Fatima Fernandez

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Effective Date: March 28, 2025

Owner: The Harmony Initiative is a visionary platform composed of two legally distinct entities working in alignment.

Principal: Marla Fatima Fernandez, Certified Mediator, Paralegal (non-attorney), Policy Advocate.

1. Grounded and Resolved

Operating under Marla Fernandez Mediation, LLC, Grounded and Resolved is a private, for-profit C corporation designed to create structural integrity, transparency, and innovation in legal-adjacent services.

Key functions:
- Mediation services Legal strategy consulting

- Educational and empowerment coaching

- Client intake and support services

- Referral-based due diligence solutions

- Attorney–Paralegal collaborative models

Grounded and Resolved is not a law firm. However, under its umbrella, it can:

- Partner with licensed attorneys to supervise nonlawyer paralegals in compliance with ethical and UPL guidelines

- Hire attorneys as salaried professionals, allowing them to practice law without the pressure of billable hours
- Serve as a launchpad for nonlawyer legal professionals to operate under attorney supervision while delivering affordable, mission-aligned legal access to underserved communities.

This structure empowers attorneys to do meaningful work without the burnout of traditional firm models, while offering paralegals a compliant, ethical pathway  to serve the public under legal oversight.

2. Harmony Chord

A nonprofit C corporation, Harmony Chord operates exclusively for educational, civic, and public benefit purposes. It is responsible for community-building efforts, political education, advocacy campaigns, faith-based outreach, and organizing efforts aligned with the broader Harmony mission.

3. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing this website and utilizing any content, services, or offerings made available by Harmony Initiative, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and this Legal Disclaimer. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not access or use our services.

4. Nature of Services

Harmony Initiative provides:

Paralegal support services to licensed attorneys and pro se litigants; Certified mediation and restorative justice services for individuals, families, and community partners; Policy education and citizen lobbying on matters related to governance, law, equity, and justice; Community education and empowerment programming focused on civic engagement and legal literacy.

Harmony Initiative operates within the boundaries of Colorado law and does not function as a law firm.

5. No Legal Advice or Legal Representation

Harmony Initiative does not provide legal advice or representation.

Marla Fatima Fernandez and any affiliated volunteers, contractors, or employees of Harmony Initiative are not attorneys and do not engage in the practice of law. All services are provided for educational, advocacy, or administrative support purposes.

Nothing on this site or offered by Harmony Initiative should be construed as legal advice. If you need legal representation or advice, please consult a licensed Colorado attorney.

6. Compliance with Colorado Law on the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL)

Harmony Initiative operates in full compliance with Colorado law governing nonlawyer participation in legal processes. We do not:

Provide legal opinions or interpret law; Draft or file legal pleadings without attorney supervision; Represent clients in court; Engage in negotiation or give legal advice on rights or options.

We follow legal and ethical limitations outlined under:

C.R.S. § 12-240-121Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure (C.R.C.P.) Rule 228(e)People v. Shell, 148 P.3d 162 (Colo. 2006)UPL enforcement guidelines established by the Colorado Supreme Court Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee

7. Permitted Activities

Harmony Initiative may:

Offer document preparation assistance to self-represented (pro se) individuals using publicly available court-approved forms; Provide paralegal services to licensed attorneys under appropriate supervision; Facilitate neutral mediation and restorative justice services under the Colorado Dispute Resolution Act (C.R.S. § 13-22-301 et seq.);Deliver policy education, civic engagement training, and community leadership development; Engage in nonpartisan volunteer lobbying and advocacy for public policy reforms.

8. Educational Content Disclaimer

All content provided through Harmony Initiative’s website, blogs, handouts, webinars, workshops, or digital materials is for general informational and educational purposes only.

It is not intended as legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this material.

9. Limitation of Liability

Harmony Initiative, its founder, and associated affiliates are not liable for any harm, loss, or damages arising from reliance on our educational content or support services. All users engage with our resources at their own discretion and are responsible for seeking legal advice when needed.

10. Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Colorado. Any disputes arising under these terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state courts in Colorado.

11. Changes to Terms

Harmony Initiative reserves the right to update or revise these Terms and this Disclaimer at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated Effective Date.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding these terms or our services, please contact: Marla Fatima, Founder of Harmony [email protected]

Legal Disclaimer

Harmony Initiative & Advocacy Services is a private corporation led by Fatima Fernandez, offering paralegal services, mediation services, policy education, and advocacy support.

In Colorado, a private corporation like Grounded and Resolved can collaborate with licensed attorneys to provide legal services, provided that the attorneys maintain professional independence and supervise any nonlawyer staff appropriately.​

Key Points:

1. Attorney Supervision of Nonlawyers: According to the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rule 5.3, attorneys are responsible for ensuring that nonlawyer assistants' conduct is compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer. ​CoCounsel+3American Bar Association+3OSB Professional Liability Fund+3


2. Professional Independence: Rule 5.4 emphasizes that a lawyer must maintain professional independence and should not allow nonlawyers to direct or control their professional judgment. ​Colorado Supreme Court


3. Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs): Colorado has introduced a program for Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals, allowing nonlawyers to provide certain legal services under defined circumstances. ​Colorado Judicial Branch+5Colorado Judicial Branch+5IAALS+5

Next Steps:

. Consult with a Legal Professional: To ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional who can provide guidance tailored to your specific business model.​

. Review Relevant Rules: Familiarize yourself with the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, particularly Rules 5.3 and 5.4, to understand the responsibilities and limitations involved in such partnerships.

Paralegal Services Disclaimer:

I am not an attorney and do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or engage in the practice of law. Any paralegal support services are offered under the direction of licensed attorneys or directly to individuals who are representing themselves (pro se) in accordance with applicable Colorado and federal laws. If you require legal advice or representation, please consult with a licensed attorney.

Mediation Services Disclaimer:

As a certified mediator, I offer neutral facilitation services to assist parties in resolving disputes voluntarily. I do not represent either party, provide legal advice, or make decisions on behalf of participants. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process designed to foster communication and resolution.

Lobbying & Public Policy Education Disclaimer:

As a citizen advocate and volunteer lobbyist, I provide nonpartisan education on legislative processes and public policy issues. I do not represent any government entity or offer legal or financial advice. My goal is to promote civic engagement and informed participation in governance.

Educational Content Disclaimer:

All content shared on this website—including blogs, resources, webinars, or videos—is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. Nothing on this site should be considered legal advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified legal professional.

By using this website or engaging with any services provided, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. For questions or legal inquiries, please consult a licensed attorney.

Referral Services & Due Diligence Support

Grounded and Resolved also offers paid referral and research-based services to support individuals, professionals, and organizations in navigating legal complexity and making informed choices. This includes:

- and mediator referrals

- Due diligence consulting

- Research summaries and document support

- Faith-based and values-aligned service vetting

These services uphold client autonomy, legal integrity, and financial transparency while expanding access to trusted support professionals.

Important Notices:

We do not receive compensation from attorneys for referrals. We do not endorse or certify any attorney’s qualifications or outcomes. You are encouraged to conduct your own due diligence before hiring legal counsel. We are not a law firm, and no attorney-client relationship is created between you and Harmony Initiative. This service is provided strictly as a public benefit to improve access to justice and legal transparency. We do not guarantee that you will find representation, nor do we negotiate, interpret, or advise on your legal matter.

This referral directory is compliant with Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 7.2(b), which prohibits fee-sharing or endorsements by nonlawyers and ensures that all referrals are made in good faith, with no compensation accepted.

If you are in urgent need of legal help:

You may also contact the Colorado Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) at 303-860-1115 or visit www.cobar.org.