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Cristian Padilla Castillo

Projects

Cloud Resume Website — padillacastillo.com

AWS · Terraform · GitHub Actions

  • Designed and deployed a serverless personal resume site and landing page on AWS to learn cloud infrastructure hands-on, linking out to GitHub and other professional profiles.
  • Hosted static HTML/CSS/JS in a private S3 bucket, fronted by CloudFront for global CDN caching and TLS termination, with a free ACM certificate securing the custom domain and a new Route 53 hosted zone handling DNS, including migrating the domain's live Google Workspace email (MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC) over from the previous registrar without an outage.
  • Built a serverless, unique-visitor counter using API Gateway, Lambda (Python), and DynamoDB, deduping repeat visits with a keyed HMAC of the source IP so the count reflects real traffic and no raw IP address is ever stored.
  • Added a Lambda-backed contact form (separate API Gateway + SES) with honeypot filtering and API throttling to block spam while keeping the contact email out of the page's source; defined all infrastructure as Terraform code, with a full architecture write-up documented on GitHub.

CPC Mobile Notary Booking Platform — cpcmobilenotary.com

AWS · Terraform · GitHub Actions

  • Architected and deployed a booking request system on AWS for a live, self-owned mobile notary business, applying the same cloud patterns learned from the resume project to a real-world production use case.
  • Hosted the front-end booking form on S3 and CloudFront, with API Gateway and Lambda (Python) handling form submissions, validating input, and writing records to DynamoDB.
  • Configured SES/SNS to send real-time email notifications on new booking requests.
  • Provisioned all infrastructure with Terraform and deployed via GitHub Actions using OIDC authentication for secure, keyless CI/CD.

Experience

Medical Legal Assistant — Confidential, Beverly Hills, CA

Full-Time

  • Manage the day-to-day business and administrative operations for a physician-led medical-legal expert witness practice, allowing the doctor to focus fully on case review and testimony.
  • Handle client intake for new expert witness engagements, gathering case details and coordinating with attorneys and law firms to open and track files.
  • Prepare and manage invoicing and billing for expert witness services, tracking payments and following up on outstanding balances.
  • Organize, index, and maintain medical records and case files, ensuring materials are complete and readily accessible for the doctor's review and reports.
  • Draft correspondence and coordinate scheduling for depositions, records requests, and case deadlines.

Legal Assistant — Confidential, El Segundo, CA

Full-Time

  • Reviewed and analyzed legal documents for accuracy, completeness, and discrepancies, flagging issues before submission.
  • Maintained detailed records of case activity, prepared written correspondence, and tracked deadlines and filing requirements.
  • Coordinated daily with medical providers, opposing counsel, clients, and staff by phone, email, and in person to keep cases moving.
  • Handled confidential and privileged information with discretion and good judgment.
  • Researched legal procedures, supported discovery, and ensured compliance with court rules and applicable regulations.
  • Assisted with discovery by preparing and tracking requests for production, form interrogatories, and subpoenas for records; organized and indexed responses for attorney review.
  • Supported pre-litigation case management, including gathering medical records, coordinating with lien providers, and maintaining case timelines from intake through demand.

Owner / Operator — CPC Mobile Notary, L.A. Metro Area

Self-Employed

  • Founded and independently operate a mobile notary and loan signing business, managing client acquisition, scheduling, compliance, and financial operations across Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
  • Designed and deployed a custom AWS-based booking and intake platform (see Projects) to automate client requests and streamline day-to-day operations.
  • Manage relationships with signing platforms, lenders, and escrow partners, coordinating appointments end-to-end and ensuring timely, accurate processing.
  • Own full business operations including invoicing, bookkeeping (QuickBooks Online), and compliance recordkeeping under California notary law.

Education

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science — California State University, Long Beach

In Progress

  • Coursework in programming, computer applications, and Python; comfortable learning new software and systems quickly.

Licenses & Certifications

  • Valid California Class C driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Active California Notary Public commission.
  • Notary2Pro graduate, ID 23892.
  • NNA Certified Signing Agent — National Notary Association.
  • Google Technical Support Fundamentals — Google / Coursera.

Languages

  • Fluent Spanish speaking and reading, with limited writing.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Legal document review and analysis — identifying discrepancies, missing information, and compliance issues before execution.
  • Professional client communication — explaining complex procedures clearly and maintaining composure in high-stakes signings.
  • Familiarity with California notarization law, notary journal requirements, and proper seal and certificate procedures.
  • Strong organizational skills — managing multiple signing appointments, maintaining accurate files, and coordinating with vendors, service providers, and business partners.
  • Cloud & infrastructure basics — AWS (S3, CloudFront, Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, Route 53, ACM), Terraform, and GitHub Actions CI/CD, applied through personal and business projects.
  • Microsoft Office proficiency — Word (template and form design), Excel (macros, AutoSort automation, case tracking spreadsheets); daily use in legal environment.
  • Google Workspace — Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Calendar for scheduling, document management, and team coordination.
  • QuickBooks Online — invoicing, expense tracking, and financial recordkeeping for self-employed business operations.
  • Typing speed of 60+ WPM with 99% accuracy.
  • Calm and professional under pressure — suited to high-value real estate closings and sensitive financial signings.
  • Mobile across Southern California with a clean driving record; experienced with independent scheduling and route management.