MONICA WHITTEN
Wilmette,Illinois
Summary
Corporate attorney with a robust background in corporate business, finance, and commercial real estate. Brings over 15 years of industry experience managing high-value portfolios, negotiating complex contracts, and leading strategic initiatives. Specializes in dispute resolution, contract negotiations, and delivering business-oriented legal solutions informed by a deep understanding of financial and real estate operations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Attorney
Gutnicki LLP
08.2023 - Current
- Represent corporate clients in high-stakes disputes, including M&A, APA, SPA, and lease contract breaches, achieving favorable settlements and enforcement outcomes.
- Draft and argue persuasive pleadings, motions, and briefs in complex commercial litigation matters, securing successful rulings in court proceedings.
- Manage a portfolio of 30+ litigation matters for a financial institution, overseeing all stages from pre-litigation investigation to judgment.
- Negotiate and draft corporate contracts with a focus on enforceability, risk mitigation, and minimizing future litigation exposure.
- Conduct comprehensive pre-litigation investigations, including fact analysis and witness interviews, to develop strategic case plans and budgets.
- Collaborate with expert witnesses such as forensic accountants and engineers to prepare expert reports and testimony for mediation and trial.
- Lead e-discovery processes by drafting collection protocols, managing document reviews, and ensuring compliance with discovery deadlines.
- Advise clients on corporate governance and regulatory compliance issues to prevent disputes and strengthen operational integrity.
- Successfully represent clients in mediations, settlement conferences, and court hearings, resolving disputes efficiently while protecting client interests.
- Develop innovative litigation strategies tailored to client objectives, resulting in a 90% success rate in resolving disputes favorably.
Tax Law Clerk
Tax Practice of the C-K Law Group
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Represented individuals, businesses, and tax-exempt entities in state and federal tax controversies, including audits, administrative appeals, and litigation.
- Drafted petitions for Federal Tax Court and Illinois Tax Tribunal, as well as Audit Reconsideration requests, achieving favorable resolutions for complex tax disputes.
- Conducted financial record analysis and pre-production document reviews to substantiate business expense deductions during federal and state examinations.
- Advised clients on compliance with foreign asset reporting requirements, including FBAR filings and IRS Streamlined Offshore Procedures, ensuring adherence to FinCEN regulations.
- Managed tax litigation cases from intake to resolution, including case strategy development, client relations, and coordination with opposing counsel.
- Negotiated settlements in high-stakes tax disputes by leveraging a deep understanding of tax law and financial regulations to minimize client liabilities.
- Formed Illinois tax-exempt entities by drafting bylaws, five-year financial forecasts, and federal Form 1023 applications, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.
- Provided strategic guidance on revocation and reinstatement procedures for tax-exempt entities to restore compliance with IRS and state regulations.
- Collaborated with clients on transaction analysis for mergers and acquisitions, ensuring compliance with state and federal tax laws while mitigating risks.
- Trained interns on case management processes, research techniques, and document preparation to maintain high standards of practice management efficiency.
Executive Board Member
KOAN School
10.2015 - 08.2021
- Advocated for organizational mission by securing resources and partnerships to advance goals.
- Conducted due diligence for expansion sites, including acquisition of a 15-acre farm.
- Oversaw multi-phase construction project converting a residential farm into a high-occupancy commercial property compliant with local codes.
- Provided strategic guidance on budgeting, contracts, fundraising, and resource development for a nonprofit private school.
- Developed business plans and marketing materials to increase community engagement and grant awards.
- Established vital banking relationships and achieved accreditation commission in 2017.
Director of Properties, Senior Vice President
TIG Real Estate Services
05.2007 - 06.2011
- Directed multidisciplinary teams in property management, accounting, construction management, and commercial brokerage to optimize performance and maximize returns across a 6M-square-foot national portfolio of commercial real estate assets.
- Negotiated and executed national tenant leases and service contracts, ensuring risk mitigation and alignment with financial objectives.
- Streamlined operations by implementing process improvements in financial reporting, leasing, and property management.
- Managed real estate downturn by renegotiating contracts, realigning staff, consolidating processes, and expanding the client base.
- Conducted market analyses and prepared financial reports to guide strategic decision-making for high-value assets.
- Designed and launched an intern program focused on property management and brokerage training.
- Led due diligence for acquisitions, dispositions, and joint ventures, securing $225M in CMBS loans.
Senior Property Manager
RREEF Investment Managers,
02.2000 - 05.2007
- Managed a $300M commercial real estate portfolio for an international pension fund, overseeing operations, leasing, tenant relations, and financial performance.
- Directed capital improvement projects and contract negotiations to enhance asset value and operational efficiency.
- Conducted due diligence for $23M in acquisitions and $53M in dispositions, including structuring a $106M global joint venture and securing $225M in CMBS loans.
- Developed risk management strategies to mitigate exposure while ensuring compliance with global policies.
- Prepared quarterly market analyses and financial reports to support strategic decision-making for high-value assets.
Education
Juris Doctor - Business Law
Chicago-Kent College of Law
Chicago, IL05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NHSkills
- Excellent Written and Oral Communication
- Mediation Litigation
- Project Management
- Corporate Transactions and Finance
- Dispute Resolution
- Contract and Tax Law
- Business Strategy
- Financial Analysis Budgeting
- High EQ
- Calm and Decisive
Bar Admission
State of Illinois, 2023
State of California, Pro Hac Vice Los Angeles County, Central District, 2024
Timeline
Corporate Attorney
Gutnicki LLP
08.2023 - Current
Tax Law Clerk
Tax Practice of the C-K Law Group
08.2021 - 06.2023
Executive Board Member
KOAN School
10.2015 - 08.2021
Director of Properties, Senior Vice President
TIG Real Estate Services
05.2007 - 06.2011
Senior Property Manager
RREEF Investment Managers,
02.2000 - 05.2007
Juris Doctor - Business Law
Chicago-Kent College of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
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