LORNA A. CANDLER
Attorney & Director
Lakewood,CO
Summary
Strategic thinker and collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of the Division of Private Occupational Schools
Colorado Department of Higher Education
01.2012 - Current
- Increased organizational and operational performance of the Division by 80% through restructuring personnel and advancing a project for a new information management system
- Establish innovative models and strategies to lead, oversee, and improve performance of nine-member staff
- Increase influence and accountability of the of seven-member Governor-appointed Board
- Promulgate rules and write policies that clarify business and legal requirements of over 320 small businesses
- Administer and improve all business issues including all regulatory and enforcement standards related to fiscal responsibility, ethical practices, and quality of services for over 320 businesses within Colorado
- Draft legislative bills, act as subject matter expert, promulgate policies and advocate for the Colorado Department of Higher Education system and students
- Testify before the legislature
- Prepare the Division for an audit of the Division and Board’s efficient and effective performance of statutory and business duties
- Manage the Division’s profits and losses through responsible and innovative budgeting.
Assistant Attorney General
Attorney General’s Office
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Managed 25 active matters weekly which increased response time by 50%
- Represented and advised the Board and Division of Private Occupational Schools and decreased noncompliance issues by 65% Managed school closures increasing efficiencies in process by 75%
- Promulgated rules, wrote policies and memoranda, and resolved complaints
- Counseled clients and trained various parties to ensure legal and regulatory compliance
- Advised State Board of Education, Colorado Department of Education and higher education institutions
- Counseled and represented Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in licensing matters, fitness reviews, and enforcement of minimum standards
- Advised and represented Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
- Trained, managed and evaluated eight legal interns; supervised all assignments; created and supported training and career development opportunities
- Negotiated, mediated and litigated administrative and civil cases.
Deputy General Counsel
Denver Public Schools
01.1999 - 01.2008
- Managed 30 active matters weekly for District comprised of 162 schools serving 80,000 students
- Advised and directed the Board of Education in legal matters
- Managed Student Services comprised of 12 senior administrators and staff of 200
- Lead and counseled Special Education and Human Resource departments to ensure regulatory and legal compliance
- Organized contract legal services and decreased outsourcing costs by 50%; assisted with legal and department budgets though innovative restructuring of resources resulting in savings of 40%; led and managed internal affairs in several departments
- Interfaced with public, parents and students
- Trained administrators and staff in compliance and legal issues
- Created and revised essential policies
- Mediated, negotiated and litigated state and federal Department of Education cases, Office of Civil Rights claims, personnel grievances, employment terminations and other civil and criminal matters.
Deputy District Attorney
Denver District Attorney’s Office
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Managed 60–120 active cases weekly
- Prosecuted misdemeanor and felony cases in the Denver courts with an 84%-win rate
- Counseled and effectively communicated with victims, advocates, police, probation officers, defendants, attorneys, and judges to seek justice and legal resolution through negotiation, settlement, or litigation.
Assistant Attorney
Leventhal & Bogue
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Investigated, conducted discovery, and advised on legal issues for medical malpractice and other civil cases
- Researched and wrote briefs, motions, pleadings, memoranda.
Law Clerk for Judge Christopher J. Munch
Jefferson County District Court
01.1995 - 01.1996
- Managed court’s dockets; analyzed and summarized pleadings, motions, and legal briefs in criminal, civil, and domestic legal cases
- Served as bailiff for criminal and civil trials.
Education
J.D. - Admitted to Colorado Bar in October of 1994
University Of Denver College Of Law
Denver, Colorado01.1994
English Teacher - undefined
Shenyang Institute Of Technology
01.1989
B.A. in English/French - undefined
University Of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont01.1988
undefined
Institute Des Etudes Francaises
01.1987
Skills
Operations Management
Staff Development
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Strategic Planning
Charismatic Leader
Team Management
Budget Control
Project Coordination
Government relations
Affiliations
- Colorado Women’s Bar Association
- Denver Bar Association
Professionalaccomplishments
- Board Appointment, National Board of State Regulators (NASASPS), Elected to serve on National Board of State Regulators (NASASPS) to promote effective state regulation through policy, leadership and promotion of best practices., 2018
- Elected Vice Present, National Board of State Regulators (NASASPS), Elected Vice Present of National Board of State Regulators (NASASPS), 2019
- Faculty Appointment, 40th National Institute of Trial Advocacy program, Selected to serve on faculty of the 40th National Institute of Trial Advocacy program to instruct and support with all aspects of litigation and preparation for trial practice., 2011
- Court of Appeals Attorney, Colorado Court of Appeals, Presented oral argument before the Colorado Court of Appeals in an education case involving constitutional issues. Persuaded the court to uphold the State’s position., 2010
Yoga, Hiking & Photography
I also have passion for photography, yoga, and outdoor adventures including hiking & biking.
Timeline
Director of the Division of Private Occupational Schools
Colorado Department of Higher Education
01.2012 - Current
Assistant Attorney General
Attorney General’s Office
01.2008 - 01.2012
Deputy General Counsel
Denver Public Schools
01.1999 - 01.2008
Deputy District Attorney
Denver District Attorney’s Office
01.1997 - 01.1999
Assistant Attorney
Leventhal & Bogue
01.1996 - 01.1997
Law Clerk for Judge Christopher J. Munch
Jefferson County District Court
01.1995 - 01.1996
J.D. - Admitted to Colorado Bar in October of 1994
University Of Denver College Of Law
English Teacher - undefined
Shenyang Institute Of Technology
B.A. in English/French - undefined
University Of Vermont
undefined
Institute Des Etudes Francaises
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