Kate Swanson
Maple Grove,MN
Summary
Legal and Executive Administrative professional with 18+ years of experience supporting legal, corporate, and operations teams. Expertise in legal operations, IP administration, policy development, and process improvement with a strong record of optimizing workflows and supporting cross functional teams.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Operations Specialist II/IP Administration
Honeywell
01.2024 - Current
- Serve as Secretary for the Intellectual Property and Policy & Procedure Committees
- Draft and maintain policies and procedures; prepare agendas, record minutes, and track action items
- Manage intellectual property docketing and NDA processes
- Authorized signatory for select non-disclosure agreements; implemented workflow improvements and streamline NDA tracking
- Provide direct administrative and operational support to executive leadership and senior stakeholders
- Facilitate new hire orientation for Law & Contracts
- Member of Emergency Response Team; Commissioned Notary Public
Legal Affairs Coordinator
MN Realtors
07.2023 - 03.2024
- Managed legal matters and case files
- Supported Professional Standards team and operated legal hotline
- Prepared committee materials and meeting minutes
- Assisted with new case management software implementation
- Enhanced administrative workflows
Executive Assistant
Barton, Walter & Krier, P.C.
02.2022 - 06.2023
- Processed tax returns and managed client intake
- Served as point of contact for new hires, helped design and implemented a more welcoming onboarding experience
- Created and distributed a quarterly firm newsletter to support internal communication and engagement
- Oversaw billing, invoicing, and firm communications
- Tracked CPE credits and CPA renewals
Business Operations Manager
The Waters on 50th
04.2020 - 09.2021
- Directed office operations and concierge staff
- Served as on-site HR point of contact, escalated employee and compliance matters to corporate HR as appropriate
- Managed payroll, invoices, and reimbursements
- Conducted onboarding and background checks
- Oversaw resident billing and reporting
Legal Administrative Assistant
Jack Link’s
07.2019 - 04.2020
- Implemented and maintained document management systems; managed contracts and legal records
- Coordinated international meetings and processed legal invoices and reimbursements
Executive Assistant
Thrivent Financial
03.2016 - 07.2019
- Supported executive leadership with complex calendaring, travel coordination and meeting logistics
- Maintained and updated internal databases related to financial and lending programs
Legal Administrative Assistant
General Mills, Inc.
09.2014 - 12.2015
- Supported litigation and trademark teams, managed docketing, billing, and legal documents
- Maintained case files, coordinated filings and ensured accuracy of legal records
Legal Administrative Assistant
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
02.2006 - 09.2014
- Provided administrative support across multiple legal practice groups, including litigation and IP
- Maintained SharePoint and document systems
Education
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) - Paralegal Studies
Minnesota School of Business
Plymouth, MNSkills
- Operational efficiency
- Planning and coordination
- Cross-functional communication
- Project management
- Human relations
- Process improvement
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Interpersonal skills
Timeline
Legal Operations Specialist II/IP Administration
Honeywell
01.2024 - Current
Legal Affairs Coordinator
MN Realtors
07.2023 - 03.2024
Executive Assistant
Barton, Walter & Krier, P.C.
02.2022 - 06.2023
Business Operations Manager
The Waters on 50th
04.2020 - 09.2021
Legal Administrative Assistant
Jack Link’s
07.2019 - 04.2020
Executive Assistant
Thrivent Financial
03.2016 - 07.2019
Legal Administrative Assistant
General Mills, Inc.
09.2014 - 12.2015
Legal Administrative Assistant
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
02.2006 - 09.2014
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) - Paralegal Studies
Minnesota School of Business