Chika Duru
Summary
A proven member of and a value-add to an executive leadership team, with significant experience identifying and developing creative and business-centered solutions to complex and emerging legal issues; solutions that marry legal compliance with effective business strategies. A trusted advisor with expertise that includes providing the counsel and advice clients need to navigate the increasingly complicated web of government regulatory requirements, including, but not limited to, procurement requirements that drive pre-RFP strategic decisions, the competitive procurement process, contract award, and post contract legal compliance. An experienced manager that directs and manages outside counsel in all matters confronting the client, including, but not limited to, litigation, agency regulatory actions, and transactional matters, including mergers, acquisitions, and investments, ensuring that the associated due diligence and transaction documents are thorough, comprehensive, and protective of the client.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Consultant
SageMedic Corp.
11.2023 - Current
- Providing general corporate and risk management counsel necessary for a start-up and growing company.
- Enhancing client satisfaction by providing expert legal advice and guidance on a wide range of topics, including the complex federal and state regulatory framework governing a CLIA-certified laboratory.
- Streamlining contract review processes for improved efficiency and reduced turnaround time in connection with a variety of contracts, including, but not limited to Memorandums of Understanding, Business Associate Agreements, global indemnification agreements, privacy policies, and patient and provider engagement documents.
General Counsel
Advantia Health LLC
09.2021 - 07.2023
- Counseled the company's executive leadership team as well as other company stakeholders regarding strategy, compliance with applicable and complex federal and state statutory and regulatory framework, and risk management.
- Negotiated complex contracts for key business projects, resulting in material business growth.
- Managed litigation strategy to successfully resolve high-stakes disputes with minimal financial impact.
- Mitigated employment-related risks by crafting clear policies addressing workplace conduct and performance expectations.
- Served as a trusted advisor to the board of directors, providing critical insights into governance issues and shareholder relations.
General Counsel
Trusted Health Plan (District of Columbia), Inc.
07.2013 - 09.2021
- Enhanced company compliance by developing and implementing comprehensive legal policies and procedures.
- Advised executive leadership on strategic decisions, minimizing legal risks and ensuring positive outcomes.
- Provided expert guidance during regulatory audits, ensuring full compliance and avoiding potential penalties.
- Successfully resolved numerous disputes through skillful mediation, preventing costly litigation and preserving business relationships.
- Supported mergers and acquisitions activity through thorough due diligence reviews, identifying potential liabilities early in the negotiation process.
Attorney Advisor
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
05.2012 - 07.2013
- Achieved successful case outcomes by researching legal issues and drafting persuasive arguments.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks and keeping organized records of case materials.
- Drafted, revised, and edited proposed rules and regulations published in the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations
Associate
White & Case LLP
09.2007 - 02.2010
- Thoroughly researched complex legal issues and drafted portions of briefs in large antitrust, securities, and white-collar investigations and litigation.
- Drafted questions for six depositions in a pro bono employment discrimination matter. Drafted discovery requests and responses in employment discrimination matter. Prepared witnesses and acted as second chair for six depositions in employment discrimination matter.
Education
LL.M. - Labor and Employment Law & Policy
American University Washington College of Law
Washington, D.C.12.2011
J.D. - Law
Howard University School of Law
Washington, D.C.05.2007
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO05.2003
Skills
- Legal Advisory
- Reviewing Risk Exposure
- Corporate Transactions
- Legal Writing
- Employment Law
- Regulatory Compliance
- Legal Analysis
- Corporate Governance
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Knowledge of Federal and State Laws
- Legal Research and Review
Bar And Court Admissions
- Illinois
- District of Columbia
- United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Publications
- Chika Duru, Out for Blood: Employment Discrimination, Sickle Cell Trait, and the NFL, 9 Hastings Race & Poverty L.J. 265 (2012).
- Chika Duru, Spoliation: An Argument Against the Bad Faith Requirement, Wash. Law., Oct. 2009, at 34.
Timeline
Legal Consultant
SageMedic Corp.
11.2023 - Current
General Counsel
Advantia Health LLC
09.2021 - 07.2023
General Counsel
Trusted Health Plan (District of Columbia), Inc.
07.2013 - 09.2021
Attorney Advisor
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
05.2012 - 07.2013
Associate
White & Case LLP
09.2007 - 02.2010
LL.M. - Labor and Employment Law & Policy
American University Washington College of Law
J.D. - Law
Howard University School of Law
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
University of Missouri-Columbia
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