Deirdre M. Stephens, Esq.
Attorney
HOUSTON,TX
Summary
Seasoned employment law and operational expert with an in depth knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations in the areas of FLSA, FMLA, ADA and Title VII compliance. A proven track record in tackling comprehensive labor law and human resource issues while leading transformative initiatives and enhancing organizational development and compliance to maximize company growth and profitability.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Managing Member
The Of Counsel Law Group, LLC
Houston, TX
08.2023 - Current
- Oversee operational management of the firm, including regulatory compliance, forecasting, and analysis, ensuring fiscal responsibility and profitability.
- Create comprehensive policies to align HR initiatives with overall business goals and objectives.
- Improve operational performance through continuous process improvement initiatives and best practice implementation.
- Analyze market trends and competitor performance to inform strategic decision-making processes within the organization.
- Keep current on legislative issues, statutes and decisions that affect company interests.
- Prepare and review contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
- Conduct research and analysis of specific legal questions and advise business on variety of legal areas.
- Evaluate potential risks associated with business transactions and provided strategic counsel accordingly.
- Develop comprehensive risk management policies and procedures to ensure the company's long-term stability and success.
Chief Operating Officer
Harris Global, LLC
Atlanta, Georgia
05.2013 - 08.2023
- Began as Employment Law Legal Consultant in 2013 and transitioned to COO in 2018. Assumed all HR duties during and post Pandemic.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations across Three (3) companies underneath the umbrella of Harris Global, LLC, ensuring timely delivery of projects and streamlined workflows.
- Streamlined operations by implementing efficient processes and systems, leading to increased productivity and cost savings.
- Formulated strategic plans aligning with overall company vision; setting achievable short and long-term goals to drive growth and profitability.
- Negotiated contracts and agreements to secure favorable terms and maximize profits.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Led successful change management initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during periods of organizational transformation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop solutions for complex business challenges faced by the organization.
- Oversaw internal investigations into alleged misconduct, ensuring prompt resolution while preserving company reputation.
- Drafted clear and concise contracts that minimized ambiguities and protected the company''s interests in all transactions.
- Resolved complex disputes through effective mediation strategies, avoiding costly litigation expenses.
- Advised senior leadership on regulatory matters to ensure adherence to changing laws and regulations.
- Conducted comprehensive research to support legal proceedings, formulate defenses and initiate legal action.
Employment Law Legal Consultant
Independent Contractor - Self Employed
Atlanta, GA
02.2012 - 05.2013
- Developed tailored risk mitigation plans to safeguard clients' interests and minimize potential liabilities.
- Mitigated legal risks by proactively identifying gaps in existing policies and recommending improvements for clients.
- Reduced the risk of financial penalties by conducting thorough internal audits on a regular basis for over 30 clients.
- Spearheaded investigations into potential violations, promptly addressing issues to maintain client's reputation and avoid sanctions.
- Designed risk assessment frameworks to evaluate organizational vulnerabilities and prioritize areas requiring attention.
- Implemented successful remediation efforts following audit findings, minimizing adverse consequences for the organization.
- Advised senior management on strategic planning initiatives, incorporating compliance considerations into decision-making processes.
- Enhanced regulatory compliance by auditing and revising company policies and procedures.
- Enhanced decision-making, providing senior management with detailed compliance risk assessments and recommendations.
- Reduced legal risks, conducting regular compliance audits and ensuring clients could adhere to laws and regulations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.
- Advised clients on potential risks associated with specific actions or decisions based on thorough evaluation of the legal landscape.
- Developed creative legal solutions to resolve disputes efficiently while maintaining client satisfaction for over 30 New Business Owners.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
Partner- Employment Law Litigation Department
Morgan and Morgan, PA
Atlanta, GA
03.2007 - 12.2011
- Balanced multiple priorities while managing diverse case portfolio including wage and hour, Title VII and Constitutional Law cases, consistently achieving positive results for hundreds clients.
- Conducted thorough legal research to support case arguments and inform litigation strategy decisions.
- Enhanced firm reputation through successful representation in complex litigation matters involving high-profile parties or significant monetary value.
- Presented compelling arguments during trial proceedings, securing favorable verdicts on behalf of clients.
- Developed creative legal solutions to resolve disputes efficiently while maintaining client satisfaction.
- Skillfully negotiated agreements between opposing parties, reaching mutually beneficial resolutions without escalating conflicts further into litigation.
- Drafted persuasive motions and briefs, contributing to successful rulings in favor of clients.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Researched, wrote and filed motions, writs and briefs for each case.
- Developed strategies for court proceedings and negotiations.
Education
J.D. -
Emory University School Of Law
Atlanta, GA 08.2024 - 06.1996
Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature
Spelman College
Atlanta, GA 08.1989 - 05.1996
Skills
Operations Management
Employment law compliance
HR policies and procedures
Organizational Development
EEO Compliance
FLSA Compliance
Strategic Planning
Regulatory Compliance
Problem-solving abilities
Certification
Licensed State Bar of Texas
Timeline
J.D. -
Emory University School Of Law
08.2024 - 06.1996
Managing Member
The Of Counsel Law Group, LLC
08.2023 - Current
Chief Operating Officer
Harris Global, LLC
05.2013 - 08.2023
Employment Law Legal Consultant
Independent Contractor - Self Employed
02.2012 - 05.2013
Partner- Employment Law Litigation Department
Morgan and Morgan, PA
03.2007 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature
Spelman College
08.1989 - 05.1996
Licensed State Bar of Texas
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