Contessa N. O’Connell, Esq.

ac7fkv@r.postjobfree.com

**** *** ****** ***, **. Augustine, FL 32080

904-***-****

Detail oriented attorney with 17 years of comprehensive experience. Team player with excellent communication, problem solving and analytical skills. Litigation and mediation skills are additions to this well-rounded corporate attorney.

EDUCATION

B.A. University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.

J.D. Marquette University School of Law, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. LICENSES

Member: Florida Bar 2001 #522791

Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, Family Law 34986F EXPERIENCE

December 2017 to Creative Learning Corporation (CLCN) August 2018 Corporate Counsel

• Provided oversight to the legal function of the organization.

• Collaborated with executive team including the Board of Directors to implement short-term and long-term organizational decisions.

• Served as key legal advisor.

• Represented the corporation in Circuit Court, which included legal research, drafting pleadings/filings and oral arguments.

• Served as Registered Agent for Florida companies.

• Served as a board member and officer of the company’s 501(c)(3).

• Responsible for reviewing, negotiating, drafting and execution of legal documents including: Franchise Agreements/International Franchise Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Promissory Notes, Termination Agreements, Vendor Agreements, Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD).

• Organized and maintained files of current franchisees and closed files.

• Worked with outside counsel regarding franchise issues and SEC issues.

• Interacted with marketing staff, support staff and accounting staff regarding franchisee/franchisor issues.

• Interacted with domestic (US) and foreign attorneys and franchisees regarding franchise issues.

• Assisted in the coordination of responses to legal complaints, and litigation including discovery matters.

• Assisted in the collections process including: drafting default letters, verbal communications, negotiations and terminations.

Contessa N. O’Connell

Page 2

• Assisted in the development of clear recommendations regarding the organization’s legal obligations, options and objectives. October 2014 to St. Johns Law Group

January 2018 Associate Attorney

• Represented clients with a concentration on Family law.

• Developed detailed litigation strategies for each case.

• Appeared before the Court for Case Management/Status Conferences, motions and trial.

• Drafted Settlement Agreements and Pre-Nuptial Agreements.

• Represented clients in complex mediation of contested divorces to successfully negotiate settlement.

• Conducted case management procedures, including discovery and depositions.

• Interviewed and prepared witness for hearings and trials.

• Drafted all necessary pleadings and motions relevant to each case.

• Represented small business owners on collection matters including drafting demand letters and settlement agreements.

• Assisted members of the firm when necessary.

• Conducted legal research.

• Provided pro bono legal services to those in need. July 2011 to Oceanside Law, P.A.

October 2014 Sole Practitioner

• Represented clients with a concentration on Family law.

• Developed detailed litigation strategies for each case.

• Appeared before the Court for Case Management/Status Conferences, motions and trial.

• Represented clients in complex mediation of contested divorces to successfully negotiate settlement.

• Drafted Settlement Agreements and Pre-Nuptial Agreements.

• Conducted case management procedures, including discovery and depositions.

• Interviewed and prepared witnesses for hearings and trials.

• Drafted all necessary pleadings and motions relevant to each case.

• Represented small business owners on collection matters including drafting demand letters and settlement agreements.

• Conducted legal research.

• Provided pro bono legal services to those in need.

• Managed the firm’s operational strategies.

Contessa N. O’Connell

Page 3

January 2008 to Prosperity Bank

July 2011 Corporate Counsel

• Managed the legal department for a mid-sized community bank, which included a staff attorney and a paralegal.

• Focused on banking law, trusts and estates, real property, contracts, collections and foreclosure proceedings.

• Negotiated and drafted commercial lease agreements, vendor contracts, workouts, settlements, demand letters, Deeds in Lieu and short sales.

• Reviewed trusts, contracts, subpoenas, garnishments, levies, powers of attorneys and other documents.

• Coordinated and strategized with outside counsel regarding legal matters.

• Assisted and counseled banking center staff.

• Responsible for internal budgeting and controlling legal expenditures associated with outside counsel.

• Attended Board meetings and provided legal counsel when requested. January 2005 to Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. September 2007 Vice President and Regional Manager (Corporate Counsel)

• Managed the Southern Region, which included Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.

• Responsible for growing market share via direct and strategic marketing, email campaigns and seminars.

• Responsible for all administrative affairs of the regional office.

• Responsible for hiring sales team for the entire region and supervised all regional staff.

• Taught continuing education courses to Realtors, Attorneys, Certified Public Accountants and Enrolled Agents.

June 2002 to Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. January 2005 Assistant Vice President and Assistant Regional Manager (Corporate Counsel)

• Responsible for structuring Reverse and Build-to-Suit exchanges as well as meeting with prospective clients regarding delayed or simultaneous exchanges.

• Responsible for administrative progress in the regional office. July 2001 to Miller, Shine & Bryan, P.A.

June 2002 Associate Attorney and Law Clerk

• Consulted with clients, prepared pleadings, appeared before the court on clients’ behalf, and assisted a partner with research and memorandums of law. REFERENCES

Available upon request.

Contact this candidate