Jennifer VanderMark
Harrison Township,Michigan
Summary
Experienced and compassionate legal professional with more than six years of probate experience seeking to take on the challenges of a new role. Proven skills in legal writing, attending court proceedings, and forming professional relationships. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with experience in public speaking, facilitating trainings, and engaging the community.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Attorney - Adult Advocate
The Arc of Macomb County
02.2019 - Current
- Legal support for Guardianship Department with approximately 270 wards
- File petitions, draft responses, attend guardianship hearings
- Assist low income and disabled individuals navigate public benefit systems
- Represent clients in Medicaid Fair Hearings
- Provide in depth benefits counseling to Social Security beneficiaries as a Certified Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC)
- Assist families with the guardianship process
- Draft and facilitate Powers of Attorney as an alternative to guardianship
- Public speaking engagements
Student Attorney
Wayne State University Disability Law Clinic
08.2011 - 12.2011
- Appealed denial of Social Security Disability benefits for clients
- Conducted client intake interviews, determined viable cause of action, made referrals
- Wrote legal memoranda and motions, observed court hearings
Adoption Specialist
Orchards Children's Services
10.2008 - 04.2010
- Facilitated state ward adoptions
- Completed detailed adoption home studies
- Wrote court reports and participated in court proceedings
- Supervised adoption placements
Supports Coordinator
Wayne County Community Living Services
04.2007 - 10.2008
- Advocated for children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities
- Facilitated meetings, created service plans, coordinated supports and services
- Collaborated with community resources
Adoption Director
Orchards Children's Services
10.2005 - 04.2007
- Supervised staff, conducted interviews, hired employees
- Developed and facilitated training
- Attended state meetings and served on agency committees
- Stepped down to focus on law school
Adoption Specialist
Orchards Children's Services
03.2003 - 10.2005
Adoption Case Manager
Adoption Associates, Inc.
09.2002 - 03.2003
- Assessed adoptive families, supported pregnant women through the adoption process
- Wrote court reports, prepared legal documents, attended court hearings
Adoption Specialist
Orchards Children's Services
08.2001 - 09.2002
Child and Family Worker
Orchards Children's Services
10.2000 - 08.2001
- Monitored foster home placements
- Assisted parents with completing court ordered treatment plans to achieve reunification
- Wrote detailed reports, filed permanent custody petitions, testified in court proceedings
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, MI12.2011
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - undefined
Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI05.1999
Skills
- Clear and concise communicator
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Legal writing
- Public benefits law
- Guardianship
- Public speaking
- Compassionate and kind
Certification
- State Bar of Michigan, P76020
- Notary Public for the State of Michigan
- Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC)
Timeline
Attorney - Adult Advocate
The Arc of Macomb County
02.2019 - Current
Student Attorney
Wayne State University Disability Law Clinic
08.2011 - 12.2011
Adoption Specialist
Orchards Children's Services
10.2008 - 04.2010
Supports Coordinator
Wayne County Community Living Services
04.2007 - 10.2008
Adoption Director
Orchards Children's Services
10.2005 - 04.2007
Adoption Specialist
Orchards Children's Services
03.2003 - 10.2005
Adoption Case Manager
Adoption Associates, Inc.
09.2002 - 03.2003
Adoption Specialist
Orchards Children's Services
08.2001 - 09.2002
Child and Family Worker
Orchards Children's Services
10.2000 - 08.2001
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - undefined
Spring Arbor University
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
Wayne State University Law School
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