DATOYA BURTIN-COX
Oak Park,IL
Summary
Certified legal professional and experienced administrative hearing officer with a strong background in conflict resolution, mediation-style dispute facilitation, and administrative law. Proven ability to analyze complex cases, identify key issues, and guide parties toward mutually acceptable outcomes. Extensive experience interpreting and applying state and federal law, conducting administrative hearings, drafting legal documentation, and managing high-volume caseloads. Skilled at communicating with individuals in conflict, facilitating productive discussions, and preparing case records using digital case management systems and virtual meeting platforms.
Experienced Contract Attorney equipped with excellent persuasion techniques and capacity to remain objective and civil during court proceedings. Over 20 years serving corporate and private clients with legal requirements. Astute supporter of negotiations.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract Attorney
Illinois Department of Public Health
Chicago
04.2023 - 04.2024
- Drafted and reviewed complex legal agreements while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements.
- Conducted legal research and provided analysis supporting policy implementation and compliance initiatives.
- Collaborated with state officials and program stakeholders to clarify legal issues and develop solutions to regulatory challenges.
- Prepared written legal documentation and reports related to public health initiatives and regulatory compliance.
Township Clerk
Oak Park Township
Oak Park, IL
09.2021 - 01.2024
- Maintained official township records while ensuring compliance with state laws, document retention policies, and FOIA requirements.
- Served as a liaison between government officials and the public, addressing inquiries and explaining legal procedures and municipal policies.
- Managed election administration processes, including voter registration and legal compliance with election regulations.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders to resolve procedural and administrative issues.
- Managed municipal records, ensuring compliance with state regulations and local policies.
- Coordinated public meetings, facilitating community engagement and transparent communication.
- Developed and implemented efficient filing systems for vital township documents.
- Oversaw election processes, ensuring accuracy in voter registration and ballot management.
Assistant Program Director
Pro Bono Network
Chicago, IL
08.2021 - 03.2023
- Developed and implemented policies for a legal services program providing assistance to underserved populations.
- Coordinated case management processes and supervised legal service delivery to ensure ethical and effective representation.
- Assisted individuals experiencing legal disputes by connecting them with appropriate legal resources and facilitating resolution pathways.
- Prepared program reports, analyzed case outcomes, and recommended improvements to operational processes.
- Coordinated program development initiatives to enhance community engagement and service delivery.
- Facilitated training sessions for volunteers, improving operational effectiveness and participant satisfaction.
- Developed strategic partnerships with local organizations to expand pro bono service offerings.
- Managed project timelines and deliverables, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and stakeholder expectations.
- Reviewed program outcomes and recommended enhancements to drive continuous improvement in service quality.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement innovative solutions addressing client needs and service gaps.
Manager, Administrative Adjudication
City of Chicago – Department of Administrative Hearings
Chicago, IL
01.2019 - 07.2020
- Managed administrative hearing operations and facilitated dispute resolution in matters involving municipal code violations.
- Oversaw high-volume caseloads and ensured hearings were conducted in accordance with procedural fairness and applicable law.
- Drafted and reviewed adjudication decisions and legal determinations based on factual findings and applicable regulations.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced case backlogs and improved case processing efficiency.
- Oversaw administrative hearings, ensuring compliance with legal standards and procedural integrity.
- Streamlined case management processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing turnaround times for decisions.
- Led training sessions for staff on regulatory updates and best practices in administrative law.
- Developed strategic initiatives to improve customer service outcomes within the department's operations.
- Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration to address complex case issues and promote information sharing.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify trends and recommend process improvements to leadership.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team capabilities in case handling.
- Implemented technology solutions to support workflow optimization and improve data accuracy in case records.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
- Streamlined project delivery processes, significantly reducing time to market for new product launches.
- Fostered partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing company's reputation and creating new business opportunities.
- Achieved significant cost savings by renegotiating contracts with key vendors, without compromising service quality.
- Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers, cutting operational costs while maintaining quality of service.
- Spearheaded transition to remote work during global health crisis, ensuring business continuity and employee safety.
- Developed comprehensive risk management plan, minimizing potential disruptions to business operations.
- Developed and executed marketing strategies that effectively communicated brand values, increasing brand recognition.
- Implemented customer feedback mechanisms to gather insights, using this information to guide strategic planning and decision-making.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores by overhauling customer service protocols and training staff in customer engagement techniques.
- Managed budget allocations to prioritize spending on high-impact projects, optimizing resource utilization.
- Conducted market research to identify customer needs and adjusted product offerings accordingly, increasing customer satisfaction.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Increased market share with strategic business development efforts, expanding into untapped markets.
- Organized professional development programs for staff, leading to improved performance and skill sets.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade technology infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and data security.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies, leading to more efficient project completion.
- Facilitated team brainstorming sessions that led to innovative solutions for long-standing operational challenges.
- Enhanced product quality by instituting rigorous quality control procedures, resulting in fewer customer complaints.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Senior Hearing Officer
City of Chicago – Department of Administrative Hearings
Chicago, IL
03.2017 - 01.2019
- Conducted administrative hearings, evaluated evidence, and issued written determinations in contested matters.
- Facilitated dialogue between parties to clarify disputes and identify potential resolutions prior to formal determinations.
- Mentored and supervised junior hearing officers, improving consistency in legal analysis and case resolution practices.
- Evaluated evidence and testimony to render fair decisions on administrative hearings.
- Conducted comprehensive reviews of case files to ensure thorough understanding of legal standards.
- Facilitated hearings, managing courtroom procedures and maintaining order throughout sessions.
- Drafted detailed written decisions reflecting legal reasoning and applicable regulations.
- Collaborated with city officials to develop policies enhancing administrative hearing processes.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior staff on hearing procedures and best practices.
- Analyzed trends in case outcomes to recommend improvements in operational efficiency.
- Represented department at community outreach events, educating the public on administrative law processes.
- Demonstrated commitment to upholding principles of natural justice and procedural fairness in all aspects of my work, contributing to a high standard of decision-making within the organization.
- Facilitated open communication between opposing parties, fostering understanding and encouraging resolution outside of formal hearings when possible.
- Mentored junior Hearing Officers through training sessions and one-on-one guidance to improve their skills in dispute resolution.
- Promoted fairness through consistent application of rules, policies, and precedents during all hearing proceedings.
- Participated proactively in ongoing education activities aimed at staying current with evolving legislation affecting administrative tribunal operations.
- Managed sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality as required by law or organizational policy.
- Navigated complex legal issues skillfully using comprehensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks applicable within specific industries or sectors.
- Provided clear and concise written decisions, detailing the rationale behind each verdict for future reference.
- Maintained productive working relationships with colleagues, legal counsel, and other stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations within the tribunal environment.
- Ensured accessibility of hearing processes by adapting communication strategies and accommodating diverse needs of parties appearing before me as Hearing Officer.
- Evaluated evidence presented during hearings rigorously to determine its relevance and credibility before making informed decisions based on facts at hand.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to gather relevant information for decision-making in complex cases.
- Ensured timely case resolutions by managing a heavy caseload and prioritizing urgent matters effectively.
- Improved the hearing process by streamlining documentation and implementing digital record-keeping solutions.
- Enhanced public trust in the hearing process by consistently demonstrating impartiality, integrity, and professionalism throughout my tenure as a Hearing Officer.
- Enhanced overall efficiency by reviewing existing policies and procedures, recommending improvements where necessary.
- Maintained legal compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines while overseeing hearings.
- Developed professional expertise by attending seminars, workshops, and conferences relating to administrative law practices.
- Conducted thorough research on pertinent laws and regulations to ensure accurate rulings in each case.
- Resolved disputes by conducting fair and impartial hearings, ensuring a just outcome for all parties involved.
- Evaluated fairness of trials to identify and remove bias and protect rights of every involved party.
- Evaluated physical and digital records, testimony and reports in order to weigh both support and opposition to proposals.
- Collected public input on proposed changes and gave appropriate weight to provided opinions.
- Articulated opinions and binding decisions through public presentations and written documentation.
Education
Juris Doctor -
John Marshall Law School (now UIC School of Law)
Chicago, IL01.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL05.2000
Skills
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Effective Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Organizational Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Conflict Management
- Client Relationship Management
- Attention to Detail
- Ethical Judgment
- Collaboration
- Mediation & Conflict Resolution
- Administrative Hearings & Dispute Facilitation
- Case Analysis & Issue Identification
- Negotiation & Settlement Discussions
- Legal Research & Policy Interpretation
- Human Rights & Consumer Protection Law
- Case File Preparation & Documentation
- Virtual Meeting Facilitation (WebEx / Zoom)
- Stakeholder Communication
- Microsoft Office Suite & Adobe
- Case Management Systems
- Written Correspondence & Legal Drafting
- Legal writing
- Legal advice
- Legal research
- Document review
- Dispute resolution
- Litigation support
- Trial experience
- Legal analysis
- Case analysis
- Document preparation
- Legal advisory
- Investigation skills
- Reviewing documents
- Settlement negotiation
- Client counseling
- Oral debate
- Strategy development
- Dispute arbitration
- Evaluating documents
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Contract Attorney
Illinois Department of Public Health
04.2023 - 04.2024
Township Clerk
Oak Park Township
09.2021 - 01.2024
Assistant Program Director
Pro Bono Network
08.2021 - 03.2023
Manager, Administrative Adjudication
City of Chicago – Department of Administrative Hearings
01.2019 - 07.2020
Senior Hearing Officer
City of Chicago – Department of Administrative Hearings
03.2017 - 01.2019
Juris Doctor -
John Marshall Law School (now UIC School of Law)
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Illinois Wesleyan University