Rita Haley-Austin
Summary
Effective legal professional with proven track record of successfully representing clients in court, developing legal strategies and drafting and negotiating contracts and legal pleadings. Well-versed in principles of family law, civil litigation and criminal law who works well independently and collaboratively as part of team. A detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills and keen ability to handle multiple projects and heavy caseloads with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Skills
- Litigation Experience
- Civil Law
- Criminal Law
- Corporate and Business Law
- Knowledge of Federal & State Laws
- Contract drafting
- Legal Research & Writing
- Excellent Communication
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Contract Review and Negotiation
Licensing
- Minnesota Supreme Court, 2010
- Illinois Supreme Court, 2011
- US District Court- Northern Dist. Illinois, 2012
- US Bankruptcy Ct- Illinois, 2014
- US District Court- Northern Dist. California, 2014
- District of Columbia Bar, 2022
- Maryland State Bar, pending
Work History
Litigation Attorney, Special Education Division
NYC Dept of Education
2022.10 - 2024.06
- Prepared for and/or tried complex cases involving significant precedents, novel and complicated determinations of law and fact, or having significant legal, policy or financial implications
- Prepared clients for depositions and trial testimony, enhancing their credibility as key witnesses.
- Conducted thorough legal research to support case arguments and inform litigation strategy decisions.
- Drafted and argued persuasive motions and briefs, contributing to successful rulings in favor of clients.
- Skillfully negotiated agreements between opposing parties, reaching mutually beneficial resolutions without escalating conflicts further into litigation.
- Presented compelling arguments during trial proceedings, securing favorable verdicts on behalf of clients.
- Worked with public advocacy groups, parents, and private attorneys to arrive at mutually beneficial settlements
Trial Attorney
Willis E. Brown, LTD/Private Practice
2010.10 - 2022.10
- Collaborated effectively with expert witnesses to strengthen defense arguments and present authoritative testimony during trials.
- Worked with clients to prepare and attend revocation hearings, bail bond hearings, trials, plea bargains, appeals, and post conviction programs.
- Established a reputation for excellence in advocacy by delivering persuasive arguments in court and negotiating favorable plea bargains.
- Maximized client satisfaction through timely and effective communication, explaining complex legal concepts in an easily understandable manner.
- Achieved favorable case outcomes by meticulously reviewing evidence, researching legal precedents, and developing tailored defense strategies.
- Effectively managed heavy caseloads while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and performance quality.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research to develop strong litigation strategies for clients.
- Achieved favorable outcomes by effectively representing clients in various civil litigation matters.
- Maintained a comprehensive understanding of local rules, procedures, statutes of limitations, evidentiary requirements during all stages of civil proceedings.
- Drafted persuasive motions, pleadings, and briefs to advance client interests in court proceedings.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
CIVIL LITIGATION DIVISION
MINNEAPOLIS CITY ATTORNEY
2009.05 - 2010.06
- Responsible for reviewing and assessing Section 1983 civil rights and discrimination claims made against city law enforcement and public officials; Labor and Civil Rights claims made to state labor relations boards and various civil rights agencies overseen by City Attorney's office
- Served as liaison between City Attorney's office and administrative agencies
- Drafted briefs, memoranda and opinions
ASSISTANT OUTREACH COORDINATOR
UNITED STATES SENATE
2007.01 - 2007.08
- Developed partnerships with community leaders, local officials, and other senate members on policy matters; researched and prepared memo sheets and drafts on local, state and federal level legislation and policy issues
- Researched and assisted in drafting legislation
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant policies and regulations affecting target populations, informing program development accordingly.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive plans for addressing community needs.
- Measured outcomes of outreach initiatives using established metrics, demonstrating tangible results to funders and stakeholders.
- Coordinated large-scale events that showcased the organization''s mission and services, attracting new supporters and raising awareness about key issues.
- Navigated complex community dynamics with diplomacy and thoughtfulness, fostering trust and credibility among diverse groups.
- Increased community engagement by organizing outreach events and coordinating with local organizations.
Education
J.D. - Law
Hamline University School of Law
Saint Paul, MN04.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Argosy University
Chicago, IL05.2007
Militaryexperience
U.S. Army, Veteran (Hon. Disch.)
Pro Bono/Volunteer Work
COOK COUNTY JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER, Chicago, IL, 01/2012-12/2016
Criminal Defense, Mediation & Diversion Programming
Provided pro bono legal services to juveniles charged with delinquency and criminal offenses; Collaborated with staff, community officials, and judicial team to create guidelines for youth diversion programs; advocated to establish requirement for mental health screening of all youth entering justice system.
FIRST DEFENSE LEGAL AID, Chicago, IL, 10/2011- 08/2015
Civil Rights & Social Action Counsel
Provided helpline coverage and initial legal representation to residents of Cook County within first 24 hours of arrest to protect their civil rights.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT CORP. CHICAGO, Chicago, IL, 06/2011-01/2014
Real Estate & Property Management Attorney/Trainer
Developed & presented monthly real estate law and property management seminars at various community businesses and organizations. Assisted new property owners with training and legal guidance.
NAACP, CENTRAL MINNESOTA, Saint Cloud, MN, 10/2010-12/2013
Local General Counsel- Office of Civil Rights
Provided general legal counsel to local organization office and its members in areas of housing, social services, renters rights, employment and housing discrimination, actions against local and state agencies, child welfare and removal, police misconduct/abuse.
CASA, Chicago, IL, 10/2004-08/2007
Court Appointed Special Advocate
Volunteer appointed by court/judges to investigate and advocate for best interest of abused and neglected children in civil and administrative court proceedings.
Timeline
Litigation Attorney, Special Education Division
NYC Dept of Education
2022.10 - 2024.06
Trial Attorney
Willis E. Brown, LTD/Private Practice
2010.10 - 2022.10
CIVIL LITIGATION DIVISION
MINNEAPOLIS CITY ATTORNEY
2009.05 - 2010.06
ASSISTANT OUTREACH COORDINATOR
UNITED STATES SENATE
2007.01 - 2007.08
J.D. - Law
Hamline University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Argosy University
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