Melissa Wilson
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Meticulous and detail-oriented professional with exceptional public speaking abilities and a strong commitment to activism. Well-versed in current national and international trends, offering a socially informed perspective on urban lifestyle and culture. Versatile in various legal aspects, demonstrating a tactical, goal-driven approach while thriving under pressure. Eager to leverage organizational skills and enthusiasm to contribute to team success, with a passion for continuous learning and growth in the legal field and a passion for humanitarian services.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Office Manager
Paragon Security Guards Services Inc
07.2024 - Current
- Oversee daily office operations, ensuring efficiency and organization across departments.
- Streamline communication between teams, enhancing collaboration, and project execution.
- Manage scheduling and logistics for meetings, optimizing time management for executives.
- Develop office policies that improve workflow and employee satisfaction.
- Monitor budget expenditures, identifying cost-saving opportunities, while maintaining quality standards.
- Handle sensitive information with discretion, maintaining the confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provide comprehensive administrative support to senior management, enabling them to focus on strategic decision-making.
- Serve as a liaison between upper management and staff members, facilitating open channels of communication to address concerns or issues promptly.
- Support department heads in accomplishing their goals through diligent administrative assistance, such as report generation and data entry.
- Conduct regular reviews of office procedures, identifying, and implementing improvements for operational excellence.
- Train new staff on office procedures and software applications, fostering a productive environment.
- Coordinate over 23 vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of services and materials.
- Provide exceptional customer service when addressing an average number of 32 client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Contribute to workplace safety by ensuring compliance with established emergency protocols, and conducting regular equipment inspections.
Associate Counsel
Lawgic Africa
05.2023 - 01.2024
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Drafted at least four articles per week.
- Provided strategic advice on corporate governance and risk management issues.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement compliance programs.
- Managed litigation processes, coordinating with external counsel to optimize outcomes.
- Managed outside counsel relationships to ensure timely response to legal inquiries while controlling costs effectively.
- Drafted over 120 clear and concise contracts for various business arrangements, outlining responsibilities, and mitigating risks.
Associate Counsel
Chyma Anthony & Co.
01.2020 - 11.2022
- Drafted and reviewed well over 200 legal documents, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Provided strategic advice on corporate governance and risk management issues.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for the presentation of cases.
- Advised clients on legal matters; minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.
- Led initiatives to streamline contract negotiation processes, improving efficiency and reducing turnaround time with over 500 million naira in counterclaim
- Interpreted laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Developed training materials on legal best practices for internal stakeholders, promoting awareness of compliance issues.
- Conducted due diligence investigations related to corporate transactions for accurate risk assessment and mitigation planning.
- Participated in industry associations or committees advocating for legislative change beneficial to the organization's goals or objectives.
- Advised executive leadership on changes in legislation that could impact the organization's operations or strategic direction.
- Researched, drafted contracts, proposals, and filed all motions, writs, petitions, waivers, and demurrers alike.
- Supported corporate governance initiatives by reviewing board resolutions, meeting minutes, and other documentation for accuracy and compliance.
- Apprised clients of potential risks and costs associated with each course of action.
- I explained the available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.
- Formulated trial techniques specifically pertaining to each case.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
- Advocated for clients before the court in oral argument by presenting facts and evidence in the most favorable light.
- I attended hearings as a representative of corporate entities and firm clients.
- Worked with management and staff to resolve pre-litigation disputes.
- Supported corporate governance initiatives by reviewing board resolutions, meeting minutes, and other documentation for accuracy and compliance.
- Registered over 30 business names, companies, and incorporated trustees.
Assistant Program Coordinator
Chyma Anthony Poverty Must Go Foundation
03.2020 - 10.2022
- Organized and managed program development from conception through successful execution.
- Orchestrated smooth and efficient program development by collaborating cross-functionally across departments.
- Built robust professional relationships by maintaining communication and delivering targeted solutions to boost efficiency and improve operations.
- Supported planning and coordination of diverse programs and associated activities.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Assessed and resolved technical, financial, and operational issues by working with team members and directors.
- Prepared paperwork and presented program details with accuracy.
- Supervised data entry, input, and responding to emails.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas, and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders to promote collaboration and engagement.
- Assisted in monitoring program activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline operations and reduce redundancies.
- Coordinated program schedules and logistics to enhance operational efficiency.
- Supported development of program materials and resources for community outreach initiatives.
Head Of Corporate & Business Development
Tesanto Nigeria Limited
03.2020 - 07.2022
- Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Developed and presented to the Ministry of the Interior, Security, and Customary Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo on 'Identity Management Systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo.'
- Presented to the Nigerian Defence Force on 'The Roles of Arms and Ammunition in Nigeria.'
- Made presentations to the Nigerian Correctional/Prisons Services on 'The Necessity of Installing Biometric Payphones and Jammers in the Nigerian Correctional Centers across the Federation.'
- Resolved problems, improved operations, and provided exceptional service.
- Worked within applicable standards, policies, and regulatory guidelines to promote a safe working environment.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Prepared a variety of different written communications, reports, and documents.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
- Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources, and presented results.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies, and promptly addressing them for resolution.
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to complete projects on time.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to the schedule.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications.
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
- Handled calls to address customer inquiries and concerns.
- Saved costs by implementing cost-saving initiatives that addressed long-standing problems.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Legal Extern
Ahmed Raji & Co.
06.2019 - 07.2019
- Drafted legal documents, including contracts and briefs, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Researched state statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes, and documents.
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation by organizing evidence and coordinating schedules.
- Reviewed client files for accuracy and completeness, streamlining document management processes
- Analyzed elements of civil litigation, including evidence gathering, presentation, and client counseling.
- Assisted with client interviews using listening skills and counseling skills, and took meticulous notes for inclusion in reports.
- Examined and generated memos on statutory law, case law, and federal and state regulations using online research databases.
- Cooperated with legal teams to create performance documents for curative action planning.
- Drafted legal documents, including contracts and briefs, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current laws and regulations affecting client industries by reading relevant publications.
Legal Extern
High Court Of The Federal Capital Territory
04.2019 - 05.2019
- Evaluated multiple facets of substantive law, including evidence regulations, property law, and bankruptcy.
- Researched state statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes, and documents.
- I observed the court processes on various legal matters.
Public Relations Officer
Student Representative Council, Central University
09.2017 - 05.2018
- Forged strong media relationships to further public relations goals.
- Monitored marketing content for quality, accuracy and impact.
- Maintained proactive media relations program by distributing media releases for placement, building strong relationships and monitoring all forms of media.
- Executed social media plans to create cohesive online presence.
Intern
Uche Odjegwu & Co.
06.2017 - 08.2017
- Restocked office supplies and retrieved files for staff.
- Completed clerical tasks such as filing, copying and distributing mail.
- Sorted and organized materials such as physical files, tracking spreadsheets and reports.
- Answered incoming telephone calls, took down messages and provided information.
- Sorted and classified files according to content, purpose, user criteria and alphabetical or numerical order.
- Developed correspondence letters, memos and emails.
Education
B.L (Barrister-at-Law) - Law
Nigerian Law School
Agbani, Enugu08.2019
NIL - Nigerian Law
Nigerian Law School
Bwari, Abuja09.2018
Bachelor Of Law - Law
Central University
Accra, Ghana05.2018
Skills
- Conflict management and dispute resolution
- Effective organizational skills
- Effective communications and interpersonal skills
- Time and resources management skill
- Data entry and proficient in MS Office
- Advanced English proficiency
- Project management
- Public speaking and legal advocacy
- Policy and procedure development and modification
- Regulatory and legal compliance
- Clear and concise legal document and report drafting
- Detail-oriented research analyst
- Multitasking Abilities
- Proficient in settlement negotiation strategies
- Supervisory and managerial skill
- Civil law expertise
- Corporate law expertise
- Tax and property law knowledge
- Team player
Accomplishments
- Currently supervise a team of sixty (60) staff members.
- Achieved and completed the fundamental training on Sustainable Development Goals with exemplary commitment and received an award of excellence for successfully implementing Own-A-School project.
- Developed and presented to the Ministry of the Interior, Security and Customary Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Identity Management Systems.
- Drafted a proposal on sanitation initiative and won on a grant from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which was used to provide trash cans for the community.
- Delivered a key note speech at the Nigerian Defense Force on the Roles of Arms and Ammunition in Nigeria.
- Planned and coordinated a virtual advocacy project with respect to create awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Pioneered the necessity of installing biometric payphones and jammer in the Nigerian Correctional centers across its Federation and succeeded in enabling the company get considered to be awarded for the contract.
Affiliations
- Member of the Nigerian Bar Association
- Member of the Young Lawyer's Forum
- Member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators
Certification
- 2024-06 Certificate of Excellence Awarded By the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network
- 2023-11 Certification in Cyber Security: Ethical Considerations By the Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education
- 2023-10 Certification in NBA-ICLE Data Protection Training By the Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education
- 2023-04 Certificate of completion of the 8th Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa JSC (Rtd) Professional Training & Mentorship Programme for Young Lawyers.
- 2020-01 Certification in Practice Development By the Young Lawyers' Forum, Nigerian Bar Association
- 2020-11 Certificate of Completion, By the National Youth Service Commission
- 2019-11 Certification in Dispute Resolution By the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators.
- 2019-02 Certification in Basic Digital Skills sponsored by Google in partnership with Haptics
- 2018-12 Certification in Advocacy skills and Public speaking By the Faculty of Law, Central University
- Certification in Career Development By the L.E.C Group.
- Certification in Entrepreneurship by the Business Club (Young Entrepreneurs) Faith Academy
- Certification in Mathematics By Knowledge Station International
- Merit Award Certificate for Volunteering (Humanitarian service) By Able Academy.
Languages
English
French
Timeline
Office Manager
Paragon Security Guards Services Inc
07.2024 - Current
Associate Counsel
Lawgic Africa
05.2023 - 01.2024
Assistant Program Coordinator
Chyma Anthony Poverty Must Go Foundation
03.2020 - 10.2022
Head Of Corporate & Business Development
Tesanto Nigeria Limited
03.2020 - 07.2022
Associate Counsel
Chyma Anthony & Co.
01.2020 - 11.2022
Legal Extern
Ahmed Raji & Co.
06.2019 - 07.2019
Legal Extern
High Court Of The Federal Capital Territory
04.2019 - 05.2019
Public Relations Officer
Student Representative Council, Central University
09.2017 - 05.2018
Intern
Uche Odjegwu & Co.
06.2017 - 08.2017
NIL - Nigerian Law
Nigerian Law School
B.L (Barrister-at-Law) - Law
Nigerian Law School
Bachelor Of Law - Law
Central University
Community Service Volunteer
Central University on behalf of Prampram Village, Tema, Ghana, 2015-04, 2015-04, Volunteered with groups and organizations to help make measurable differences for program recipients., Teamed with community organizations and government agencies to increase outreach and service utilization., Coordinated work of project dedicated to raise awareness of need, applying strong project and team leadership to enhance success., Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others., Engaged in community outreach to aid program mission centered on community support and enrichment.
Interests
Music, Reading, Volunteering, Dancing, Traveling, & Watching movies, tv shows & documentaries