LAURILYN COOK-ARRINGTON

• Evaluate data protection practices at Bacardi. Undertake a systemic review of all the personal data Bacardi stores, manages, maintains, collects, processes and controls at all (GSC) Global Supply Chain facilities in the "Americas," to improve and perfect Bacardi's Data Privacy Protection practices.
• Provide education and training to employees at every level including HR, Management, Admin, Leadership, Production in Bacardi's Global Supply Chain (GSC/Operations) facilities in the "Americas" on “Data Privacy Protection” and the impact of Data Privacy Laws - GDPR (Global Data Protection Regulation) to raise awareness *****
• Developed and implemented tailored training programs that effectively educated blue collar workforce, leadership teams and Human Resources employees in Global Supply Chain on the importance of data protection privacy compliance and requirement for each role and position.
• Serve as the main point of contact within the organization for HR, Local Leadership, Management , Admin and all and relevant public authorities on issues related to data privacy awareness and training
• Conduct Data Privacy Protection Audits (Gap Analysis) to ensure that all personal data is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently and to identify issues of Data Protection risks and/or potential Data breaches for purposes of ensuring and implementing Compliance with Bacardi’s GDPR Global Data Protection Best Practices.
• Upgrade Bacardi’s Data Privacy Policies/Procedures to synchronize with GDPR Practices in the EU and to mitigate potential risk to Bacardi in anticipation of new Data Privacy Legislation in the United States including California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)
• Promote a culture of data protection and compliance across all units of the organization
• Educated and trained users on information security policies and procedures.
• Reviewed violations of computer security procedures and developed mitigation plans.
• Provide expert advice and educate employees on important data compliance requirements
• Draft new and amend existing internal data protection policies, guidelines, and procedures, in consultation with key stakeholders
• Deliver training across all business units to staff members who are involved in data handling or processing
• Maintain records of all data processing activities of the company

• Direct all aspects of Human Resources best practices, supporting entire life cycle of employee including recruitment, onboarding and orientation, performance evaluation, discipline, corrective action, separation from employment, staff training, benefits and employee engagement
• Provide expert and objective advice, coaching, and counsel to leadership on personnel policies and procedures, conflict resolution, change management, and organizational development while effectively mitigating business and company risk
• Guide management team on compliance with labor and employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to, OSHA, Fair Labor Standards Act/Wage and hour, National Labor Relations Act, Unemployment Compensation, Workers’ Compensation, FMLA, Americans with Disabilities Act, COBRA, Family, and Medical Leave Act, HIPAA, immigration, anti-discrimination laws, and any other laws related to personnel and human resources
• Assist in the selection, negotiation for, and administration of, all employee benefits including retirement and insurance plans
• Advise executive team in setting staff salaries and providing for changes in compensation
• Investigate claims, complaints, and grievances on issues including, harassment, discrimination, retaliation and workplace health and safety concerns
• Plan, organize and execute employee appreciation, wellness and recognition events such as holiday parties, charity/volunteer opportunities, team building events, awards ceremonies, wellness fairs, ongoing recognition programs, etc.
• Directed each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding. Interviewed potential hires, negotiated salaries and benefits and performed reference checks.
• Coordinated and worked with management on performance evaluations, supervisory practices, dispute resolution, and employee accountability.
• Maintained "open door" policy to encourage employee communications and resolution of issues.
• Collaborated on hiring and training of new employees, professional growth of staff and team building and motivation.
• Recommended appropriate resolutions to employee relations concerns and handled disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.
• Responsible for ensuring that Employee Handbook was current and updated regarding company policies, disciplinary procedures, code of conduct and benefits information.
• Met with employees annually for progress reviews and performance assessments.

• COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
• Employment/Labor Law
• Business Litigation/ Contracts/Partnerships
• Mergers/Acquisitions
• Intellectual Property
• Investor/Shareholder Disputes
• Employment Law Responsibilities :
• Employment Law Litigation Defense- Discrimination, State/Federal Law violations, FLSA issues
• Law firm provided in-house legal counsel on labor and employment related matters, including human resources issues, wage and hour law, workers’ compensation, unemployment and other state agency claims, labor relations, employee benefits, employment agreements and policy related issues
• Handled employment related litigation, grievances and arbitrations and assisted the General
• Counsel, Labor Relations and Human Resources Department of Corporate Client in HR matters and claims regarding wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, unfair labor practices, etc
• Provided legal support, investigation and training to Corporate Client to ensure compliance with all applicable State/Federallaws, regulationsand policiesregarding Employmentand Labor Law matters including:
• Identified and assessed legal risks and opportunities within the labor and employment area and advised accordingly
• Partner with Senior Leadership on strategic planning and organizational change
• Trial/Arbitration/Mediation- Preparation, Assistance and AttendanceSTATE/FEDERAL COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
• Construction Defect and Commercial Business Contract Disputes
• HR Duties:
• Navigate Covid19 HR Challenges - Managing Remote Work, Employee Wellness, Employee

• COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
• Employment/Labor Law
• Business Litigation/ Contracts/Partnerships
• Mergers/Acquisitions
• Intellectual Property
• Investor/Shareholder Disputes
• Employment Law Responsibilities :
• Employment Law Litigation Defense- Discrimination, State/Federal Law violations, FLSA issues
• Law firm provided in-house legal counsel on labor and employment related matters, including human resources issues, wage and hour law, workers’ compensation, unemployment and other state agency claims, labor relations, employee benefits, employment agreements and policy related issues
• Handled employment related litigation, grievances and arbitrations and assisted the General
• Counsel, Labor Relations and Human Resources Department of Corporate Client in HR matters and claims regarding wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, unfair labor practices, etc
• Provided legal support, investigation and training to Corporate Client to ensure compliance with all applicable State/Federallaws, regulationsand policiesregarding Employmentand Labor Law matters including:
• Identified and assessed legal risks and opportunities within the labor and employment area and advised accordingly
• Partner with Senior Leadership on strategic planning and organizational change
• Trial/Arbitration/Mediation- Preparation, Assistance and Attendance

Employment Law Litigation Defense- Discrimination, State/Federal Law violations

• Worked with Attorney legal teams to provide Clients defense counsel on labor and employment related matters, including employment law violations, human resources issues, wage and hour law, workers’ compensation, unemployment and other state agency claims, labor relations, employee benefits, employment agreements and policy related issues.