Jennifer Midura D'Amour
Somers
Summary
Seasoned Corporate Counsel with a proven track record at Big Y Foods, Inc., specializing in corporate law and real estate transactions. Excelled in risk assessment and relationship building, significantly enhancing compliance and efficiency. Skilled in legal research and writing, adept at negotiating and dispute resolution. Achieved cost reductions and fostered integrity across operations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Counsel
Big Y Foods, Inc.
2145 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA
11.2010 - 04.2024
- Advised executive team on corporate governance, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Assisted in developing a robust ethics program promoting adherence to company values and fostering a culture of integrity throughout the organization.
- Negotiated favorable contracts by analyzing legal risks and creating strategic solutions to protect company interests.
- Proactively identified potential areas of liability through risk assessments protecting the organization from costly penalties or lawsuits.
- Coordinated internal investigations to address potential compliance issues promptly and thoroughly.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and legislative changes that impacted the organization''s operations.
- Streamlined contract management system, enhancing efficiency in tracking, reviewing, and renewing agreements.
- Managed outside counsel relationships, optimizing resources and controlling expenses effectively.
- Reduced litigation costs through effective mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods.
- Guided sales teams in structuring deals that met both revenue targets while adhering to legal requirements maintaining long-term profitability.
- Ensured timely response to subpoenas and other legal requests, safeguarding company reputation and minimizing potential fines or penalties.
- Mitigated risk exposure by conducting thorough due diligence during mergers and acquisitions processes.
- Reviewed advertising materials for compliance with applicable laws to minimize risk exposure from false or misleading statements.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements for business growth.
- Led the creation of standard form contracts streamlining negotiations and saving time for both legal and business teams.
- Provided training sessions on legal topics to various departments within the company, increasing awareness of potential risks.
- Advised senior executives through major decisions and follow-up litigations.
- Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
- Developed strategies for court proceedings and negotiations.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
- Reviewed and negotiated real estate agreements including leases, purchase and sale documents and ancillary documents; worked with lease administration on property management issues.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive legal policies for protection of intellectual property rights, securing company assets.
Associate
Egan, Flanagan & Cohen P.C.
67 Market Street, Springfield, MA
06.2004 - 08.2010
- Facilitated smooth real estate transactions by coordinating with brokers, lenders, appraisers, inspectors, and other relevant parties.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms for clients, resulting in reduced costs and better protection of their interests.
- Reduced potential litigation risks for clients by conducting thorough title searches and resolving property disputes.
- Assisted in the successful closing of numerous residential and commercial properties through meticulous attention to detail.
- Drafted easements and restrictive covenants tailored to specific client needs while preserving property rights and value.
- Conducted legal research on relevant case laws, statutes, and regulations to provide well-informed counsel to clients.
- Enhanced client satisfaction with timely communication and providing sound legal advice on various real estate matters.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks and keeping organized records of case materials.
- Developed strong working relationships with opposing counsel, fostering a collaborative environment for dispute resolution.
- Participated in mediation sessions leading to cost-effective resolutions without resorting to lengthy trial procedures.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
- Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
- Presented compelling oral arguments in court hearings and trials that resulted in favorable rulings for clients.
Associate
Cooley Shrair P.C.
1380 Main Street, Springfield, MA
11.2001 - 06.2004
- Conducted thorough legal research to support case arguments and inform litigation strategy decisions.
- Drafted persuasive motions and briefs, contributing to successful rulings in favor of clients.
- Prepared clients for depositions and trial testimony, enhancing their credibility as key witnesses.
- Presented compelling arguments during trial proceedings, securing favorable verdicts on behalf of clients.
- Reduced client liability through meticulous analysis of legal documents and evidence.
- Maintained open lines of communication with clients throughout the entire litigation process, ensuring they were well-informed about developments affecting their cases.
- Negotiated favorable settlements for clients by leveraging strong communication and persuasion skills.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
- Researched, wrote and filed motions, writs and briefs for each case.
Legal Intern
Cooley Shrair P.C.
1380 Main Street, Springfield, MA
06.1999 - 11.2001
- Attended court hearings for observing legal proceedings and taking notes for future reference.
- Provided support during client interviews to gather pertinent information.
- Conducted thorough legal research by utilizing online databases and library resources.
- Coordinated meetings to gather information and clarify client objectives.
- Managed case files efficiently, ensuring easy accessibility for attorneys when needed.
- Shadowed experienced lawyers during client meetings, gaining valuable insight into attorney-client relationships and effective communication techniques.
- Maintained strict confidentiality with sensitive information related to client matters; preserving trust between the firm and its clients.
- Analyzed statutes and regulations relevant to specific cases; providing additional context necessary for successful arguments.
Education
J.D. -
Western New England University School of Law
Springfield, MA05-2001
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amherst, MA05-1998
Skills
- Real estate transactions
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Dispute resolution
- Litigation management
- Corporate law
- Relationship building
- Risk assessment
- Litigation experience
- Contract review and negotiation
2021 Woman of Influence in the Food Industry
Named by The Griffin Report, a leading food trade newspaper, as a leading executive in the legal field that made an defining impact at Big Y Foods, Inc.
Timeline
Corporate Counsel
Big Y Foods, Inc.
11.2010 - 04.2024
Associate
Egan, Flanagan & Cohen P.C.
06.2004 - 08.2010
Associate
Cooley Shrair P.C.
11.2001 - 06.2004
Legal Intern
Cooley Shrair P.C.
06.1999 - 11.2001
J.D. -
Western New England University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Massachusetts, Amherst