DARLENE RAMOS
New York,NY
Summary
Dedicated Contracts Manager with over eight years of experience in the corporate legal sector, currently specializing in contract management and negotiations. Presently working in the Business and Legal Affairs department for the International Consumer Products division at Paramount Global in New York City. Highly proficient in contract drafting with expertise in trademark and copyright registration, corporate litigation, and a strong background in Intellectual Property (IP) law, corporate law, IP Rights and Clearances, Trademark and Copyright registration. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and achieve business objectives. Multilingual, and familiar with complex legal contract processes, competition law and rights agreements across numerous global markets as well as legal proficiency in the relevant local laws of Latin America and Western Europe.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Contracts Manager
VIACOM/PARAMOUNT
08.2020 - Current
- Managing and administering legal documents and processes for Latin America, North America and other international markets
- Drafting, reviewing, and heavily negotiating licensing contracts for Consumer Products both in short form and long form templates for merchandise, promotions, publishing, agent/master licensee representation agreements, collaboration agreements, permission letters and termination agreements
- Working with internal partners and external partners to move contracts to finalization, including preparing a summary analysis of agreement deal terms, reviewing the deal summary report as uploaded to Salesforce, collecting feedback on contracts, revising and managing versions of each document, negotiating open points, and ensuring execution in line with approval and signature authorities
- Creating assigned templates, updating the clause library, drafting notes and related contracting tools
- Working in tandem with Publishers across North America, Latin America and Europe, negotiating publishing rights for Paramount’s intellectual property for distribution across those markets
- Advanced experience in drafting distribution Agreements, Manufacturers Agreements, and End User License Agreements for digital publications across digital platforms
- Working closely with finance, risk management, data privacy, tax and compliance to adhere to the complexities of the royalty rate structures, security/data privacy, and competition law as applicable to each territory and insurance requirements necessary to license the intellectual property
- Collaborating daily with Account Executives from the Global Consumer Products Business and Legal Affairs team across global markets, specifically the United States, Latin America, United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal and maintaining internal and external relationships with agents, licensees, publishers, and retailers
- Updating and creating templates for the relevant territories (including but not limited to North America, International, Latin America, and Global deals) and respective data privacy laws applicable to local laws and privacy/data protection
- Liaising with the intellectual property team and franchise team regarding IP infringement matters and supporting Counsel with day-to-day IP protection matters as well as trademark clearances
- Working in tandem with the systems operations team to successfully execute all deals and keep all status reports up to date for KPI analysis
- Creating reports and conducting research for counterfeit sightings, debt collection, and drafting Notice of Breach/Termination letters
- Drafting contract amendments and non-disclosure agreements, liability and publicity waivers and releases
- Assisting the finance department on internal audits and payments to ensure that all Licensees are up to date and not in breach of their Agreements, also supporting the VP, SVP and EVP on special projects with committee based presentations alongside colleagues
- Reviewing Grant Agreements for MTV’s SAF UK (Staying Alive Foundation) and collaborating on key obligations charts and funding
- Familiarity with the FCC and Ofcom Code for international communications and media compliance in both the UK and US
- In addition, reviewing the SAF Foundation communications content (including use of name/logo) for legal compliance, accuracy, and alignment with applicable law and the foundation’s branding policies.
- Developed and maintained solid business relationships with providers:
Achieved a 90% satisfaction rate among providers, ensuring ongoing collaboration and support. - Guided contract negotiations resulting in a 25% decrease in unit cost trend:
• Contributed to a 25% reduction in unit cost trend through strategic negotiation tactics.
• Achieved 95% compliance with company templates and standards:
• Ensured adherence to company templates and standards in 95% of contracts negotiated and executed.
• Improved unit cost performance resulting in a 10% decrease in expenses and 5% increase in KPIs:
• Implemented financial models resulting in a 10% decrease in expenses and a 5% increase in key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Provided risk assessment solutions for marketing executives, resulting in 100% compliance:
• Supported marketing executives in achieving 100% compliance with risk assessment solutions.
• Negotiated marketing agreements for partnerships, agencies, and talent, resulting in a 20% increase in co-branded content:
• Secured agreements leading to a 20% increase in co-branded content and product placements.
• Negotiated and structured a high volume of marketing agreements:
• Successfully negotiated and structured agreements for a 95% of the high volume of marketing agreements handled.
• Provided legal expertise and risk assessment for co-branded marketing projects:
• Ensured 100% alignment of co-branded marketing projects with business objectives through risk assessment and legal expertise.
• Conducted thorough research on legal issues resulting in compliance with legislation and regulations:
• Achieved 100% compliance with legislation and regulations through thorough legal research and practical solutions. - Championed the adoption of cutting-edge contract management technology, leading to more streamlined workflows and enhanced collaboration among team members.
- Arranged service delivery to over two hundred active contracts by overseeing workers, coordinating resources and setting schedules.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving overall procurement strategy through data-driven insights into supplier performance and market trends.
- Worked closely with account team to identify areas to improve cash flow and leverage tools to improve cash flow from contracts.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of contracts spanning multiple industries and sectors, demonstrating adaptability in addressing unique challenges associated with each project.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement within the contracts department by soliciting feedback from stakeholders and implementing best practices tailored to unique organizational needs.
- Monitored contracts' performance to detect non-compliance with terms and deficient returns and organize proactive resolutions.
- Streamlined contract management systems for improved efficiency and reduced processing times.
- Provided expert guidance on contractual matters to senior leadership, supporting informed decision-making processes.
- Enhanced contract negotiation processes by implementing strategic planning and risk assessment techniques.
- Maintained effective and lasting vendor relationships through dynamic communication, collaboration, and intelligent questioning skills.
- Mentored junior team members in best practices for contract management, fostering a high-performance work environment.
- Implemented robust contract administration procedures, ensuring accurate documentation and efficient record-keeping practices.
- Onboarded and trained new staff to keep team efficient and prepare team members to effectively handle demands of simultaneous and large-scale contracts.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure alignment of contract requirements and business objectives.
- Analyzed new laws and regulations to identify required changes and proactively adjust systems.
- Mitigated business risks by analyzing contracts' potential impacts and avoiding unfavorable terms.
- Oversaw the development of custom templates for various types of contracts, enhancing consistency and clarity across all agreements.
- Increased revenue through skillful negotiations that resulted in advantageous pricing structures without compromising on service quality or project deliverables.
- Collaborated with internal departments to identify and manage demand for material and services.
- Conducted comprehensive reviews of existing contracts, identifying opportunities for renegotiation and cost reduction.
- Interpreted contact terms and coordinated solutions to resolve disputes between clients and service providers.
- Collaborated with legal counsel to mitigate potential risks associated with contractual agreements and disputes.
- Reduced organizational exposure to potential liabilities by conducting thorough due diligence on prospective partners and suppliers, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and ethical standards.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing complex contracts, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints.
- Tracked contracts for management and issued regular tracking reports covering current status and upcoming milestones.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms with suppliers, resulting in significant cost savings for the organization.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Corporate Paralegal
SCARINCI HOLLENBECK
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Prepared legal correspondence, e-filing documents, drafted motions and interrogatories, maintained, and updated internal filing system for each attorney; monitored all current open matters and update case files, accordingly, calendar all motions and potential trial dates; reviewed documents before e- filing or filing.
- Managed over eighty Public Law matters related to local government in New Jersey, including land use, zoning, planning, and local ordinances.
- Drafted and reviewed sixty five public service contracts ensuring compliance with legal requirements and protecting the interests of the municipality.
- Assisted Hon. Michael A. Jimenez on over forty legal matters pertaining to local government codes and ordinances, gaining valuable mentorship and guidance from an experienced legal professional and judge.
- Drafted, formatted, and filed briefs, document production, discovery logs, and interrogatory responses pertaining to civil litigation matters
- IP litigation experience including but not limited to compiling and preparing exhibits for hearings and trials e-discovery review and indexing; trademark portfolios and assisted in finalizing trademark applications for filing; proficient in USPTO proceedings and Patent Trial and Appeal Board
- Compiled and prepared exhibits for over twenty hearings and trials, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all materials presented.
- Conducted e-discovery review and indexing for fifty cases, managing large volumes of electronic documents efficiently and accurately.
- Assisted in handling trademark portfolios for over one hundred clients, ensuring timely renewal and maintenance of trademarks to protect valuable intellectual property assets.
- Finalized trademark applications for filing with a success rate of 90%, resulting in the successful registration of 2020 trademarks.
- Demonstrated proficiency in USPTO proceedings, including A oppositions and B cancellations, achieving favorable outcomes for clients.
- Played a key role in Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) proceedings, assisting attorneys in C inter partes review (IPR) cases, contributing to successful defense strategies.
- Compiling discovery documents to prepare for depositions not limited to transcript review, trial exhibits, and expert reports.
- Direct point of contact between attorney and public clients, including managing high email and call volume daily and scheduling depositions and meetings
- Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases.
- Streamlined corporate legal processes by implementing efficient document management systems.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Increased efficiency in corporate governance matters by maintaining up-to-date records on board meetings, minutes, and resolutions.
- Conducted background investigations on defendant.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Analyzed evidence gathering and presentation, client counseling and jury selection methods processes for civil litigation.
- Coordinated responses to subpoenas and requests for information, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
- Examined and generated memos on statutory law, case law and federal and state regulations using online research databases, such as Westlaw and print sources.
- Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Assisted attorneys with high-stakes litigation cases by conducting extensive fact-finding investigations and organizing evidence files systematically.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
- Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Researched and analyzed legal issues and cases to provide accurate advice to clients.
- Improved contract drafting process, resulting in faster turnaround times for client negotiations.
- Assisted in the successful completion of multi-million dollar acquisitions by preparing due diligence materials.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Supported legal team in achieving favorable settlements for clients by compiling persuasive negotiation materials and maintaining open lines of communication with opposing counsel.
- Monitored changes in laws, regulations and other legal matters to keep firm compliant with requirements.
- Reduced litigation risks through diligent monitoring of compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Analyzed deeds of trust to verify grantor, grantee, trustee and loan amounts for executive leadership.
- Managed intellectual property portfolio, including trademark registrations and renewals, protecting company assets from infringement claims.
- Expedited contract review process by creating templates tailored to specific industries or clients.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Conducted thorough legal research and analysis, providing valuable insights for case strategy development.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Reviewed Deed of Trust, Title Commitment, and prior bankruptcies documents.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Enhanced communication between internal teams and outside counsel, leading to more effective resolution of complex legal issues.
- Prepared various exhibits for attorneys for public meetings, zoning commission meetings, and legal resolutions.
- Established strong relationships with external law firms, fostering collaboration on various projects.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Paralegal
CLARK GULDIN ATTORNEYS AT LAW
06.2016 - 09.2019
- Prepared legal documents for mediation, arbitration, and complaints, managed business entity documents for state agencies
- Drafted and prepared correspondence, complaints, motions and interrogatories, conducted legal research and prepared attorneys for all depositions in preparation for trial
- Highly experienced in E-filing documents in Federal and State courts in New York and New Jersey
- Corporate litigation duties included contract review, redlining changes to construction contracts to comply with legislation/regulations for the corporations and companies, New York state ordinances
- Prepared documents needed for mediation, arbitration, and responses to complaints; drafting, filing and managing various business entity documents for corporations, LLCs and partnerships with state agencies
- Compiled all documents for trial preparation and trial exhibits needed for litigation matters pertaining to Intellectual Property and corporate entities and mergers
- E-discovery experience (Relativity and EnCase), deposition preparation, redacting and bates stamped all discovery productions; indexed all documents and prepared witness lists/exhibit lists for trial
- Highly experienced in the following databases and filing systems, eCourts, USPTO and Copyright Office, Clarivate/SAEGIS, Pacer, NYSCEF, WestLaw, and Lexis Nexis; clerical duties included internal filing, handling multi-line phones, and draft monthly billing statements for each attorney.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Enhanced case strategy development with comprehensive legal memoranda summarizing research findings for attorney review and consideration.
- Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
- Increased collaboration among team members by coordinating meetings, conference calls, and video conferences with internal staff and external parties involved in cases.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Facilitated efficient case resolution by attending depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials as necessary to assist attorneys in the presentation of evidence or arguments.
- Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.
- Prepared various exhibits for attorneys for public meetings, zoning commission meetings, and legal resolutions.
- Developed polished motions and briefs to support litigation processes and court proceedings.
- Monitored changes in laws, regulations and other legal matters to keep firm compliant with requirements.
- Reviewed Deed of Trust, Title Commitment, and prior bankruptcies documents.
- Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
- Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
- Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
- Generated leads to meet and exceed revenue goals by identifying new clients.
- Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Analyzed deeds of trust to verify grantor, grantee, trustee and loan amounts for executive leadership.
- Conducted background investigations on defendant.
- Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
- Aided settlement negotiations with effective summary reports outlining key points from discovery materials for use during mediation sessions or pretrial settlement talks.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
- Analyzed evidence gathering and presentation, client counseling and jury selection methods processes for civil litigation.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
- Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
- Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in laws or regulations relevant to practice areas through continuous professional development opportunities such as seminars or webinars.
- Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Examined and generated memos on statutory law, case law and federal and state regulations using online research databases, such as Westlaw and print sources.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Researched and analyzed legal issues and cases to provide accurate advice to clients.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Created weekly, monthly, and quarterly expense reports.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Theater
California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA05.2016
Some College (No Degree) - Business Law
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CASkills
- Analysis
- Arbitration
- Branding Process
- Civil Law
- Communication
- Competition Law
- Conducting Research
- Construction Law
- Contract Review
- Corporate Law
- Court Reporting
- Data Privacy Law
- Data Protection
- Debt Collection
- Discovery Skill
- Document Filing
- Document Preparation
- EnCase
- FCC filings and proceedings
- File System
- Intellectual Property
- Internal Audit
- International Trade
- Key Performance Indicator
- Legal Instrument
- Legal Research
- Media Law
- Microsoft 365
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Negotiating
- Ofcom Broadcasting Code
- Partnership
- Planning Process
- Presentation
- Progress Reporting
- Public Law
- Regulatory Compliance
- Report Generation
- Risk Management
- Salesforce software experience
- Single Point of Contact
- Spoken languages
- State Laws
- Teamwork
- Trademark filing (USPTO), Copyright office, and WIPO
- Trial Preparation
- Westlaw Software
- Legal Compliance
- Dispute Resolution
- Price Structuring
- Purchasing
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Proposal Writing
- Process Management
- Procurement Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Contract Administration
- Vendor Relations
- Contract drafting
- Data Entry
- Verbal Communication
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Organizational Skills
- Public Speaking
- Project Planning
- Microsoft Office
- Interpersonal Communication
- Trial Preparation
- Westlaw Software
- Legal Compliance
- Dispute Resolution
- Price Structuring
- Purchasing
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Proposal Writing
- Process Management
- Procurement Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Contract Administration
- Vendor Relations
- Contract drafting
- Data Entry
- Verbal Communication
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Organizational Skills
- Public Speaking
- Project Planning
- Microsoft Office
- Interpersonal Communication
- Documentation skills
- Inventory management skills
- Team building
Certification
- NJCP (Paralegal Certification 2020)
- Notary Public, NJ
Personal Information
Title: SENIOR CONTRACTS MANAGER & CERTIFIED PARALEGAL
Languages
French
Limited Working
Portuguese
Professional Working
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Contracts Manager
VIACOM/PARAMOUNT
08.2020 - Current
Corporate Paralegal
SCARINCI HOLLENBECK
09.2019 - 03.2020
Paralegal
CLARK GULDIN ATTORNEYS AT LAW
06.2016 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Theater
California State University Northridge
Some College (No Degree) - Business Law
University of California Los Angeles
- NJCP (Paralegal Certification 2020)
- Notary Public, NJ
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