NATALIE LEA
Denton,Texas
Summary
Professional Attorney offering expert legal counsel and representation. Skilled in fostering positive and trusting relationships with clients and team members, whether working collaboratively or independently. Experience working in traditional law firm settings, businesses and remotely. Well-established knowledge of federal civil procedure, bankruptcy law, creditors rights, labor/employment law, and over 15 years of experience in all aspects of civil litigation from inception to trial.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Attorney
BONIAL & ASSOCIATES, LLC
07.2014 - Current
- Review inquiries from the Department of Justice, Bankruptcy Trustees and debtor attorneys and prepare written responses on behalf of financial institutions; analyze loan documents, court dockets and financial data to draft appropriate legal language to include on bankruptcy forms; prepare training materials for attorneys and bankruptcy operations management; prepare reports for clients; research and compile data regarding bankruptcy trends, new regulations and court updates for jurisdictional rules committees; file documents on behalf of bankruptcy creditors; performed work duties utilizing a hybrid work structure from 2016 to 2020; completed all work duties remotely from 2020 to present utilizing home office.
- Streamlined internal processes by developing templates for commonly used legal documents and correspondence.
- Established a strong reputation for thoroughness and professionalism, resulting in repeat business from satisfied clients.
- Assessed cases for probable outcomes by researching black letter law and other legal authority, comparing fact patterns to those of precedential cases.
- Conducted thorough legal research for case preparation, identifying critical information to support client positions.
- Attended continuing legal education courses to stay current on changes in the law and emerging trends in practice areas.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.
Contract Attorney, Litigation
Special Counsel
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Review documents produced in discovery, assist in expert witness deposition preparation, perform legal research and draft privilege logs for cases involving employment law, antitrust law, trademark infringement, oil and gas law, real property and contractual business disputes.
- Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.
- Presented key evidence and exhibits during civil trials.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.
- Researched, wrote and filed motions, writs and briefs for each case.
- Counseled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.
- Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
- Communicated with clients and collected information to research cases and prepare settlement offers.
- Developed strategies for court proceedings and negotiations.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
- Drafted motions, petitions and waivers.
- Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
- Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
- Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
- Drafted, reviewed and negotiated contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
- Participated in continuing legal education programs to stay current on relevant laws, regulations, and best practices related to contract law.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
Associate, General Civil Litigation
HAMILTON, MILLER & BIRTHISEL, LLP
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Handled cases involving employment law, admiralty/maritime, contract negotiation, insurance defense and coverage and commercial disputes
- Presented arguments before federal and state court judges; prepared expert witnesses for trial. Initiated and responded to discovery requests and related motions.
- Assisted in securing favorable settlements by gathering critical evidence through the use of subpoenas, interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between pretrial stages by filing necessary paperwork promptly with appropriate courts or parties involved in cases.
- Assisted in the development of persuasive arguments by compiling compelling evidence and presenting findings to attorneys in a clear, organized manner.
- Supported case progression from inception through resolution, tracking all relevant timelines and deadlines; facilitated prompt communication among team members regarding updates or changes impacting the matter at hand.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail when reviewing case materials, identifying potential legal issues for further exploration or analysis by attorneys.
- Supported the successful resolution of disputes through mediation or arbitration proceedings, coordinating schedules and preparing required materials.
- Improved case outcomes with thorough legal research on relevant statutes, cases, and regulations.
- Completed electronic court filings at state and federal levels.
- Organized evidence, exhibits, motions, and subpoenas to support cases and prepare for trial.
Associate, Employment Law Counseling and Litigation
CONSTANGY, BROOKS & SMITH, LLC
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Participated in all aspects of employment litigation, including client intake, discovery, trial preparation and jury trial
- Represented management in federal, state and local employment litigation and before administrative agencies
- Prepared responses to EEOC investigations
- Conducted weekly training with corporate managers and human resource professionals on issues including employment policies and benefits, discrimination law, employment contracts, wage and hour issues, FMLA issues and general personnel matters
- Negotiated with labor unions; represented management in labor arbitration
- Prepared written materials and presented at seminars for human resources professionals and executives.
- Facilitated the resolution of complex disputes through active participation in alternative dispute resolution processes such as arbitration and mediation.
- Strengthened trial preparation by creating persuasive visual aids and demonstratives for use in the courtroom.
- Created trial exhibits and prepared exhibit lists.
- Optimized trial organization with comprehensive trial notebooks containing pertinent documentation related to each specific matter.
- Assisted in winning cases by conducting thorough legal research and analysis of relevant laws, statutes, and precedents.
- Improved client relations by promptly responding to inquiries and providing updates on case progress.
- Drafted correspondence, pleadings and memoranda.
- Supported legal team by conducting research, drafting briefs, gathering information and interpreting legal documents.
- Investigated facts and laws to determine strategies for case preparation.
- Reviewed complaints, petitions, motions and pleadings to aid in determining admissibility.
- Conducted legal research on law, providing thorough memoranda.
- Coordinated and prepared exhibits and other materials for hearings.
- Attended depositions and drafted comprehensive summaries for review.
- Negotiated between parties involved in court proceedings to reach settlement.
Associate, Securities and Financial Litigation
Tate, Lazarini & Beall, LLP
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Represented broker-dealers, financial institutions, registered representatives and investors in federal court actions and arbitration proceedings before the NASD and NYSE.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including contracts, pleadings, and motions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws.
- Provided legal advice to businesses involved in multiple types of litigation.
- Assisted clients with dispute resolution processes outside of litigation, such as mediation or arbitration proceedings.
- Achieved favorable outcomes for clients through skilled negotiation and effective litigation strategies.
- Established a strong reputation for thoroughness and professionalism, resulting in repeat business from satisfied clients.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through clear communication and understanding of their needs.
- Analyzed complex legal issues for clients across multiple industries, demonstrating adaptability and versatility in problem-solving skills.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategies for addressing potential risks and liability issues.
- Presented persuasive arguments in court hearings, effectively advocating for client interests in contested matters.
Associate, Labor and Employment Law
Fowler White Boggs Banker, P.A.
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Defended management in federal court, state court, before arbitration panels and administrative agencies
- Conducted harassment investigations and drafted position statements to the EEOC
- Drafted and reviewed employee handbooks and personnel policies
- Prepared Separation Agreements and Non-Compete Contracts
- Handled depositions, mediation, arbitration, witness interviews and settlement negotiations involving employment issues.
Education
J.D. - Law
The University of Tulsa College of Law
01.2002
Bachelor of Science - Business and Human Resource Management
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL01.1999
Skills
- Legal research/writing
- Drafting contracts, memoranda, legal briefs, case summaries, jury instructions, employment law policies and handbooks
- Handling all aspects of discovery, including document review/analysis, drafting discovery requests, preparing responses, document collection/preservation, taking/defending depositions
- Mediation, Arbitration and Litigation
Certification
- Florida State and Federal Courts (2002)
- The United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit (2009)
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Arbitrator and Circuit Civil Mediator (2008)
Publications and Presentations
- Moderator - Tampa Bay Mariner’s Club Annual Seminar (Admiralty/Maritime Law), April, 2010
- Constangy, Brooks & Smith Management Training Center Training for Legal Supervisors, Legal Issues with Hiring, February 2008; Harassment Training, March and April, 2008.
- I-CON, The Florida Institute for Continuing Professional Development, Non-Profit Manager Training Series, Employment Law and HR, “Legal Issues for Supervisors,” August 1, 2007 and February 21, 2007, Tampa, Florida.
- Constangy Brooks & Smith Employment Law Workshops, “The House Rules – Winning Workplace Policies,” article and presentation, March 27, 2007 and “Freshman Orientation: Best Practices For New Hires and Pre-Employment,” March 27, 2008.
- The Hillsborough County Bar Association Professionals Section, “The New Electronic Discovery Rules – Tips for Protection and Compliance for Legal Professionals,” January 25, 2007.
- The Association of Corporate Counsel, In-House Counsel Employment Workshop, “The New Electronic Discovery Rules – Tips for Protection and Compliance For In-House Counsel,” December 7, 2006.
- Co-Author, “Compensatory and Punitive Damages Under the Civil Rights Act of 1991,” Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law’s Twenty-Second Annual Multi-State Labor and Employment Law Seminar, June, 2004.
- “The Eleventh Circuit Refuses to Tolerate The EEOC’s ‘All Or Nothing’ Approach to Conciliation,” The Florida Bar Journal Checkoff, January, 2004.
- Editor and Contributing Author to Fowler White Boggs Banker Employment Law Bulletin, January, March and August, 2004.
- Contributing Author to Ferguson White Inn of Court Continuing Legal Education Seminar materials on the Rosewood tragedy, November 2003.
- “The DOL Proposes Overtime Exemptions For Highly Compensated Employees,” Hillsborough County Bar Association, Lawyer, June 2003.
- Discrimination in the 21st Century: Protecting the Privacy of Genetic Information in Employment and Insurance, 36 Tulsa L. J. 703 (2001).
Timeline
Associate Attorney
BONIAL & ASSOCIATES, LLC
07.2014 - Current
Contract Attorney, Litigation
Special Counsel
01.2011 - 01.2014
Associate, General Civil Litigation
HAMILTON, MILLER & BIRTHISEL, LLP
01.2008 - 01.2010
Associate, Employment Law Counseling and Litigation
CONSTANGY, BROOKS & SMITH, LLC
01.2006 - 01.2008
Associate, Securities and Financial Litigation
Tate, Lazarini & Beall, LLP
01.2004 - 01.2006
Associate, Labor and Employment Law
Fowler White Boggs Banker, P.A.
01.2001 - 01.2004
J.D. - Law
The University of Tulsa College of Law
Bachelor of Science - Business and Human Resource Management
Florida State University
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