VALERIE PONTIKIS
Glenview,IL
Summary
In-house corporate counsel with extensive experience managing commercial contracts, compliance and cross-functional legal matters. Trusted advisor to executive leadership, with a focus on enabling business objectives while managing legal and regulatory risk. Known for sound judgment, efficiency, and a pragmatic approach to legal problem-solving.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Counsel
C.G.C.G., Inc.
Elk Grove Village, IL
08.2022 - Current
- Serve as lead in-house counsel responsible for commercial contracts, vendor agreements and business compliance matters across the organization.
- Lead negotiation and execution of complex commercial agreements, including a $1M+ restaurant relocation and renovation project completed within six months.
- Manage permitting, licensing and regulatory approvals with state and local municipalities to support ongoing operations and expansion initiatives.
- Analyze property tax assessments and negotiate revised valuations, resulting in more than $20,000 in cost savings.
- Partner closely with executive leadership to align legal strategy with operational goals while mitigating legal and regulatory risk.
Corporate Counsel
Intertek
Arlington Heights, IL
05.2021 - 08.2022
- Advised business teams and executives on commercial contracts, intellectual property, and compliance matters supporting domestic and international operations.
- Drafted and negotiated a wide range of agreements, including MSAs, NDAs, SaaS, intellectual property, data privacy and international contracts.
- Worked with the General Counsel and senior counsel to develop a practical legal playbook that improved contract turnaround and internal consistency.
- Addressed intellectual property and data protection enforcement matters and supported brand protection efforts.
- Supported leadership initiatives to streamline contract processes and improve consistency in risk management.
Operations Manager
Rose Garden Cafe
Elk Grove Village, IL
08.2009 - 04.2021
- Drafted and negotiated supplier contracts and licensing agreements to support ongoing operations.
- Implemented operational process improvements aimed at reducing risk and improving efficiency.
Contract Attorney
Axiom
Chicago, IL
04.2019 - 09.2019
- Reviewed and negotiated complex commercial agreements in fast-paced environments, focusing on risk allocation and compliance with client standards.
- Provided practical issue-spotting and recommendations to internal teams to support timely deal execution.
Project Manager
SAC Wireless
Chicago, IL
11.2017 - 04.2019
- Managed multiple development projects requiring coordination with municipalities, vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with zoning, permitting, and code requirements.
- Negotiated vendor agreements and supported project execution with attention to regulatory and contractual detail.
Legal Intern
Wexler & Wallace LLP
Chicago, IL
08.2012 - 01.2014
- Conducted legal research and assisted with briefing and discovery materials.
- Supported litigation preparation and settlement documentation under attorney supervision.
Legal Intern
Liston & Tsantilis, P.C.
Chicago, IL
05.2007 - 12.2009
- Provided research and drafting support on municipal and real estate tax matters.
- Researched real estate tax comparables and assisted with property tax appeal preparation.
- Drafted contracts, engagement letters, and transactional documents for municipal and real estate clients.
Education
Master of Laws (LL.M.) - Taxation
John Marshall School of Laws
Chicago, ILJuris Doctor -
John Marshall School of Law
Chicago, ILBachelor of Science -
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, ILSkills
- Corporate Governance
- Risk Management
- Commercial Contracts
- Licensing & Regulatory Compliance
- Employment Law
- Strategic Negotiation
- Policy Development
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Intellectual Property
- Data Protection/Data Privacy
- Legal research
Admissions
Illinois, State Bar
Timeline
Corporate Counsel
C.G.C.G., Inc.
08.2022 - Current
Corporate Counsel
Intertek
05.2021 - 08.2022
Contract Attorney
Axiom
04.2019 - 09.2019
Project Manager
SAC Wireless
11.2017 - 04.2019
Legal Intern
Wexler & Wallace LLP
08.2012 - 01.2014
Operations Manager
Rose Garden Cafe
08.2009 - 04.2021
Legal Intern
Liston & Tsantilis, P.C.
05.2007 - 12.2009
Master of Laws (LL.M.) - Taxation
John Marshall School of Laws
Juris Doctor -
John Marshall School of Law
Bachelor of Science -
Loyola University Chicago