Richard Sierra
Summary
Experienced Commercial Litigation & Bankruptcy Lawyer with 30+ years of expertise assisting business and government agencies in addressing legal issues, including overseeing pending litigation, reviewing diverse contract and legal documents (e.g., employment contracts, vendor agreements, lease agreements, trusts, and wills), and excelling in appellate work in state and federal courts. Proven track record as leading counsel in numerous trials, including jury trials across various commercial cases. Successfully represented creditors and debtors in corporate restructurings, distressed asset and debt collections, and bankruptcy proceedings. Formerly certified mediator in Florida, admitted to practice in Florida's Middle District, Northern District, and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Possesses superior verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, complemented by the ability to independently oversee court appearances and execute effective litigation strategies.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Legal Counsel
Legal Counsel P.A.
01.2021 - Current
- Negotiated favorable contract terms by diligently reviewing and revising legal documents.
- Drafted comprehensive legal policies, ensuring regulatory adherence and minimizing exposure to liability.
- Advised senior leadership on complex legal matters, contributing to strategic decision-making processes.
- Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
- Streamlined real estate transactions by drafting and reviewing legal documents, including purchase agreements and lease contracts.
- Reduced potential litigation risks for clients by conducting thorough title searches and resolving property disputes.
- Litigated complex cases, resulting in favorable outcomes for clients and protecting their rights and interests.
- Mentored junior attorneys on litigation strategies, boosting overall team performance and expertise.
Chief Legal Counsel
Seminole County Tax Collector's Office
07.2017 - 01.2021
- Participate in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures, and provide continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and legal implications of all matters.
- Handle all litigation involving the office, including employment discrimination actions, collection matters, bankruptcy matters, breach of contracts and disputes with vendors, etc.
- Counsel the Tax Collector on government law matters and budget issues, scope of authority issues, and other matters involving his duties as well as handling all the bankruptcy cases for the tax collector's office.
- Oversee all the litigation from all over the US for the county including but not limited to EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) cases and the Labor Law litigation as well as oversee approval of tax warrants and eminent domain cases.
- Put together drafted and reviewed leases and contracts for the county along with overseeing real estate sales and purchase transactions and negotiations for the Tax Collector office.
- Develop and administer the compliance capabilities, including a review of existing policies, procedures and standards as well as identify areas of continuous improvement and conduct regular reviews.
Partner Attorney
Kosto & Rotella
10.1992 - 07.2017
- Managed and represented thousands of creditors in commercial litigation matters from filing of the complaint, through trial, attendant appellate proceedings, and post-judgment collection including lien foreclosures, bond proceedings, bid protests, and other commercial matters.
- Handled ~ 20 appellate matters in both state and federal courts as well as mediated 20+ cases as a certified mediator.
- Represented both creditors and debtors in bankruptcy in Chapter 7, 13, and 11 cases, represented debtors and banks in foreclosure, and performed hundreds of hours of pro bono services as a GAL.
- Completed extensive case-related research into relevant laws and regulations, negotiated on behalf of clients, drafted and interpreted contracts and legal documents, and oversaw compliance with these documents.
- Dealt with hundreds of cases in county and circuit court (both jury and non-jury) throughout Florida along with handling the entire case from the filing of the pleading, all discovery, all motion practice, and any appellate work as needed.
- Ensured that data obtained from clients remained confidential and were stored securely as well as remaining updated of the changes to various legislation.
- Drafted numerous contracts, deeds, wills, powers of attorney, living trusts, and other various trusts as well as prepared marital settlement agreements as per family law, and represented beneficiaries in probate matters.
Education
J.D. -
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL05.1992
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts And Sciences/Liberal Studies
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN05.1988
Skills
- Bankruptcy Law
- Commercial Litigation Experience
- Real Estate Law
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment law
- Settlement Negotiation
- Business law
- Contract Negotiation
- Trial Experience
- Case Management
Accomplishments
- Lecturer for Continuing Legal Education Courses on Collection Law strategies for the State of Florida
- Guardian Ad Litem Award
Affiliations
- Florida Bar
- Seminole Country Bar Association
Timeline
Senior Legal Counsel
Legal Counsel P.A.
01.2021 - Current
Chief Legal Counsel
Seminole County Tax Collector's Office
07.2017 - 01.2021
Partner Attorney
Kosto & Rotella
10.1992 - 07.2017
J.D. -
University of Florida
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts And Sciences/Liberal Studies
University of Notre Dame
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