Tara J. Thomas

• Company Overview: Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA) Contract (Intermittent, On-Call) website not provided
• Deploy to disaster-affected areas within the U.S.
• Or its territories for extended periods (30+ days), depending on the scale of the disaster
• Gather crucial information from survivors and help determine how FEMA's programs can best provide support.
• Working in various environments, often door-to-door, requires physical endurance and adaptability.
• Be on-call and prepared to deploy within 24-48 hours when activated
• Work full-time during deployments, including possible overtime
• Collect and assess survivor information to determine eligibility and match them with appropriate FEMA programs
• Engage with survivors in affected neighborhoods, often walking or standing outdoors for long periods in varying weather conditions
• Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA) Contract (Intermittent, On-Call) website is not provided
• Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
• Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
• Implemented new training programs for staff, leading to higher employee retention rates and better overall performance.
• Championed the adoption of new software tools that streamlined workflows across multiple departments.
• Coordinated with the IT department to upgrade cybersecurity measures, safeguarding company data.
• Facilitated workshops for the professional development of junior staff members.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely and accurate issue resolution.
• Implemented a customer feedback system to inform product development.
• Negotiated with suppliers to reduce material costs, improving profit margins.
• Boosted the company's online presence by developing a comprehensive digital marketing strategy.
• Developed training materials to enhance staff proficiency and productivity.
• Assisted in developing a strategic plan that aligned with long-term company goals.
• Assisted in developing a strategic plan that aligned with long-term company goals.
• Designed an employee recognition program that improved morale and reduced turnover.

• Company Overview: Freelance – Part-time website not provided
• Conduct legal research and analysis and identify key issues and relevant information.
• Coordinate and assist in drafting, editing, and proofreading legal contracts and correspondence.
• Monitor, track, and maintain legal and organization deadlines to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with attorneys and other team members to meet project deadlines and deliver high-quality work.
• Provide administrative support, including file management, document organization, and scheduling.
• Stay updated on changes in relevant laws, regulations, and court rules
• Prepare and process expense reports and other financial documents
• Managing and prioritizing incoming requests and inquiries and handling them appropriately
• Handle incoming and outgoing communications, including emails and correspondence
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, vendors, and other key stakeholders
• Freelance – Part-time website not provided

• Company Overview: Contract - Full Time / Remote website not provided
• Provided comprehensive legal support in collaboration with the General Counsel, spanning corporate matters, document preparation, and legal research
• Streamlined legal operations, enhancing efficiency, and managing legal project tools to optimize resource allocation and milestone tracking
• Conducted comprehensive legal research using various online and offline resources to support attorneys in case preparation and strategy
• Oversaw departmental budgets and financial reporting and improved processes with technology solutions for contract and e-discovery management
• Educated internal teams through training on legal policies and drive initiatives to bolster knowledge management and data security
• Assisted with legal document preparation, research, client communication, and maintaining case files for litigation cases
• Developed a comprehensive litigation management tracking system to streamline case oversight and enhance inter-departmental communication
• Facilitated critical progress in the ongoing management and systematic enhancement of the entity mapping database, ensuring data integrity and accessibility
• Spearheaded the creation of high-impact presentations and provided instrumental support to the General Counsel in preparing for quarterly Board Meetings, focusing on strategic alignment and governance
• Contract - Full Time / Remote website not provided
• Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
• Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain a smooth flow of firm operations.
• Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
• Assisted counsel in preparing answers and providing documentation and information for discovery requests.
• Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
• Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
• Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
• Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
• Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
• Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
• Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
• Improved document organization by implementing a comprehensive file management system for easy access to essential case materials.
• Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by managing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
• Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm's billing system.
• Assisted in the preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlements in the best interest of the client.
• Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
• Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into the company database.
• Assisted attorneys with trial preparation through thorough research and analysis of relevant laws and regulations.
• Summarized depositions, legal documents, and other material to provide attorneys with relevant case material.
• Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
• Promoted a positive work environment by providing training and guidance to junior paralegals or interns as needed.
• Contributed to successful case outcomes through diligent fact investigation and witness interviews.
• Expedited document review process by conducting initial reviews of key documents for relevance and privilege status.
• Aided settlement negotiations with effective summary reports outlining key points from discovery materials for use during mediation sessions or pretrial settlement talks.
• Saved firm resources by conducting cost-effective legal research using both traditional library resources and online databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in laws or regulations relevant to practice areas through continuous professional development opportunities such as seminars or webinars.
• Assisted in achieving favorable legal outcomes by preparing persuasive legal arguments and briefs.
• Reduced case resolution times by effectively supporting negotiation and settlement processes.
• Streamlined workflow by implementing a new document management system, reducing time spent on file retrieval.
• Increased efficiency in legal document production with advanced proficiency in legal software applications.
• Streamlined office communication and improved case management with meticulous record-keeping and scheduling.
• Increased client satisfaction with thorough research and prompt response to inquiries.
• Improved team productivity by coordinating with attorneys to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively.
• Enhanced accuracy of case analysis with diligent fact-checking and legal research.
• Increased department efficiency by organizing continuing legal education seminars for paralegal staff.
• Bolstered the firm's reputation by consistently maintaining high standards of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
• Optimized legal proceedings with precise preparation of trial notebooks and evidence.
• Fostered a collaborative environment, facilitating communication between legal teams and clients.
• Strengthened case presentations with detailed investigative work and evidence gathering.
• Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
• Conducted in-depth legal research to support case strategy development, significantly contributing to positive outcomes.
• Streamlined case management process, reducing overhead costs and improving case turnaround times.
• Enhanced case preparation efficiency by organizing and maintaining a comprehensive digital filing system.
• Facilitated smoother trial preparations, organizing exhibits and coordinating witnesses.
• Enhanced the firm's legal research capabilities, maintaining an up-to-date database of legal resources and precedents.
• Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
• Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss the progress of cases.
• Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
• Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
• Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
• Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, and appeals.
• Reviewed, edited, and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
• Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
• Researched and analyzed legal issues and cases to provide accurate advice to clients.
• Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
• Developed polished motions and briefs to support litigation processes and court proceedings.
• Created weekly, monthly, and quarterly expense reports.
• Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.
• Conducted background investigations on the defendant.
• Prepared various exhibits for attorneys for public meetings, zoning commission meetings, and legal resolutions.
• Generated leads to meet and exceed revenue goals by identifying new clients.
• Analyzed deeds of trust to verify grantor, grantee, trustee, and loan amounts for executive leadership.
• Reviewed the deed of Trust, Title Commitment, and prior bankruptcy documents.
• Analyzed deeds of trust to verify grantor, grantee, trustee, and loan amounts for executive leadership.
• Reviewed Deed of Trust, Title Commitment, and prior bankruptcy documents.
• Reviewed Deed of Trust, Title Commitment, and prior bankruptcies documents.

• Company Overview: (USAID)
• Executed acquisition functions in compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Conducted pre-award procurement activities, including market research, to assess requirement availability.
• Prepared correspondence and budget, supported contractual actions for contracting officer approval, and facilitated contract close-outs.
• Managed post-award procurement tasks such as modifications and contractor performance tracking.
• Introduced new tools for upcoming contract management system integration.
• Efficiently administered multiple complex Personal Service Contractor (PSC) contracts under tight deadlines.
• Delivered innovative contract solutions in collaboration with clients and contractors.
• Led customer service excellence as the primary liaison between USAID/BHA and PSCs.
• Onboarded and educated new Contract Specialists on contract procedures and standards.
• (USAID) website is not provided.
• Reviewed subcontractor agreements to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, minimizing risk exposure.
• Ensured timely fulfillment of contractual requirements by closely monitoring progress and addressing potential issues proactively.
• Reduced risk exposure through diligent monitoring and enforcement of contractual obligations.
• Managed complete procurement cycle by planning, reviewing, soliciting, awarding, administering, and closing out contracts to achieve seamless transition at all procurement levels.
• Reviewed contract plans and project specifics for thorough understanding.
• Conducted quality reviews and monitored contract performance.
• Achieved cost savings by identifying areas for improvement and negotiating more favorable terms with suppliers.
• Implemented robust tracking systems to monitor ongoing contract performance, enabling proactive identification of potential issues.
• Maintained digital paper and contractual files, ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates and company policies.
• Negotiated optimal contract terms and conditions to lessen business risk and maximize financial objectives.
• Managed high-value contracts portfolio, maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Strengthened internal controls by developing and implementing contract management policies, procedures, and templates.
• Facilitated productive negotiations between parties by acting as a mediator during dispute resolution sessions.
• Provided expert guidance on complex contracting issues to support informed decision-making.
• Created and prepared specific contracts to present to senior management.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive contract strategies that met business objectives.
• Championed change management efforts following major contract revisions, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing disruption to business operations.
• Provided exceptional customer service to a diverse clientele, even in high-stress environments.
• Increased operational efficiency through regular audits of existing contracts, identifying opportunities for renegotiation or termination when necessary.
• Liaised with outside organizations and financial management analysts to negotiate contract details.
• Mitigated legal risks by conducting thorough reviews of contractual agreements before finalizing negotiations.
• Closely monitored and evaluated contract performance to determine regulatory compliance and necessary amendments.
• Streamlined vendor selection process, resulting in efficient procurement of goods and services.
• Performed in-depth market research, identified optimal acquisition strategies, and prepared contracts for approval.
• Examined records and business information for investment advisors.

• Company Overview: Full-Time website not provided
• Reorganized Contract Lifecycle Management System: Created and edited pre-existing metadata to capture necessary information; and created, edited, and updated metadata tags according to relevant contractual terms and deliverables
• Prepared, edited, and reviewed various corporate contracts, including but not limited to NDAs, Vendor Agreements, Master Services Agreements, and Software as a Service contracts
• Managed legal department operations: maintaining optimal functioning of the department, such as budgeting, daily operations, workflow, project management, and HR matters
• Maintained company’s organizational compliance requirements, such as, filings, sales tax, insurance, and set-up offshore foreign bank accounts
• Acted in a liaison capacity between business units, external clients, and business partners, responding to questions and resolving problems
• Facilitated and organized internal and external meetings and travel accommodations and coordinated scheduling and calendar
• Full-Time website not provided
• Oversaw contracts for over seven (7) different departments using both manual and automated strategies.

• Company Overview: (USA) website not provided
• Spearheaded the development and issuance of comprehensive Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Bids (RFBs), and other solicitation documents, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with industry standards
• Authored and revised a wide range of contractual documents, including service agreements, amendments, and addendums, contributing to a solid legal foundation for business operations
• Oversaw the entire procurement lifecycle, from initial market research and vendor engagement through to contract award and meticulous maintenance of procurement records, enhancing process efficiency and transparency
• Generated detailed procurement contract reports, including analytical assessments and compliance monitoring for Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) engagements, leading to a 15% increase in diverse supplier partnerships
• Played a key role in resolving procurement and contractual challenges by employing strategic negotiation skills and implementing risk mitigation strategies, resulting in a 20% reduction in procurement disputes
• (USA) website not provided

• Company Overview: Contract - Full Time website not provided
• Played a pivotal role as a contract administrator within the Sales Finance team, fostering synergistic collaborations with partners across Twitter, which enhanced inter-departmental communications and project outcomes
• Directly reported to the Global Revenue Compliance Manager, playing a crucial role in upholding the organization's adherence to regulatory standards and implementing best practices in procedural and policy frameworks
• Spearheaded the critical review and endorsement process for all advertising contracts, ensuring legal and financial integrity while mitigating risk through comprehensive contract analysis
• Innovated and implemented a streamlined contract review process, which significantly enhanced efficiency; meticulously managed contract volumes and developed insightful report metrics that informed strategic decisions
• Provided instrumental support to the Financial Planning and Analysis functions by overseeing Oracle approvals, contributing to human capital strategies and financial reconciliations, and maintaining up-to-date monthly performance trackers, thereby ensuring fiscal responsibility and organizational coherence
• Contract - Full Time website not provided

Company Overview:

• Handled corporate contracts such as NDAs, Consulting and Master Services Agreements, SaaS contracts, Statements of Work, and updated contract templates.
• Spearheaded the rollout of a cloud-based Contract Lifecycle Management System, developed document metadata, and instituted tracking for contract compliance.
• Evaluated department workflow data to pinpoint and address inefficiencies, ensuring prompt handling of legal requests.
• Contributed independently to the legal due diligence for Amplify, Inc.'s acquisition by News Corp.
• Conducted extensive research for Data Privacy and Conflict of Interest projects to maintain adherence to educational data privacy and conflict of interest laws across the U.S.
• Organized internal/external meetings, travel, and schedules efficiently
• Full-Time website not provided.