agreements and trial adjournments. Managed every case on the court’s calendar in the trial part court and participated in arraignment proceedings. Prepared legal documents, memoranda, and motions including omnibus motions, subpoenas, complaints, affidavits and superseding informations in connection with trials, hearings, and other proceedings. Show less

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  Law Offices of Tacopina Seigel & Turano, P.C.

  Aug 2012 - May 2013

  Graduate Law Clerk

  Drafted a federal sentencing memorandum that resulted in a lenient sentence of probation. Drafted document demand memoranda in strict liability, wrongful death, false arrest, negligence, and assault civil suits. Conducted trial preparation for a federal securities fraud case. Corresponded with client, witnesses and private investigator. Reviewed discovery materials and sorted through thousands of documents on Westlaw’s CaseLogistix. Analyzed pre-trial transcripts and depositions to devise legal arguments in connection with trial. Observed every aspect of a murder retrial. Show less

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  Nathan L. Dembin and Associates, P.C.

  Aug 2013 - Mar 2015

  Associate Attorney

  Represent healthcare providers in administrative, licensing, medical malpractice and criminal matters. Draft and edit letters, motions, memoranda, civil complaints, article 78 petitions and appeal letters on behalf of clients to private health care insurers, governmental health care agencies including DOH, OPMC, OIG, Medicaid and Medicare. Research the law to develop creative arguments in both substantive and procedural issues in drafting a complex appeal brief ultimately awarding our client, Community Related Services, about $55 million dollars in money owed from Medicaid for services performed. Found and prepped the key expert witness, in a DOH proceeding, whose testimony resulted in a dismissal of all 32 counts of professional misconduct against the physician. Show less

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  Yoga Vida NYC

  Jul 2015 - Jun 2020

  Yoga Instructor
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  Kin Spaces

  Apr 2016 - Jul 2023

  Co-Founder & Chief Counsel

  Kin Spaces is a Co-Working spaces located in the heart of SoHo, NY. As Co-Founder & Chief Counsel, I built a successful co-working space from concept to current business. I managed operation of the business, including design, marketing, sales and all legal affairs. Formed LLC, filed articles of organization, and drafted and negotiated the partnership agreement. Drafted and negotiated all license agreements for members, in various formats, and complex contracts with sub-tenant members. Reviewed, negotiated and executed all lease agreements. Drafted, negotiated, and executed an intellectual property assignment for title and interest in a portion of the company’s trademark. Show less

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  Yoga Shanti

  Jun 2019 - Jun 2021

  Yoga Instructor
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  Cognitive Health Solutions, LLC

  Aug 2022 - Aug 2023

  Social Work Intern

  Providing psychotherapy to 15-27 patients a week.

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  Activate Resilience Counseling

  Dec 2023 - Jul 2024

  Therapist

  As a therapist, I bring my dedication to comprehensive support and holistic healing for individuals seeking guidance on their personal journey.

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  The A.R.T.S. Outpatient Treatment Center

  Jan 2024 - now

  Therapist
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  Peace of Mind Therapy

  Apr 2025 - now

  Therapist