Huntington Beach, California, United States
Solutions oriented attorney with strong intellectual agility, financial acumen, business instincts and risk assessment skills, and a strong record of success representing creditors in state and federal courts on a broad range of complex legal, business and strategic issues. Known for high standards, commitment and positive energy.
Served in Of Counsel role to the firm for matters in state and federal courts. • Attended court hearings (both telephonic and in person) • Prepared motions for relief, objections to Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 plans, and various pleadings associated with the representation of secured creditors in bankruptcy matters • Audited bankruptcy caseload to maintain compliance standards • Coached and supervised junior attorney • Handled escalations and time sensitive matters
Managed and led a team of 20 attorneys and 80 paralegals and legal staff in three revenue generating departments in offices serving California, Nevada and Arizona. • Oversaw continued growth across all departments that reached annual revenue of $16M. • Reviewed documentation pre-litigation, interpreted applicable law and made risk based recommendations to clients. • Performed client audits and advised clients on how to manage litigation costs more effectively which reduced loan losses by over $5M for a major client. • Developed and conducted external seminars and educational training courses for clients’ associates on numerous legal issues related to their business and advised them on potential impact to their industry. • Managed California collections attorneys and FDCPA training for firm attorneys and staff. • Responsible for 12,000 active bankruptcy and eviction cases which contributed to the majority of the firm revenue.
Managed a team of 5 attorneys and 20 legal staff in the bankruptcy department. • Grew revenue and profitability by expanding client base, which yielded 15% margin increase over 3 years. • Conducted negotiations to favorably settle contested cases for the client without incurring cost of going to trial in over 90% of cases. • Advised clients on applicable bankruptcy law and state laws and the potential impact for each case. • Prepared pleadings for all stages of litigation including pre-trial and trial stages. • Propounded and responded to discovery; reviewed and analyzed responses. • Handled hearings, trials and appeals in federal and state courts.
Represented financial institutions as creditors in Chapters 11, 7 and 13 bankruptcy proceedings and post-foreclosure evictions and collections. • Supervised and managed staff to meet deadlines and effectively represent clients. • Advised clients on compliance with laws, rules and regulations affecting financial institutions. • Negotiated with opposing counsel regarding treatment of creditors’ claims in bankruptcy. • Prepared complaints, answers, proofs of claim, motions and oppositions.
Assisted the Honorable Norma Shapiro, the District Attorney and the City Solicitor's Office in drafting legislative proposals and status reports aimed at reforming Philadelphia's prison system.
• Received defense awards for the City in arbitrations tried before the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Panel and Municipal Courts. • Answered pleadings, conducted discovery, negotiated settlements and prepared legal briefs.