WANDA DONNELLY
Crofton
Summary
Experienced attorney specializing in dispute resolution and employment law. Proven track record in addressing complex workplace issues and implementing innovative solutions. Skilled in regulatory compliance and client counseling, with a history of advising senior leaders on legal matters and developing effective workplace policies.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Attorney-Advisor
Department of State
Washington D.C.
02.2017 - Current
- Provide legal counsel to Human Resources.
- Serve as point of contact for accommodation matters that were contentious and created innovative solutions to assist management and the employee reach resolution.
- Conduct assessments of complaints of toxic workplace environments to include allegations of harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
- Develop and prepare comprehensive reports based on facts revealed in interviews and assessments and draft recommendations to address the concerns identified.
- Collect and analyze extensive data from workplace climate assessments to identify concerns and develop recommendations for resolution.
- Assist HR practitioners with identifying issues and creating strategic plans to address allegations of toxic workplace environments to include harassment and discrimination.
- Develop strategy and provide counsel to senior federal government leaders to include Ambassadors to address workplace issues to include conduct and performance concerns.
- Review proposals for discipline for legal sufficiency.
- Develop, review and revise employment-related policies and procedures within the Medical System to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
- Draft and negotiate settlement agreements. Review other documents to ensure legal sufficiency.
- Advise leadership on matters related to conflicts of interest and ethical concerns.
Deputy Director
Maryland Court of Special Appeals
Annapolis
02.2013 - 02.2017
- Review legal case files to assess the parties posture of the appeal, the likelihood of success during appeal and determine appropriateness for mediation.
- Conducted interviews with attorneys and parties to assess their legal posture as it relates to relevant case law, regulations and statute as part of the case selection and pre-mediation process.
- Analyzed legal arguments made in lower courts to help parties and their attorneys assess the strengths and weaknesses of their case.
- Facilitate discussions between counsel/parties to explore a broad range of opportunities to enter into mutually satisfactory settlement agreements.
- Drafted complex settlement agreements to secure post-mediation finalization of agreements and develop orders to effectuate the terms of the settlement.
- Work with judges, lawyers, litigants, appropriate court personnel, mediators, and the alternative dispute resolution community to gather information and resources to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the program.
- Gathered and maintained statistical data regarding program.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree -
University of Georgia
Athens, GeorgiaJuris Doctorate -
University of Illinois
Champaign, IllinoisSkills
- Dispute resolution
- Regulatory compliance
- Strategic planning
- Effective communication
- Employment law
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Legal compliance
- Client counseling
Timeline
Attorney-Advisor
Department of State
02.2017 - Current
Deputy Director
Maryland Court of Special Appeals
02.2013 - 02.2017
Bachelor of Arts Degree -
University of Georgia
Juris Doctorate -
University of Illinois