MAVIS JOSEPHINE BOONE

RESUMÉ

**** **** ****** – UNIT A, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, 99503 907-***-**** acrm07@r.postjobfree.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Enthusiastic legal professional versed in Commercial/Banking and Property areas of practice, with more than 10 years in legal assistance. With exposure in the shipping, banking, transport and maritime industry, I am comfortable in the array of issues that I am able to cater for. Motivated and thrives in a team-oriented setting. Effectively communicates with members of the legal department, clients and courtroom personnel. I am able to thrive under pressure and successfully works with diverse teams. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms and motivated to continually improve and extend personal and professional skills and knowledge to attain increased responsibility and opportunities for professional growth. Knowledge in property assessment and comparisons, negotiations and being a fast learner increases my ability to adapt and absorb. Having experience in the Administration and Human Resource aspect of the workplace allows me to broaden my employment capabilities whilst at the same time utilizing my legal experience, knowledge and credentials. Dealing with housing projects and assessment of their collateral/lending value in order to ascertain the value of funds that may be lent to a client.

SKILLS

Legal correspondence preparation

Legal/non-legal research - Strong research skills

In-depth criminal law knowledge

Commercial/Business law specialty

Contract negotiation

Effective conflict resolution

Customer relations

Professional phone etiquette

Excellent communication skills

Database management and creation

Articulate and well-spoken

Flexible

Works well under pressure

Human resource laws knowledge

Spreadsheet management

Filing and data archiving

Records maintenance

Advanced word processing

Fluent in English, Pigeon English and Samoan

Writing, editing and proofreading

Computer-savvy

Positive attitude

Property insurance

Underwriting experience

Carpentry

Data entry skills

Fast learner

Project management

Hazardous Materials Endorsements

Safety-conscious

Skilled public speaker

Self-sufficient

Friendly

Approachable

Team player

Analytical

Bank security expert

Practices due diligence

Risk investment analysis

Benefits administration

10 years in legal administration

Spreadsheets

Document management

Risk management assessments

Compliance, banking laws and regulations

Property value assessment

Loan assessment/appraisals

WORK HISTORY

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 11/2001 – 01/2002

Bismarck Crawley - Environment Consultant (Part-time)

Summary: Mr. Crawley was a Consultant to the Ministry of Lands, Survey & Environment on Global Climate Change and the Adverse Effects on low-lying nations

prepared Consultant submissions

bound reports and created booklets for dissemination to recipients

receive emails regarding inputs from overseas consultants for works tendered for their perusal

delivery of reports

filing of all consultancy documents and images for records

answering of telephone

faxing of documents to various recipients

preparation of necessary documents for meetings

preparation of presentations for consultant meetings

preparation of documents and presentations for consultations

ACCOUNTS IT OFFICER 11/2002 – 01/2003

Ah Liki Wholesale (Part-time) - Palisi, Apia, Samoa 11/2003 – 01/2004

Summary: Ah Liki Wholesale’s business is in merchandise, retail and wholesale of goods to the public.

Compiled financial reports pertaining to cash receipts, expenditures and profit and loss.

Discovered major instances of fraud, embezzlement and large balances due.

Performed complex general accounting functions, including preparation of journal entries, account analysis and balance sheet reconciliations.

Reviewed collection reports to determine the status of collections and the amounts of outstanding balances.

Reconstructed accounting records from clients' checks and cash receipts.

Retrieval of information and reconciliation on status of old accounts

Assisted with workplace colleagues in the Debt Recovery, Marketing as well as Finance division

Reconciliation of accounts on Excel and preparation of reports on those accounts to the General Manager

DATA ENTRY INTERN 06/2004 – 07/2004

Paclii Internet Office (Part-time)

University of the South Pacific - Law School, Port Vila, Vanuatu

Summary: Paclii Internet Office is an office responsible for the vetting, formatting, scanning and loading of legal resources such as cases, legislations and legal papers on the School of Law Webpage for student access.

Scanned documentation and entered into the database.

Obtained scanned records and uploaded them into the database.

Organized forms, made photocopies, filed records and prepared correspondence and reports.

Added new material to file records and created new records.

Assisted with receptionist duties, file organization and research and development.

Formatting and proofing of material for loading onto the Paclii webpage

RESEARCH ASSISTANT 06/2004 – 06/2004

Human Rights Research Project: Sue Farren (Part-time)

University of the South Pacific - Law School, Port Vila, Vanuatu

Summary: Sue Farren (Property Law Professor) was preparing a second book on property law in the South Pacific. My assistance was offered to assist with acquiring information to assist with her research and book.

Gathering information required for a Human Rights Paper for the Pacific region on Property Law

Reading and highlighting related cases and material

Research and locate all relevant material for the Professors paper

Computer formatting of information found

Summarizing information acquired for ease of reference

LAW CLERK 11/2004 – 11/2005

Office of the Attorney General - Apia, Samoa

Summary: The Office of the Attorney General is responsible for all state legal matters whether government or quasi-government.

Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles and codes.

Investigated facts and law of cases, using pertinent sources to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.

Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.

Prepared for trials by conducting legal research and drafting pleadings.

Prepared and drafted legal advice to Government ministries and Agencies on a variety of issues

Worked as a team with attorneys, administrative assistants and fellow legal assistants.

Reviewed, edited and proofread legislation for proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and formatting.

Organized and maintained law libraries, documents and case files.

STATE SOLICITOR 12/2005 – 09/2006

Office of the Attorney General

Summary: The Office of the Attorney General is responsible for all state legal matters whether government or quasi-government.

Drafted statements of the case and witness lists.

Researched, wrote and filed all motions, writs and briefs for each case.

Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.

Called upon witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.

Developed strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.

Prepared witness, discovery, pleading, trial and exhibit binders for oral argument and depositions.

Filed all pleadings with the court clerk.

Produced legal documents, including contracts and real estate closing statements.

Prepared for trials by organizing exhibits and other key evidence.

Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles and codes.

Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.

Investigated facts and law of cases, using pertinent sources to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.

Developed a working relationship with courts, clients, debtors and attorneys.

Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.

Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss the progress of cases.

Prepared for trials by conducting legal research and drafting pleadings.

Conducted background investigations on the defendant.

Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.

Reviewed, edited and proofread bills for proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and formatting.

Review bills for ambiguity

MANAGER LEGAL SERVICES 09/2006 – 08/2009

Samoa Housing Corporation – Matafele, Apia, Samoa

Summary: Samoa Housing Corporation established under the Housing Act 1998 as a government housing facilitation agency authorized to lend to the public for housing purposes only

Produced legal documents, including contracts and real estate closing statements.

Filed all pleadings with the court clerk.

Prepared for trials by organizing exhibits and other key evidence.

Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles and codes.

Investigated facts and law of cases, using pertinent sources to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.

Developed a working relationship with courts, clients, debtors and attorneys.

Prepared for trials by conducting legal research and drafting pleadings.

Reviewed, edited and proofread legislation for proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and formatting.

Assessed and inventoried collateral produced for mortgages for loan security adequate

Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.

Developed strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.

Negotiated home mortgage modifications and alternative mitigation efforts for distressed homeowners.

Aided more than 300 homeowners in resolving home mortgage disputes and defaulted loans.

Questioned and cross-examined witnesses throughout the course of trials.

Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.

Drafted legal briefs and opinions for the Corporation

Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.

Worked with management and staff to resolve pre-litigation disputes.

Contracted as a freelance researcher and reviewer.

Managed all trial preparation for case litigation.

Filed all case pleadings in a timely manner.

Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.

Drafted demurrers and replied to oppositions.

Resolved post-judgment litigation settlements and default judgment orders in favor of the client.

Drafted statements of the case and witness lists.

Researched, wrote and filed all motions, writs and briefs for each case.

Apprised clients of potential risks and costs associated with each course of action.

Managed a high-volume caseload in the most populous and demanding circuit.

Addressed strategic issues of public policy relevant to the Corporation.

Recommended loan approvals and denials based on customer loan application reviews/collateral.

Reviewed and edited loan agreements to ensure accuracy.

Complied with regulatory requirements, including the Bank Secrecy Act, Anti Money Laundering, Privacy Act and Property Law Act and Samoa Housing Act.

Maintained strict confidentiality of bank records and client information.

Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.

Trained, coached and mentored staff to ensure proper application of debt recovery and customer service techniques

Complied annual recommendations for end of fiscal year budgets.

Managed executive calendar and coordinated weekly project team meetings.

Accepted managerial, constructive criticism and recognition with humility and composure.

Exhibited sound judgment while executing managerial responsibilities and functions.

Enforced discipline in the division as well as workplace

Get along well with Management as well as sub-ordinate staff

Led a comprehensive legal procedure/process training for 5 staff members.

Resolved employment-related disputes through proactive communication.

Analyzed and modified compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Coordinated work activities of subordinates and staff relating to employment, compensation, labor relations and employee relations.

Handled understaffing, disputes, terminating employees and administering disciplinary procedures.

Shadowed employees to determine an accurate description of the duties and skills required for each position.

Reviewed collection reports to determine the status of collections and the amounts of outstanding balances.

Worked with management at the project level to ensure expense plans are achieved.

Worked with managers to develop annual expense plan goals.

Assisted management with the finalization of the annual expense plans.

Ensure preparation/registration of loan security documents such as mortgages and conveyances

Established procedures for custody and control of assets, records, loan collateral and securities to ensure safe-keeping

LEGAL ADVISOR 09/2008 – 01/2012

Samoa Ports Authority – Matautu, Apia, Samoa

Summary: The Samoa Ports Authority was established under the Ports Authority Act 1998 to segmenting the shipping industry granting the Authority the jurisdiction to regulate use of Port facilities including port entry and use thereof

Developed company personnel policies, standard operating procedures and employee handbooks.

Conducted employment verifications and investigations.

Developed and enforced company policy and procedures relating to all phases of human resources activity.

Researched and analyzed land development issues and ownership rights and conservation controversies.

Developed strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.

Presented key evidence and exhibits during civil trials.

Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses using the port.

Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.

Worked with management and staff to resolve pre-litigation disputes.

Contracted as a freelance researcher and reviewer.

Wrote memoranda and reviewed legal briefs.

Managed all trial preparation for case litigation.

Filed all case pleadings in a timely manner.

Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.

Drafted demurrers and replied to oppositions.

Proposed requests for admission and requests for production of documents.

Researched, wrote and filed all motions, writs and briefs for each case.

Addressed employee concerns regarding demotion and termination.

Engaged in complex civil litigation under statutes relating to protection of the environment, port jurisdiction, liability, salvaging services and public health.

Produced legal documents, including contracts and real estate closing statements.

Filed all pleadings with the court clerk.

Prepared for trials by organizing exhibits and other key evidence.

Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles and codes.

Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.

Investigated facts and law of cases, using pertinent sources to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.

Developed a working relationship with courts, clients, debtors and attorneys.

Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.

Processed appeals, motions and pretrial agreements.

Organized files for court proceedings.

Created, indexed and maintained client binders.

Discovered major instances of fraud, embezzlement and large balances due.

Reconstructed accounting records from clients' checks and cash receipts.

Assisted management with the finalization of the annual expense plans.

Announced and demonstrated safety and emergency procedures.

Assisted in the development of both Port and National Plans to deal with Natural Disasters.

Action plan to minimizing spillage effect on public safety and marine environment

Exposure to slipways operations and relevant legal documentation

Dealing with maritime law experts in complex legal cases

Drafting and formatting port regulations

Drafted security operating procedures and training materials for regulation of port security, emergencies, and natural disasters for port user safety.

Analyzed and investigated all incidents alongside functional management and security supervisors.

Represented the organization to customers, the public, government officials and other external sources.

Detected and apprehended any unauthorized personnel.

Responded to calls in both routine and emergency situations.

Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.

Wrote reports, executive summaries and memorandums.

Managed and reviewed filing and office systems.

Executed basic banking documents.

Acted as liaison between multiple attorneys involved in complex legal issues.

Created and implemented all policies, work flow processes and work assignments.

Minimized damage and repair costs through careful management and preventative maintenance.

Took corrective action in the case of accidents and delays to minimize extra expenses.

Cultivated a positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.

Collaborated with members of the government other public agencies and private organizations to improve the Port facilities and its services

Responded to citizens’ complaints and requests for information and services.

Cultivated close working relationships with other municipalities and governmental agencies to achieve legitimacy and government support of port projects

Responded to all inquiries from the general public in a prompt and professional manner.

Frequently used word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.

Located and attached appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies.

Member of the Management Team.

Responded to dispatched emergency assignments quickly and safely.

Manage salvaged vessels and dealing with liability issues.

Manage spillage and exposures at the port which may affect the environment and port users and the general public

Implement and prepare safety manuals for port entry and use of the Apia Marina.

Investigation of environmental hazards at the port or its neighboring areas.

Negotiate and interpret contracts for services for port projects

Negotiate land ownership issued and port jurisdiction in accordance with the Samoa Ports Authority Act 1998

I have been appointed to the post of Acting General Manager on two (2) occassions and have been exposed to his roles during and post-tsunami of 2009 which drastically affected the Samoan Islands

Negotiated prices of service agreements.

Built relationships with customers and the community to promote long term business growth.

Prepared specifications, solicited bids and approved subcontracts for building services.

Maximized rental income while minimizing expenses through effective planning and control.

Carefully screened applicants for tenancy.

Communicated with landlord regarding building and tenant issues.

Scheduled contractors for maintenance issues.

Handled disciplinary actions, performance appraisals and terminations.

Maintained original leases and renewals for the management office.

Assisted with the Safety Risk Management (SRM) process.

Contributed to improvements in the SRM process, hazard analysis and assessment.

Issued berthing, landing and departure authorizations.

Monitored the work of contractors in the design, construction and startup phases of security systems.

Managed all legally sensitive internal, external and crisis communications.

Draft and implement contingency plans for port users

Prepare press releases on legally sensitive issues on behalf of the Authority

Preparation of proposals to Cabinet for projects to be implemented by the Authority under the auspices of the Government community services obligation

Representing the Authority to Sector de-breifing meetings with Minister and preparing reports to be submitted at the same for information of the general sector counterparts and the responsible Minister

TUTOR – COMMERCIAL LAW (PART-TIME) 06/2011 – 11/2011

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SAMOA)

Le Papa I Galagala – Toomatagi, Apia, Samoa

Summary: Vocational facility for the education of specific fields.

Produced quizzes and training material in accordance with Curriculum;

Holding classes and tutorials for students

Preparation of final examination and marking for students;

Formulating teaching techniques that would be simple for students to grasp and understand commercial/contract law in the scope of Business Administration and a Diploma in Business Studies

Conversing with other staff members regarding other topics

MANAGER LEGAL AND ASSETS

MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT 01/2012 – 06/2015

Samoa Commercial Bank Limited – Matafele, Apia, Samoa

Summary: One of the 4 commercial banks in Samoa offering Banking and Lending services to the general public

Developed company personnel policies, standard operating procedures and employee handbooks.

Conducted employment verifications and investigations.

Developed and enforced company policy and procedures relating to all phases of human resources activity.

Researched and analyzed land development issues and water rights and conservation controversies.

Developed strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.

Presented key evidence and exhibits during civil trials.

Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.

Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.

Worked with management and staff to resolve pre-litigation disputes.

Contracted as a freelance researcher and reviewer.

Wrote memoranda and reviewed legal briefs.

Managed all trial preparation for case litigation.

Filed all case pleadings in a timely manner.

Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.

Drafted demurrers and replied to oppositions.

Proposed requests for admission and requests for production of documents.

Researched, wrote and filed all motions, writs and briefs for each case.

Addressed employee concerns regarding demotion and termination.

Engaged in complex civil litigation under banking.

Produced legal documents, including contracts and real estate closing statements.

Filed all pleadings with the court clerk.

Prepared for trials by organizing exhibits and other key evidence.

Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles and codes.

Contacted witnesses to testify under oath at court hearings.

Investigated facts and law of cases, using pertinent sources to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.

Developed a working relationship with courts, clients, debtors and attorneys.

Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.

Processed appeals, motions and pretrial agreements.

Organized files for court proceedings.

Created, indexed and maintained client binders.

Discovered instances of fraud, embezzlement and large balances due.

Reconstructed accounting records from clients' checks and cash receipts.

Assisted management with the finalization of the annual expense plans.

Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email and mail.

Created and implemented all policies, work flow processes and work assignments.

Took corrective action in the case of accidents and delays to minimize extra expenses.

Cultivated a positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.

Collaborated with members of the government other public agencies and private organizations to improve the Port

Responded to client complaints and requests for information and services.

Cultivated close working relationships with other municipalities and governmental agencies to achieve legitimacy and government support of port projects

Responded to all inquiries from the general public in a prompt and professional manner.

Frequently used word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.

Located and attached appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies.

Member of the Management Team and Executive

Negotiate and interpret contracts for services contracted by the Bank.

Negotiate land ownership issues with government as well a foreclosed properties and identifying land boundaries

Negotiated prices, terms of sales and service agreements.

Built relationships with customers and the community to promote long term business growth.

Prepared specifications, solicited bids and approved subcontracts for building services.

Maximized rental income while minimizing expenses through effective planning and control.

Carefully screened applicants for tenancy.

Communicated with landlord regarding building and tenant issues.

Scheduled contractors for maintenance issues.

Handled disciplinary actions, performance appraisals and terminations.

Maintained original leases and renewals for the management office.

Assess collateral strength for credit facilities provided by the Bank

Prompt insurance of assets mortgaged to the Bank to ensure the Bank is covered in the event of default

Make recommendations as to whether to accept or decline application for loan based on collateral ability.

Assess viability of requests from defaulting debtors as to arrangements for settlement of their debt.

Assess the amount of the loan shall first be released to applicant until such time that funds initially granted are justified and accounted for and applied for the purpose for which it was lent

Final say on funds to be released to clients on a daily basis

Preparation of division reports for Management discussion and reference

Participate and Preparation of induction seminars for new recruits

Signing of oaths of secrecy for new recruits

Providing legal advice on employment issues in the workplace

Recommending external trainings for relevant staff members to Management

EDUCATION

Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate – 5 Passes 1999

Samoa College

Vaivase-uta, Apia, Samoa

Certificate of Attainment 2000

National University of Samoa

Le-papa-i-galagala, Toomatagi, Apia, Samoa

Bachelor of Laws 2004

University of South Pacific – School of Law

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Professional Diploma in Legal Practice 2005

Institute of Justice and Applied Legal Studies

Suva, Fiiji

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Legal Acumen – In-depth knowledge of legal proceeding, briefs, motions, client assessment, contract negotiation and review.

Corporate Litigation – Maintained all nondisclosure agreements through the negotiation process and proposed language modifications to company agreements.

Civil Litigation – Handled general civil litigation in several areas with special emphasis in contracts and debt recovery and collection

File Management – Prepared monthly reports for records, closed terminated records, completed final audit of charts and insured that all documentation has been received and filed.

Staff Development – Trained staff in debt recovery and collection and legal process

Supervision – Supervised team of 7 staff members. Appointed to Acting Chief Executive Officer on 2 occasions whilst with Ports

Collection - Excelled in debt collection and foreclosures but allowing for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to offer another avenue of settlement

Training - Preparation of training material and presentations for staff on the job and new recruits

AFFILIATIONS

University of the South Pacific: Member for the Student Council (USPECSA) for 3 consecutive years

University of the South Pacific: Treasurer for the Student Council in 2003

University of the South Pacific: Public Relations Officer for the Samoan Students’ Association for 4 consecutive years

Member, Roll of the High Court of the Republic of Fiji

Member, Samoa Law Society (active since 2005)

CERTIFICATION

Bachelor of Laws (2004) - active

Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (2005) – active

Member, Samoa Law Society (active since 2005 and still current)

TRAINING

Legal Drafting - Certificate of Participation (2006 - Canberra, Australia)

Debt Recovery - Certificate of Participation (2007 - Apia, Samoa)

Anti-Fraud Prosecution Course - Certificate of Participation (2008 - Apia, Samoa)

International Maritime Organization Regional Workshop on London Convention & Protocol – Certificate of Participation (2009 - Suva, Fiji)

International Maritime Organization Workshop on Ballast Water Management – Certificate of Participation (2009 - Suva, Fiji)

International Maritime Organization Training on Port Biological baseline surveys – Certificate of Participation (2009 - Suva, Fiji)

Cruise Ship Convention (Sea Trade) (2010 - Miami Florida, USA)

World Trade Organization Self-Assessment of Trade Facilitation Negotiation Needs and Priorities for Samoa (2010 - Apia, Samoa)

International Ships and Port Facilities Security Code (ISPS) Familiarization Course – Certificate of Participation (2010 - Apia, Samoa)

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