Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Bar Admissions
Timeline
Generic

Courtney Howard

Naples,Florida

Summary

Seasoned Chief Legal Officer with a proven track record in legal strategy, corporate governance, and risk management. Demonstrated ability to drive corporate profitability and manage risks, excelling in transforming complex legal concepts into actionable insights. Skilled in negotiation, team leadership, and fostering cooperative environments across various sectors.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary

Matrix Home Solutions, Inc.
Arlington Heights, IL
10.2021 - 04.2025
  • Spearheaded legal strategy, compliance, and corporate governance for a leading home remodeling company with $60M in annual sales.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive legal strategies to protect the organization's interests.
  • Reviewed, negotiated, drafted, and interpreted contracts and agreements related to corporate activities.
  • Analyzed complex legal documents in order to identify risks and liabilities for the company.
  • Provided leadership and guidance on risk management issues to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
  • Advised senior management on strategic business decisions from a legal perspective.
  • Ensured that all activities are conducted in accordance with local laws and regulations.
  • Represented the organization at meetings with government officials or outside counsels.
  • Conducted due diligence investigations prior to entering into any contractual agreement or merger and acquisition activity.
  • Managed external counsels engaged by the organization for specialized services such as patent prosecution or tax advice.
  • Monitored changes in relevant legislation and analyze their potential impact on the company's operations.
  • Established procedures for handling disputes between the organization and third parties or customers.
  • Identified potential areas of liability exposure within current operations or proposed transactions and develop strategies to mitigate those exposures.
  • Drafted policies related to employee conduct, ethics codes of practice, anti-corruption initiatives.
  • Assisted in developing corporate governance practices throughout the organization.
  • Provided guidance regarding employment law matters such as wage and hour laws, worker compensation claims.
  • Created training programs for employees on ethical behavior standards.
  • Participated in board meetings when necessary to provide updates on key legal matters.
  • Cooperated with internal audit, compliance and HR departments on compliance and legal issues.
  • Prepared contracts, governance documents and legal documentation related to business operations, finances and non-disclosure policies.
  • Managed corporate claims and litigation.

General Counsel

Grosso University, LLC
Chicago, IL
03.2019 - 08.2023
  • Managed legal risks and compliance for a sales training company, delivering strategic advice and navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes.
  • Identified and managed legal risks, emerging issues, and threats that may impact the business.
  • Promoted and ensured close engagement with the members and management team in addressing legal needs while maintaining professional independence and judgment.
  • Interpreted and analyzed applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and proposed laws/regulations impacting the business.
  • Prepared opinions and provided legal advice.
  • Worked closely with management team on HR issues.
  • Negotiated, drafted, analyzed and interpreted a wide-range of agreements, including service agreements, employment agreements, confidentiality agreements, merger and acquisition agreements, LLC operating and consulting agreements.
  • Worked with teams to streamline contracting policy and procedures.
  • Presented risk management information to home improvement services companies at various in-person and teleconference workshops.

Managing Partner

WITT & HOWARD, PLLC
Denver, CO
10.2012 - 10.2021
  • Directed litigation and transactional matters, showcasing expertise in negotiation and legal strategy across diverse practice areas.
  • Handled state and federal civil litigation matters, including products liability, trademark disputes, insurance subrogation, personal injury, adversary proceedings and business disputes law matters through all stages of litigation. Made routine court appearances.
  • Conducted factual investigations, drafted pleadings, discovery, conducted depositions, and defended depositions. Prepared and produced factual witnesses for deposition.
  • Interviewed and hired expert witnesses as case issues demanded. Developed and prepared expert witnesses and disclosures.
  • Drafted motions, briefs, and other submissions to state and federal courts and administrative tribunals.
  • Participated in settlement conferences with opposing counsel and mediator and negotiated informal settlements with opposing counsel. Drafted all necessary documents in accordance with negotiated settlement terms. Successfully negotiated multiple case resolutions avoiding trial.
  • Conducted legal research and analysis regarding various issues presented in client cases; delegated similar tasks to associate, law clerk or paralegal as necessary.
  • Negotiated business acquisitions, purchase contracts and share assignments; drafted all necessary documents to accomplish transactions and led team through due diligence process.
  • Served as retained general counsel for large home remodeling company.

Education

LLM - Natural Resources and Energy Law and Policy

University of Denver Sturm College of Law
CO
05.2013

JD - Cum Laude

Michigan State University College of Law
MI
05.2005

BA - Political Science

University of Michigan
MI
12.2001

Skills

  • Strategic Leadership & Legal Acumen
  • Negotiation & Risk Management
  • Team Building & Operational Efficiency
  • Regulatory Compliance & Corporate Governance
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Communication
  • Commercial Litigation Experience
  • Litigation Management
  • Cross-Functional Team Management

Affiliations

  • Member, Nebraska State Bar Association
  • Member, Colorado Bar Association
  • Member, Denver Bar Association
  • Secretary, Saint Ann Catholic School Board
  • Secretary, Saint Ann Catholic School Athletics Board
  • Coach, Saint Ann Catholic School Track & Field

Certification

Advocate Designation - National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), 01/2013

Bar Admissions

  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Colorado
  • Michigan
  • Nebraska
  • US District Courts (Eastern District of MI, District of CO)

Timeline

Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary

Matrix Home Solutions, Inc.
10.2021 - 04.2025

General Counsel

Grosso University, LLC
03.2019 - 08.2023

Managing Partner

WITT & HOWARD, PLLC
10.2012 - 10.2021

LLM - Natural Resources and Energy Law and Policy

University of Denver Sturm College of Law

JD - Cum Laude

Michigan State University College of Law

BA - Political Science

University of Michigan

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Courtney Howard