KaShay Watson
Chicago,IL
Summary
Detail-oriented legal professional and proven experience supporting attorneys and legal teams in fast-paced
environments across the real estate, telecommunications, and construction industries. Skilled in contract review, lease and title analysis,
due diligence coordination, and legal document preparation. Adept at managing calendars, travel arrangements, and client
communication with professionalism and discretion. Highly proficient in document management systems and legal compliance
procedures. Known for balancing precision and efficiency while delivering high-level administrative and operational legal support.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, Teams), Adobe Creative Suite, IBM Tririga, Co-Star, Salesforce, Lexis Nexis,
SharePoint, Westlaw
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
Brainbox Literacy Academy
03.2022 - 11.2024
- Oversaw all aspects of daily program operations, including team leadership, budget management, scheduling, curriculum delivery and stakeholder communication. Managed a team of 12+ staff and volunteers, implementing performance standards and training protocols. Collected and analyzed student performance data to guide strategic improvements. Spearheaded promotional strategies resulting in a 40% increase in program enrollment. Budgeted and procured supplies for program setup and execution.
New Restaurant Development and Modernization Legal Team Real Estate Paralegal + Project Manager
McDonald's Corporation
09.2019 - 01.2022
- Performed over 25 legal clearance reviews to facilitate the remodeling or closing of existing McDonald's restaurant locations. Worked closely with Restaurant Development staff in the coordination of all renovation projects, digital menu boards, and site plan approvals for renovations and additions. Reviewed, analyzed and draft contracts, leases, title, survey and other legal documents. Prepared ancillary transaction documents such as escrow instructions, estoppel certificates, deeds, easements, memorandum of leases, restrictive covenants, and non-disturbance agreements. Handled property management matters, including maintenance issues, legal correspondence to landlords, and construction-related issues. Reviewed lease agreements and abstract surveys to ensure compliance. Supported clients in obtaining necessary approvals to meet deadlines. Monitored legal clearance and modernization mailbox daily. Provided legal administrative assistance to legal staff. Ensured tort issues are clear prior to granting legal clearances. Updated Control Spreadsheet for both modernization and non-modernization sites. Organized and verify legal clearance grants in One Note. Processed over 30 executed legal release requests for construction a month. Notified specific regions of all phases of legal clearance process.
- Developed an Excel macro that standardized the contract routing process and updated reporting templates resulting in efficient data collection and reduced turnaround time by 30%.
Site Acquisition Project Manager
SAC Wireless
04.2018 - 06.2019
- Overseen over 80 site projects across all phases of development. Monitored workflow and management of project schedule; made timeline adjustments as needed. Supported dynamic regional/market assignments of all aspects of Acquisition, Zoning, A&E and NTP deliverables. Performed over 20 soft audits monthly (scope of work, lease/amendments review, leverage Z&P Analysis, file audit). Prepared and submitted over 30 notice letters to property owners as required. Obtained property owner consent as required. Monitor project hours and costs against the project estimates and budget. Coordinated any fees required for zoning, permitting fees, and site visits. Obtained any necessary due diligence from site or property owners and confirm leasing, zoning, permitting, and environmental compliance. Negotiated and coordinated execution of 40+ agreements, leases, access and utility easements, and amendments. Supported client and general contractors in obtaining Zoning and Permitting approvals as necessary. Supported Regional Leasing Lead with managing any required outsourced vendor for Zoning or Permitting requirements as needed. Collaborated with other departments to establish project approach and pull through the work from job activation to end delivery. Maintained milestone completion forecasts in client's database and Tasks within that database.
Client Operations Manager
SMS Assist
04.2016 - 04.2018
- Identified, researched and resolved client issues by utilizing our online system and database. Monitored and respond to commitments for clients and Affiliates. Implemented processes that reduced average ticket cost by 25% and increased in field team productivity by 30% that resulted in improved resident maintenance experience. Exceeded KPIs of the Client Relations Operations Project Coordinator role, which were defined by call volume, length of call, and client satisfaction. Field incoming calls from clients and determine the best approach to a solution. Led onboarding for 15+ new client accounts, accelerating contract execution. Developed a positive rapport with SMS Assist’s clients and Affiliates that ensures overall satisfaction. Maintained open communication with Affiliates in a manner that adheres to all contracts and scope of work. Resolved or escalate disputes for unsatisfied service confirmations of clients and/or Affiliates. Worked cross-functionally with other teams and departments to ensure work orders were processed successfully.
Education
Paralegal Studies Certificate - Litigation and Corporate and Practice
Loyola University
Chicago, IL01.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Spelman College
Atlanta, GA01.2014
Skills
- Skilled in drafting legal documents including contracts and leases
- Proven ability to manage high caseloads and prioritize tasks effectively under tight deadlines
- Strong understanding of e-discovery and litigation support software, with proficiency in tools like Lexis Nexis and Westlaw
- Expert at collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth functionality of organizational processes
- Demonstrated success in devising strategic solutions to resolve internal concerns and improve team satisfaction rates
- Legal research
- Proficient in MS office
- Case management
- Client communication
- Document preparation
- Contract review
- Corporate law
- Correspondence and legal forms
- LexisNexis
Timeline
Program Manager
Brainbox Literacy Academy
03.2022 - 11.2024
New Restaurant Development and Modernization Legal Team Real Estate Paralegal + Project Manager
McDonald's Corporation
09.2019 - 01.2022
Site Acquisition Project Manager
SAC Wireless
04.2018 - 06.2019
Client Operations Manager
SMS Assist
04.2016 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Spelman College
Paralegal Studies Certificate - Litigation and Corporate and Practice
Loyola University
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