COURTNEY CONNER
Birmingham,Alabama
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in contract negotiation and management, committed to achieving beneficial outcomes for business owners while effectively mitigating risks for companies. Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and exceptional communication skills to streamline contract processes and provide insightful recommendations for continuous process improvement. Possesses a strong understanding of legal concepts, enabling the ability to advise business owners on post-execution issues, including adherence to contractual obligations, amendments, and terminations.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Counsel
Protective Life Insurance Company
Birmingham, Alabama
12.2022 - Current
- Negotiate commercial agreements while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and internal company policies
- Includes master, consulting/professional services, SaaS/software, non-disclosure, data processing, and business associate agreements
- Collaborate with IT Security, Third Party Risk Management, and Compliance teams to mitigate concerns related to onboarding new vendors with access to personally identifiable information
- Draft addenda, amendments, template agreements and riders
- Inform business owners of contractual risks and ensure contract language accurately describes business needs and expectations
- Interpret company rights and obligations under active agreements
- Negotiate settlements with policyholders and/or beneficiaries in overpayment matters
- Review litigation documents drafted by outside counsel
- Identify current process issues and propose solutions to increase efficiency and mitigate risks
- Negotiated settlements with car warranty purchasers under Protective’s Asset Protection Division
Contract Administrator
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Completed end-to-end contract management from first draft to signature and archival using ESM Solutions (CLM tool), OnBase, and DocuSign
- Drafted contract templates and developed strategies to promote efficient contract processing
- Collaborated with various departments (Purchasing, Legal, OIT, CERA, etc.) to address any procurement, legal, data privacy, or ethical concerns
- Provided updates to departments on contract submission status
- Gave guidance to departments on how to use the University’s CLM tool
Partner
Steverson Law, LLC
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
06.2020 - 06.2021
- Represented public housing authorities in eviction cases
- Represented clients in dependency, criminal, personal injury, real estate transaction, and probate matters
- Represented minors and incapacitated persons as a Guardian ad Litem
- Conducted research for court requested briefs and summary judgment motions and to stay abreast of the changing legal landscape
- Negotiated a contractual dispute, investigated alleged employee misconduct, and responded to EEOC complaints and demand letters on behalf of Stillman College
- Drafted wills, contractual agreements, powers of attorney, deeds and other legal documents
Associate Attorney
Law Office of Dennis Steverson, LLC
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
11.2019 - 06.2020
- Represented public housing authorities in eviction cases
- Represented clients in dependency, criminal, personal injury, real estate transaction, and probate matters
- Represented minors and incapacitated persons as a Guardian ad Litem
- Conducted research for court requested briefs and summary judgment motions and to stay abreast of the changing legal landscape
- Negotiated a contractual dispute, investigated alleged employee misconduct, and responded to EEOC complaints and demand letters on behalf of Stillman College
- Drafted wills, contractual agreements, powers of attorney, deeds and other legal documents
Assistant General Counsel
Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco
Tallahassee, Florida
04.2018 - 11.2019
- Managed a caseload of over 200 by investigating into license history, conducting settlement negotiations, and representing the Division in informal hearings and formal hearings before the Division of Administrative Hearings
- Conducted legal research to determine interpretation and application of Florida’s alcoholic beverage and tobacco laws and rules promulgated by the Division
- Collaborated with the Division’s bureaus of auditing, licensing, and law enforcement to address recurrent issues and develop more efficient procedures and protocol
- Drafted settlement agreements, proposed recommended orders, proposed rule language, declaratory statements, administrative complaints, discovery requests, and motions
- Drafted comments on proposed legislation affecting the Division
Judicial Assistant
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, Sixth Judicial Circuit
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
09.2016 - 04.2018
- Managed all civil and criminal dockets
- Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on various topics including equitable estoppel and Rule 32 post-conviction remedies
- Drafted, proofread, and issued orders
- Interacted with and resolved issues for attorneys, judges, pro se litigants, and the general public
Education
Juris Doctor -
The University of Alabama School of Law
05-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy
Duke University
05-2013
Skills
- Settlement negotiation
- Corporate and business legal issues
- Contract negotiation
- Legal analysis and research
- Contract drafting
Timeline
Associate Counsel
Protective Life Insurance Company
12.2022 - Current
Contract Administrator
The University of Alabama
06.2021 - 12.2022
Partner
Steverson Law, LLC
06.2020 - 06.2021
Associate Attorney
Law Office of Dennis Steverson, LLC
11.2019 - 06.2020
Assistant General Counsel
Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco
04.2018 - 11.2019
Judicial Assistant
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, Sixth Judicial Circuit
09.2016 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy
Duke University
Juris Doctor -
The University of Alabama School of Law