Open to opportunities

Dalia saffideen

@daliasaffideen

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New York-qualified attorney specializing in compliance and legal research.

Portugal

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters collaboration and innovation in legal compliance and advocacy.

I am a New York-qualified attorney with a robust academic background and international experience in compliance, legal research, and financial crime. Currently, I serve as a Financial Crime Officer at Natixis in Porto, Portugal, where I monitor and investigate high-risk transaction alerts related to AML and CTF. My expertise includes analyzing complex legal frameworks across jurisdictions and identifying red flags in financial transactions.

Previously, I interned at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, where I advised on international legal matters and produced legal opinions for cross-border cases. My academic journey includes a Master of Law from UCLA, where I graduated with a 4.0 GPA, and a Bachelor's in Law from King's College London. I am passionate about technology and its role in shaping the digital economy, and I have led research projects on gender-based violence, contributing to public policy advocacy.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Financial Crime Officer

Current

Natixis

Dec 2024 - Present (6 months)

Monitored and investigated high-risk transaction alerts related to AML and CTF using internal systems. Identified red flags, liaised with front office to ensure regulatory compliance, and contributed to team training and documentation.

Transaction Monitoring Risk Assessment Regulatory Financial Crime Cross Border Advisory

Legal Intern, Legal Advisory Section

International Criminal Court

Jan 2024 - Jun 2024 (5 months)

Advised on international legal matters including extradition and labor law, producing legal opinions for cross-border cases and internal stakeholders. Founded and led the Court’s first Intern Committee, building cross-functional networks and facilitating strategic discussions.

Legal Research Confidentiality Digital Evidence Privacy Law Team Leadership

Researcher

eGirl Power

Aug 2023 - Oct 2023 (2 months)

Led research projects on gender-based violence, focusing on data collection, risk analysis, and reporting for public policy advocacy. Designed analytical frameworks to support investigations and advocacy efforts in compliance-related matters.

Research Data Collection Risk Analysis Policy Advocacy Analytical Frameworks Compliance Reporting

Student Researcher

International Human Rights Law Association

Sep 2022 - Dec 2022 (3 months)

Conducted policy research on modern slavery and human trafficking in high-risk jurisdictions. Drafted compliance recommendations for NGOs and advocacy organizations.

Human Rights Law Modern Slavery NGO Collaboration Advocacy

Research Assistant

UCLA Criminal Justice Program

Sep 2022 - Dec 2022 (3 months)

Analyzed alternative pathways in the criminal justice system with a focus on early-stage intervention and risk mitigation. Collaborated with probation officers and policy stakeholders to recommend systemic improvements.

Criminal Justice Research Risk Mitigation Data Analysis

Student Researcher

California Environmental Legislation and Policy Clinic

Sep 2022 - Dec 2022 (3 months)

Researched international climate law, carbon markets, and offset policy frameworks. Drafted policy briefs used by Senator Stern’s team in COP27 preparation.

Climate Law Carbon Markets COP27 Legislative Support

Student Legal Adviser

King's Legal Clinic

Sep 2019 - Sep 2021 (2 years)

Advised clients on intellectual property, data protection (GDPR), and immigration issues, presenting at the clinic's launch. Conducted legal research and client interviews, drafting tailored legal advice under attorney supervision.

Legal Advice Intellectual Property Data Protection Immigration Law Legal Research Interviewing Legal Drafting Public Speaking

Legal Intern (IP and Litigation)

Bowmans Kenya, Coulson Harney LLP

Jun 2019 - Jul 2019 (1 month)

Drafted contracts, memoranda, and conducted legal research and analyses across multiple sectors for client advisory work. Gained exposure to regulated industries and multi-jurisdictional legal practice in a corporate law firm.

Contract Drafting Legal Research Litigation Advisory Corporate Law

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of California, Los Angeles

Master of Law (LLM), International & Comparative Law and Human Rights

Grade: 4.0 GPA with Pro Bono High Distinction

Double specialization in International & Comparative Law and Human Rights. Achieved a 4.0 GPA with Pro Bono High Distinction, the highest GPA of the cohort.