Experienced attorney with numerous years of successful legal experience, particularly with in-house advisement, arbitrations, risk assessment and strategic execution of corporate protection plans.  Strong legal research, writing, and negotiations expertise.  

Process Management   Creative Problem Solving   Client Advisory Services

Data Analysis & Research   Risk Assessment   Timeline Oriented

Analytical Thinking   Corporate Liability Protection   Real-Estate Expertise

 

Ø  Strong multi-tasking background with the ability to work independently on multiple projects simultaneously, including specialized knowledge of various legal processes and methodologies, regulatory mandates, transactional documents, operational analysis, research and development as well as forming collaborative relationships with all departmental resources for the betterment of the company.     

Ø  Excel in defining and implementing procedures and operational protocols to protect the corporation from liability.

Ø  Extensive knowledge of publicly traded real estate investment trusts, national banks, and large retail chains.

Ø  Consistently focus on ensuring development of high-standard delivery methodologies. 

Ø  Proven ability to adapt strong technical skills to diverse organization and client needs.

Ø  Technology savvy with knowledge of multiple applications and platforms.

 

 

Ø  Employ successful litigation processes through application of advanced communication and interpersonal skills.

Ø  Draft, review, negotiate and approve all contracts entered into by the company including vendor, services, operational, confidentiality, employment, third-party contractors, procurement and IT contracts.

Ø  Consistently negotiate, draft, review and close on a variety of multi-million dollar acquisitions as well as lease and financing.

Ø  Demonstrate dynamic leadership qualities and strong communication skills in successfully steering planning meetings and delivering comprehensive strategies.

Ø  Capable of in-depth research and analysis with the purpose of identifying relevant issues and applying well-documented data to meet client needs.  

Ø  Develop and implement numerous protocols and policies with the purpose of identifying and resolving relevant issues in a proactive manner. 

 

 

n J.D., Northern Illinois University College of Law (Class Rank: 8)

n B.S. C Accounting, University of Phoenix

n Bar Admissions C State of Illinois, Federal District Court, Northern District of Illinois

n Academic Achievements C Law Review (Symposium Editor), Moot Court Finalist (National Moot Court Competition in Information and Technology), Award for Achievement in Real Estate Property Courses

 

 

 

 

Ø  Negotiated and closed on over 40 existing operating locations through multiple transactions, including recent $25M acquisition of eleven locations through bankruptcy auction proceeding.  

 

Ø  Successfully closed on $126M in sale lease-back transactions with publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trusts.

 

Ø  Negotiated $65M, four (4) bank, loan syndication and the renewal of the same which provided all aspects of the company s financing including lines of credit and term notes.

 

Ø  Negotiated credit card processing agreement for all locations ($330M) with First Data Corporation.

 

 

 

 

General Counsel (Promoted) / Vice President, Road Ranger, LLC                    2004-Present

 

  Primary responsibilities include acting as Corporate Counsel and Company Officer for privately held, rapidly growing, 89-location convenience store and motor fuel chain operating in seven Midwestern states with $750M in annual gross sales, as well as direct oversight of all legal facets of company including two attorneys and several support staff.  Specific functions include:

  Real Estate: Responsible for all aspects of real estate acquisitions and dispositions (existing operations and vacant land) including drafting and negotiating purchase agreements; review of surveys, title and environmental Phase I and Phase II reports; obtaining zoning and variances; obtaining operating licenses; preparation of all closing documents; and attending closings.  Draft or review all ancillary real estate documents including easements, restrictions, and right of ways.

  Leasing: Responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of leases, collections and evictions.  Oversee the administration of leased property including renewals, exercising options and rights of first refusal, and CAMIT reconciliation.

  Negotiated leases with Real Estate Investment Trusts as part of sale leaseback transactions for company operated locations.

  Drafted and negotiated leases and amendments with national companies including McDonalds, Subway, Cat Scales, and Great American Real Food Fast, Inc.

  Contracts: Manage entire contracts processes including, interpretation, dispute resolution and termination.  

  Negotiated and drafted grocery and cigarette supply vendor contract with Eby Brown for all operating facilities.

  Drafted and negotiated multi-site branding and equipment lease with Pilot Travel Centers, LLC.

  Additional Areas: Human Resources, Hiring and Management of Outside counsel and Department Budget and Administration.

 

 

Associate, Hasting Law Offices                                                                                    2002-2004

 

  Primary responsibilities included comprehensive management of extensive case load and client representation including handling all phases of discovery, court appearances and evaluation of potential client representation for General Practice law firm specializing in Litigation, Real Estate and Business Transactions. Specific functions included:

  Represented City of Freeport in the acquisition of 30 residential properties under the threat of Eminent Domain for storm and sewer improvement project.

  Prepared and implemented loan documentation and necessary security agreements for US Bank in $10M multiple loan transaction.