Lanesa Downs
Dallas,TX
Summary
Dedicated legal professional skilled in fostering positive and trusting client relationships with a well-established knowledge of law and over 8 years of experience in research, legal analysis, legal drafting and skilled at creatively solving problems. Also accomplished in project management, leadership and team collaboration.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Attorney
Henry Oddo Austin & Fletcher A Professional Corpo
10.2021 - Current
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Drafted numerous amendments to governing documents for corporations and prepared over 100 policies, Bylaws, and other rules and regulations.
- Assessed cases for probable outcomes by researching black letter law and other legal authority, comparing fact patterns to those of precedential cases.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Provided legal advice to homeowners association's Board of Directors and management companies.
- Tracked and researched developing precedent and legislation in POA law to maintain expertise and best advise and advocate for clients.
- Attended hearings as representative of nonprofit corporate entities.
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and compliance with Texas legislation.
- Translated complex legal issues into understandable terms.
- Negotiated and drafted various contracts including service contracts, employment contracts, NDA and settlement agreements.
- Performed wide range of legal work as general counsel for multiple Boards.
- Met tight deadlines and effectively managed multiple priorities using strong organizational skills.
Legal Liaison
FirstService Residential
Dallas, TX
04.2018 - 05.2020
- Managed legal systems for both short and traditional real estate transactions
- Designed and implemented work processes and compliance procedures
- Audited over 3000 accounts for legal issues and facilitated debt settlement
- Collected, prepared and filed bankruptcy petitions on behalf of Company
- Researched best strategy for legal and
- Client
- Support Very Good compliance issues related to HOA laws
- Supervised and reviewed administrative team assistant.
- Collected and analyzed data and feedback to identify opportunities to improve relationship between other entities and business.
- Generated comprehensive reports regarding incidents, events and important business matters.
Associate Attorney
Marc Francis Ramsey & Company
Kingston
01.2016 - 04.2017
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines
- Resolved post-judgment litigation settlements and default judgment orders in favor of clients
- Reviewed and prepared corporate formation documents, shareholder and partnership agreements
- Appeared in court to file documents, attend hearings represent clients, attend mediations and conferences
- Drafted over 50 employment contracts and operational guidelines for organizations.
- Drafted entity formation documents on clients' behalf.
Associate Attorney
Duncan Ellis & Company
Kingston
01.2015 - 09.2015
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines
- Advised clients on estate planning strategies
- Managed probate administration process by preparing and filing initial documents and advised personal representatives on distribution of decedent assets
- Aided more than twenty homeowners in resolving landownership disputes
- Resolved post-judgment litigation settlements and default judgment orders in favor of clients.
- Drafted and prepared sale of land agreements.
Paralegal Manager
The Ifill Law Group
Savannah, GA
03.2017 - 03.2018
- Assessed proposed actions and employee conduct for potential liability and offered suggestions for risk management and remedy
- Drafted legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles and codes
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases
- Supervised team of 2 paralegals, and other legal personnel in conduct of legal and administrative business
- Adept in compliance rules and procedures for
- HIPAA, ADA and FMLA.
Volunteer Paralegal
Judge Advocate General
Hinesville, GA
02.2017 - 08.2017
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation and information for discovery request
- Drafted family law articles for Military newspaper
- Assisted with research for installation of drug court on military base
- Aided multiple attorneys by researching records and documents for case details and drafted legal briefs, motions and pleadings.
Board Member
Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Library
Kingston
03.2016 - 04.2017
- Offered expertise on employee and business development plans to enhance implementation, and routine oversight
- Informed members of legal and fiduciary duties owed and assisted with compliance
- Reviewed quarterly budget and suggested marketing strategies to improve library's fiscal performance by 50%
- Organized and assisted with community social initiatives with aim of building library's presence in and around community
- Led marketing sub team in delivery of library re- branding project, resulting in 40% increase in library use.
Education
Master of Laws - undefined
Texas A&M University School of Law
Master of Science - Contracts Management and Procurement
Oregon State University
Legal Education Certificate, LEC - undefined
Norman Manley School of Law
Bachelor of Law, LLB - undefined
University of The West Indies
Skills
- Legal Compliance
- Legal Research and Review
- Contract Review and Negotiation
- Legal Interpretation and Adaptation
- Legal Counseling
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Real Estate Law
- Project Management
Timeline
Associate Attorney
Henry Oddo Austin & Fletcher A Professional Corpo
10.2021 - Current
Legal Liaison
FirstService Residential
04.2018 - 05.2020
Paralegal Manager
The Ifill Law Group
03.2017 - 03.2018
Volunteer Paralegal
Judge Advocate General
02.2017 - 08.2017
Board Member
Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Library
03.2016 - 04.2017
Associate Attorney
Marc Francis Ramsey & Company
01.2016 - 04.2017
Associate Attorney
Duncan Ellis & Company
01.2015 - 09.2015
Master of Laws - undefined
Texas A&M University School of Law
Master of Science - Contracts Management and Procurement
Oregon State University
Legal Education Certificate, LEC - undefined
Norman Manley School of Law
Bachelor of Law, LLB - undefined
University of The West Indies
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