Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Software
Timeline
Generic

Madai Simmons

Lake Jackson,TX

Summary

Proactive Human Resources and Legal Compliance Specialist with a solid foundation in building strong relationships and driving strategic initiatives. Proven skills in talent management, employee relations, and organizational development. Known for a positive attitude and effective communication in high-pressure environments.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior HR & Legal Compliance Specialist

Norrell Construction
09.2024 - Current
  • Spearheaded talent acquisition efforts for organizational success and strategic growth as well as developing comprehensive process for new hires onboarding.
  • Organized networking events and craft focused job fairs to increase company visibility among potential candidates while building valuable community connections in the Industrial and Construction sector.
  • Develop comprehensive HR policies and initiatives in compliance with applicable policies, OSHA, federal, state, and local laws.
  • Managed complex caseloads, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely completion while maintaining a high degree of professional ethics while handling sensitive and confidential information.
  • Conducted comprehensive factual investigations including interviews of witnesses, suspects, and informants to gather essential information for case building.
  • Drafted, reviewed and revised contracts for accuracy and completeness.
  • Managed FMLA administration, coordinating leave requests and tracking time off for compliance purposes.
  • Reduced data errors by conducting regular audits of the ADP/HRIS system, ensuring data integrity.

Human Resources Consultant

Self Employed Services
08.2023 - 09.2023
  • Designed and delivered client-specific benefit presentations for open enrollment and new hire orientations.
  • Negotiated with insurance providers to secure better rates for employee benefits, improving overall satisfaction.
  • Maintained up to date knowledge of labor legislation, ensuring company policies remained compliant and protected against liabilities.
  • Contributed to business development efforts by identifying potential new clients within target industries or markets.
  • Developed new hire letters, employee contracts and corporate policies that align with company objectives and legal requirements.
  • Optimized HRIS for better data management and employee self-service, reducing administrative burdens.
  • Negotiated competitive compensation packages on behalf of clients and candidates to ensure successful placements.
  • Analyzed and redlined Lease Agreements, Vendor Contracts, Professional Services Agreements.
  • Negotiated and administered leasing and service contracts for multi-family business.
  • Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Paralegal/Litigation Legal Assistant

Bradford Law
01.2017 - 2017
  • Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
  • Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
  • Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
  • Streamlined office communication and improved case management with meticulous record keeping and scheduling.
  • Compiled documentation, ensuring accuracy and detail for legal briefs, responses to opposing counsel, motions to court and trial exhibits.
  • Enhanced accuracy of case analysis with diligent fact-checking, legal research and background investigations.
  • Managed high volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.

Human Resources Recruiting Coordinator

TDECU
07.2022 - 07.2023
  • Coordinated candidate interviews with hiring managers, ensuring a smooth and efficient interview process for all parties involved.
  • Leveraged social media platforms to engage potential applicants and increase brand awareness among target audiences.
  • Evaluated performance metrics within the HRIS system to identify opportunities for process improvement initiatives.
  • Reduced overall cost per hire by negotiating more favorable contracts with external recruiting agencies.
  • Managed job postings on various platforms, increasing visibility and attracting top talent for open positions.
  • Supported month end closing process by preparing journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analysis reports.
  • Organized career fairs and recruitment events to attract top talent.

Mortgage Operations Administrator

TDECU
04.2018 - 07.2022
  • Maintained thorough knowledge of federal regulations related to mortgage lending practices, ensuring full compliance throughout the entire organization's operations.
  • Reconciled account information and reported figures in general ledger by comparing to bank account statement each month.
  • Fostered a positive work environment by promoting employee engagement initiatives and recognizing outstanding contributions from team members.
  • Coached, trained, and delegated tasks to 120 team members to meet specific department goals.
  • Tracked purchase orders and followed up with vendors and carriers to support timely deliveries.
  • Managed high value contracts with a keen eye for detail, identifying discrepancies and inaccuracies before finalization.
  • Provided critical analysis of complex escrow situations for upper management, recommending appropriate actions to mitigate risks and support company objectives.
  • Assisted in the development of annual budgets, aligning financial resources with departmental objectives and priorities.
  • Cultivated positive relationships with real estate agents and other industry professionals, driving referral business opportunities.
  • Conducted regular audits of mortgage files, safeguarding against errors or discrepancies that could lead to financial loss or legal issues.
  • Collaborated with legal team to mitigate risks, ensuring all contracts were legally sound and enforceable.

Executive Assistant to Director of CTE

BISD
10.2014 - 05.2017
  • Reduced time spent on administrative tasks by creating detailed reports on budgetary matters, project progress, and employee performance evaluations for the Director and/or Superintendent's review.
  • Managed travel arrangements, anticipating needs and addressing potential issues proactively to ensure smooth trips for the Career and Technical department for the district.
  • Handled scheduling for executive's calendar and prepared meeting agenda and materials.
  • Improved internal processes for tracking grants by developing an efficient system for organizing electronic files containing funder information, templates, and submitted proposals.
  • Interacted with vendors, contractors and professional services personnel to receive orders, direct activities, and communicate instructions.
  • Improved communication between departments with timely preparation and distribution of meeting agendas, transcribed phone messages, minutes, and relevant documents.
  • Increased proposal success rate through meticulous editing and proofreading of all grant applications before submission.

Litigation Paralegal

Buc-ee's, Ltd.
11.2007 - 09.2014
  • Supported attorneys during trial proceedings, ensuring the availability of key exhibits and witnesses when needed.
  • Conduct legal research and identify relevant legal articles, statutes, regulations and other legal sources.
  • Maintained litigation database and document organization for trademark, personal injury, contract and employment cases.
  • Draft discovery requests and responses for attorney review, coordinate production of documentary responses.
  • Managed document review for high profile cases, ensuring thoroughness and accuracy in evidence compilation.
  • Organized and maintained detailed case calendar, ensuring all deadlines were met without fail.
  • Facilitated effective collaboration between investigators, attorneys, paralegals, support staff, experts witnesses, and other stakeholders involved in each case.

Skills

  • Compliance Management
  • Workforce Performance Optimization
  • Policy Development
  • Risk Management Assessment
  • Conducts Factual Investigations
  • State & Federal Regulations
  • Vendor Management
  • Contract & Brief Writing
  • Compliance Research
  • Contract Analysis
  • Workplace Conflict Resolution
  • Budget Forecasting
  • Employee Benefits Management
  • TWC Claims Management
  • OSHA Compliance Knowledge
  • Applicant Tracking System
  • Proficient in HRIS administration
  • Technical Document Drafting
  • Case Management
  • Communications
  • Legal Research
  • Calendar Management
  • Project Management
  • Employee Handbooks

Certification

  • Paralegal Certificate: University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Associates of Arts: Brazosport College
  • HR Houston Certificate: SHRM CE 2025 & 2023
  • ADP Pro Summit Certificate: CE 2025
  • DISA Certificate: DER Training 2024
  • Leadership Certificate: TDECU

Affiliations

  • HR Houston
  • Society of Human Resource Management

Software

  • ADP
  • Workday
  • Clio
  • UKG
  • Coupa
  • Westlaw
  • Nexonia
  • ProDoc
  • Rhumbix
  • LexisNexis
  • DISA
  • Houston Area Safety Council
  • Brazosport Area Safety Council
  • Citrix
  • BambooHR
  • TEAMS
  • OneDrive
  • Canva
  • Quickbooks
  • Google Suite
  • Microsoft Suite

Timeline

Senior HR & Legal Compliance Specialist

Norrell Construction
09.2024 - Current

Human Resources Consultant

Self Employed Services
08.2023 - 09.2023

Human Resources Recruiting Coordinator

TDECU
07.2022 - 07.2023

Mortgage Operations Administrator

TDECU
04.2018 - 07.2022

Paralegal/Litigation Legal Assistant

Bradford Law
01.2017 - 2017

Executive Assistant to Director of CTE

BISD
10.2014 - 05.2017

Litigation Paralegal

Buc-ee's, Ltd.
11.2007 - 09.2014
Madai Simmons