Lucy C. Pineiro
Hialeah,Florida
Summary
Experienced legal professional with a proven track record of successfully representing clients in court, developing effective legal strategies, and drafting and negotiating contracts. Possesses comprehensive knowledge in juvenile dependency, adoption, family law, corporate governance, in-house counsel, and administrative hearings. Demonstrates the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Recognized for fostering collaborative team environments and adapting to evolving legal challenges while maintaining a results-driven focus.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
President/Founder
Lucia C. Pineiro, Esquire & Associates, P.A.
Hialeah, FL 33016
05.2008 - Current
- Assist in strengthening the firm's reputation by delivering consistent high-quality work
- Represent clients on variety of legal matters, including matrimonial law, juvenile dependency law, guardianship, class I violation defense, and contract review.
- Attend court hearings, depositions and mediations.
- Negotiate settlements and mediated disputes.
- Effectively manage heavy workload under tight deadlines by demonstrating exceptional time-management skills.
- Develop strong relationships with clients and legal justice stakeholders
- Prepare and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
Chief National Legal Counsel
Neighbor to Families, Inc.
Miami, FL. 33135
06.2006 - 05.2008
- Advised senior management on dependency state and federal laws, employment law, corporate compliance, risk management, to reduce the potential for disputes and ensure corporate compliance.
- Assisted the company's foster care management team in strengthening the reputation by delivering consistent high-quality work product, with the focus of keeping siblings together.
- Evaluated the timely delivery of case management services to our dependency families and advised case managers on the viability of pursuing quick permanency for foster care children.
- Supervised the dependency drug court.
- Developed strong relationships with the system of care partners and the judiciary.
- Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
- Drafted clear and concise contracts that protected the company''s interests while facilitating successful business transactions.
- Provided expert legal advice on complex matters for informed decision-making and risk mitigation.
- Trained company employees on key legal issues, enhancing awareness of potential risks and fostering a culture of compliance.
- Negotiated advantageous settlement agreements, avoiding costly litigation and preserving important business relationships.
- Conducted internal investigations into alleged misconduct or violations of company policies, ensuring appropriate corrective action was taken when necessary.
- Supported the development of corporate governance policies and best practices, contributing to a strong culture of ethical conduct and accountability.
- Implemented effective dispute resolution strategies that resolved conflicts efficiently while minimizing financial exposure for the organization.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
Chief Legal Counsel
Citrus Health Network
Hialeah, FL
09.2001 - 06.2006
- Coordinated efforts among management team to ensure a consistent and collaborative approach to handling corporate and legal compliance with mental health programs; Baker Act facilities; permanent and transitional housing; juvenile dependency; mental health programs; and federally qualified health care facilities.
- Attend hearings regarding non-compliance with housing issues.
- Participated in development of HIPAA policies and procedures; trained staff HIPAA polices; protected health information; enhancing awareness of potential risks and fostering a culture of compliance.
- Provided legal advice on complex matters for informed decision-making and risk mitigation on all corporate state and federal programs.
- Drafted clear and concise contracts that protected the company''s interests.
- Managed outside counsel effectively, controlling costs while ensuring high-quality representation in specialized areas of law.
- Negotiated agreements with the Florida Department of Children and Families and other stakeholders avoiding litigation and preserving important business relationships.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
Managing Attorney
Florida Department of Children & Families
Miami, FL & Florida Keys, FL
06.1996 - 09.2001
- Handled the juvenile dependency legal division.
- Managed a team of 37 attorneys and over 15 paralegals.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient processes and procedures to better serve our children and families involved in the dependency system.
- Designed comprehensive legal strategies for juvenile and complex litigation cases to achieve permanency for children and families in compliance with state and federal laws.
- Created essential documents to be used by case managers in court and provided trained to all staff on new documents.
- Collaborated and developed strong relationships with community stakeholders and judiciary to address multidisciplinary issues to achieve defined results.
- Presented persuasive oral arguments in court to secure favorable rulings on behalf of clients.
- Hired, trained, and supervised entire legal department.
- Under case management and legal leadership received permanency planning award.
- Advised the Department and case managers clients on risk management strategies to mitigate legal challenges or disputes.
Staff Attorney
Guardian Ad Litem Program
Miami, FL
12.1991 - 06.1996
- Recruited, trained and supervised pro bono Guardians Ad Litem volunteers and Pro Bono Lawyers to provide advocacy services for children.
- Represented the best interest of children involved in the juvenile court system.
- Drafted legal documents, including motions, briefs, and pleadings.
- Attended court hearings and actively participate in dependency trials.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Miami
Miami, FLSkills
- Compliance Management
- Corporate governance
- Family Law Practice
- Legal Dispute Resolution
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
President/Founder
Lucia C. Pineiro, Esquire & Associates, P.A.
05.2008 - Current
Chief National Legal Counsel
Neighbor to Families, Inc.
06.2006 - 05.2008
Chief Legal Counsel
Citrus Health Network
09.2001 - 06.2006
Managing Attorney
Florida Department of Children & Families
06.1996 - 09.2001
Staff Attorney
Guardian Ad Litem Program
12.1991 - 06.1996
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Miami