Chantel C. Espaillat
**** ********* **., #***, *******, GA 30342
Tel: 912-***-**** Email: *****************@*******.***
Personal Summary:
An experienced United States (U.S.) civil litigation attorney, with a tenacious and proactive approach to client representation has resulted in numerous settlement negotiations in the collection of debts. Utilizing excellent research and writing skills; having an enthusiastic and positive attitude; and good work ethic has ensured that clients receive an excellent level of representation while at the same time ensuring the highest level of compliance for the company. Thorough attention to detail and good communications skills has helped firms with development of new compliance procedures in accordance with U.S. Federal Regulations of creditors’ rights. I am currently seeking a new challenge which will utilize my keen attention to detail skill set, passion for research and give me exposure.
Areas of Expertise & Skills:
Professional
Fluent in English and Spanish
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Word Perfect
Extensive knowledge of Commercial Legal Software (CLS)
Proficient in legal research resources such as LexisNexis and Westlaw
Preparing written information for clients and memorandums for Partners in the firm
Submitting recommendations to Partners to improve work efficiency and product quality
Maintaining a good rapport with clients in addressing their concerns and needs
Developing new compliance procedures, policies, and standards
Able to train, monitor and supervise junior or new staff
Personal
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Adaptive to change, flexible and able to multi-task
Able to work as part of a team in a busy environment
Excellent organizational skills
Works well under pressure
Able to react quickly and effectively when dealing with challenging situations
Meticulous attention to detail
Active listener
Committed to promoting high quality standards at all time
Tactful and articulate
Able to quickly gain extensive knowledge of company policies and procedures
Employment History & Work Experience:
Current Position - Attorney (Creditors’ Rights Office) Aldridge Pite Haan LLP f/k/a
McCullough Payne Haan & Nadler, LLC
Represent Creditors’ rights in the collection of debts in accordance with U.S. Federal Regulations such as Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA); Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA); and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and local laws including but not limited to auto deficiency cases; credit card debts; student loans; and mortgages
Handling hundreds of litigious collections cases in Georgia Courts
Researching case laws, local statutes, and federal regulations to support the firm’s compliance department
Preparing Memorandums, Motions and other Pleadings
Reviewing hundreds of lawsuits on a daily basis for approval and compliance
Daily interaction with other Associates and Partners of the firm to discuss cases and new processes to handle high volume workload efficiently
Negotiating settlements with opposing parties to resolve cases
9 months - Attorney (Creditors’ Rights Office) Nadler & Associates, P.C.
Daily interaction with Partners of the firm to discuss handling complex counterclaim files and resolutions
Working with clients to bring in new business and creating new processes to handle cases in compliance with the FDCPA; the FCRA; and the GLBA
Holding weekly meetings with Partners of the firm to discuss resolving any issues affecting the productivity of the firm and developing new policies and procedures for efficiency and compliance
2 years - Attorney (Creditors’ Rights Office) Greene & Cooper, LLP
Analyzing cases and counseling clients how to proceed with files cost-effectively
Handling all contested cases filed in the State and Superior Courts and resolving cases through preparing Motions and Memorandums of Law
Daily interaction with the Document Center Department and monitoring that lawsuits were prepared within the parameters of the FDCPA
Reviewing hundreds of lawsuits and garnishments for approval and compliance
2 years - Attorney (Creditors’ Rights Office) Kramer, Linkie & Taylor, LLC
Managing the Document Center Department to ensure lawsuits were being prepared efficiently and the process was in compliance with the FDCPA
Handling all consumer disputes and preparing validations of the debts
Daily interaction with the calendar clerk to ensure all cases were being represented in accordance with federal law
6 months - Attorney (Employment Litigation Office) Molden, Holley & Thompson, LLC
Preparing memorandums of laws and discovery for employment discrimination cases
Assisting Partners with trial preparation including but not limited to handling exhibits during trial, drafting responsive motions and pleadings, and interviewing/prepping witnesses before trial
6 months - Legal Assistant (Personal Injury Office) Feldman & Associates, P.C.
Interviewing clients on the phone, in order to analyze the facts stated to decipher whether the client has a potential personal injury cases
Daily interaction with Partners to discuss settlement offers and weighing in factors such as liability, damages, and coverage then deciding the amount to demand for settlement
1 year - Law Clerk (Personal Injury Office) Law Office of Brian Johnson, P.A., Neptune Beach, FL
Drafting Demand letters for personal injury claims to submit to insurance adjusters to initiate settlement negotiations
Assisting clients with any concerns they may have regarding their case like explaining any potential problems in their case such as inconsistencies with the medical files regarding whether client’s injuries are related to the accident
Education:
Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville, FL Juris Doctor, December 2009
University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT B.A. in Criminal Justice, May 2006, summa cum laude
Honors: Dean’s Honor Roll, multiple semesters
Activities: Criminal Justice Association – held student seminars to teach about Criminal Justice