Marianne Blackwell

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing guidance on complex estate planning, probate, tax and other civil legal issues and potential solutions.
• Meticulous attention to detail and personalized service.
• Provided pro bono services to underserved populations within the community, demonstrating commitment to social justice initiatives.
• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
• Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
• Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.

• Helped design and build the Firm's newest Estate Planning practice area and client base.
• Drafted estate planning, real estate, business, and other related documents to support clients' needs.
• Developed a reputation as an expert in specific areas of law due to dedication to continued learning and staying informed on industry trends.
• Spearheaded client meetings to thoroughly understand their legal needs and strategize appropriate solutions.
• Assisted clients in estate planning by preparing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other relevant documents.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and precedents to ensure accuracy in advice provided to clients.
• Enhanced client trust by providing regular updates on case progressions through clear communication channels.
• Mentored junior associates by sharing expertise and providing constructive feedback to enhance their professional development.
• Demonstrated keen attention to detail when reviewing contracts or agreements ensuring accurate interpretation.
• Conducted comprehensive due diligence investigations for corporate transactions, minimizing risks and potential liabilities.
• Advised clients on their rights, obligations, and legal options with clear explanations of complex laws and regulations.
• Conducted thorough research on complex legal matters, resulting in well-informed decisions and winning arguments.
• Drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
• Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
• Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
• Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.

• Achieved departmental goals by developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives.
• Streamlined operations for increased efficiency with process improvements and automation.
• Increased colleague satisfaction, providing regular coaching and feedback sessions.
• Led cross-functional teams to successfully meet deadlines and budgets.
• Assist donors and their advisors in considering and designing charitable giving plans as part of their personal financial and estate planning. Partnered with outside counsel and other advisors in the negotiation and closure of planned gifts, and complex gifts.

Senior Director and Manager responsible for all planned giving operations, working directly with and as frontline fundraising at University of the Pacific, a private university in Northern California. Responsibilities include marketing, training, outreach and advisor communications, collaboration with all development units and campus divisions, budget preparation and adherence, donor relation building and stewardship.

Senior development officer responsible for building, directing, planning, organizing and coordinating the planned giving program at Colorado State University. Budget creation/adherence, multi-media marketing and strategic planning, website development and management, donor cultivation and solicitation, executing training programs, building and stewarding the legacy recognition society, developing policies and processes, and major gift solicitations