SHARON CANNON
IL
Summary
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Attorney, Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Mayer Brown LLP
07.2022 - Current
- Ensure timely response to discovery-related requests
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategies that effectively addressed complex legal issues.
- Reviewed contracts and agreements, identifying potential risks or liabilities to protect clients from future disputes.
- Analyzed facts to identify relevant legal issues and make appropriate referrals.
- Assisted with pro bono initiatives by offering legal counsel to underserved communities or individuals in need.
- Enhanced client representation by conducting thorough legal research and drafting comprehensive memoranda.
- Handled discovery requests promptly by reviewing documents for relevance or privilege before production to opposing parties.
- Researched legal authorities, statutory, and case law and examined legal document drafts for compliance with procedural requirements.
General Attorney
U.S. Small Business Administration
02.2022 - 05.2022
- Provided guidance and support on disaster loan program
- Drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
- Conducted thorough due diligence investigations to uncover critical information pertinent to clients'' legal matters.
- Counseled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
- Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case.
Chief of Staff to the Dean and Executive Director of Administrative Services
University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
09.2017 - 12.2021
- Handled personnel matters and managed documents
- Supervised staff and participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations to establish and enforce policies and procedures for business functions.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure smooth collaboration and completion of high-priority projects.
- Led crisis-management efforts during unexpected challenges; mitigating potential negative impacts on business operations.
- Facilitated productive meetings by creating well-organized agendas and ensuring clear communication of objectives.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for direct reports, providing constructive feedback for continuous professional growth.
- Performed financial and managerial analyses to evaluate data and make recommendations, prepare financial reports and projections and conduct presentations.
- Encouraged coordination and cooperation among departments and continuous review of interdepartmental processes to support quality control and improvement.
- Coordinated company-wide events, fostering a strong sense of community among employees.
- Managed business operations while overseeing contractors and consultants to verify on-time completion of key deliverables.
- Improved internal processes through thorough review, resulting in a reduction of wasted time and resources.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
- Identified opportunities to streamline processes and improve office operations and efficiency.
- Analyzed and solved multi-faceted problems that effected executive leaders and business initiatives.
- Managed budgetary responsibilities effectively, ensuring proper allocation of funds to support essential operations and growth opportunities.
- Oversaw accreditation processes, maintaining compliance with institutional standards and ensuring continuous improvement of academic offerings.
Chief of Staff and Aide to Commissioner
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
12.2012 - 09.2017
- Provided policy recommendations and acted as chief adviser
- Ensured regulatory compliance across all divisions by developing thorough policies and procedures.
- Supervised and led office employees to meet team and individual goals.
- Served as a trusted advisor to the Board Commissioner, providing insightful analysis on critical business issues.
- Explained policies and procedures to office staff to promote understanding.
- Attended meetings to make informed business decisions, provide administrative support and evaluate progress toward goals and objectives.
Staff Attorney
Golden Law
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Handled discovery requests promptly by reviewing documents for relevance or privilege before production to opposing parties.
- Reviewed contracts and agreements, identifying potential risks or liabilities to protect clients from future disputes.
- Drafted persuasive legal documents, including motions, briefs, and pleadings, ensuring proper formatting and accuracy.
- Managed caseload efficiently by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance while meeting strict deadlines.
- Researched legal authorities, statutory, and case law and examined legal document drafts for compliance with procedural requirements.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with clients and witnesses, gathering critical information for case development.
- Assisted senior attorneys in trial preparation by organizing evidence, coordinating witness testimony, and creating demonstrative aids.
- Conducted intake interviews and provided legal information, referrals and advocacy to determine potential courses of action.
Legal Secretary - Litigation
Kirkland & Ellis, LLP
09.2006 - 01.2012
- Performed legal research and supported attorneys in litigation
- Enhanced attorney productivity by providing exceptional administrative support, managing schedules, and organizing meetings.
- Managed high-volume caseloads by maintaining organized client files and tracking deadlines effectively.
- Advanced document-editing skills aiding in the creation of polished final drafts of time-sensitive legal materials.
- Prepared legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery requests to expedite case progression.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Prepared and processed invoices for attorney billing.
- Managed check requests, expense reimbursement requests, invoices and accounts payable and receivable information.
Attorney Volunteer
CARPLS Legal Aid
05.2011 - 12.2011
- Provided legal assistance to low-income callers
Education
Juris Doctor -
University of Illinois Chicago, School of Law
Skills
Legal Research
Legal writing
Case analysis
Document Review
Client Counseling
Dispute Resolution
Litigation Management
Case File Management
Litigation
Discovery processes
Certification
Certificate in Mediation, Center for Conflict Resolution
Baradmissions
- Illinois State Bar
- Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Timeline
Staff Attorney, Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Mayer Brown LLP
07.2022 - Current
General Attorney
U.S. Small Business Administration
02.2022 - 05.2022
Chief of Staff to the Dean and Executive Director of Administrative Services
University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
09.2017 - 12.2021
Chief of Staff and Aide to Commissioner
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
12.2012 - 09.2017
Staff Attorney
Golden Law
01.2012 - 12.2012
Attorney Volunteer
CARPLS Legal Aid
05.2011 - 12.2011
Legal Secretary - Litigation
Kirkland & Ellis, LLP
09.2006 - 01.2012
Juris Doctor -
University of Illinois Chicago, School of Law
Certificate in Mediation, Center for Conflict Resolution
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