Real Estate House Counsel

JOHNNY L. NELMS

**** *********** **** 228-***-****

GULFPORT, MS ******.*.*****@*****.***

OBJECTIVE

Seeking an in-house counsel position which allows me to utilize my many years as an accomplished litigator to assist the company in navigating legal issues. Vast experience in construction, industrial, premises liability and consumer fraud cases. Superior analytical and organizational skills demonstrated in counseling companies, managing risks, and limiting exposure to liability. Strong oral advocate and communicator able to interact with clients, carriers, management, and personnel. Well-developed legal writing skills as evidenced by drafting memorandum briefs and contracts. Strong work ethic and ability to lead a team. EXPERIENCE

Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, Gulfport, MS Attorney, 2010 – 2023

• Achieved excellent results for insured defendants in all aspects of complex construction, premises liability and commercial multi-party litigation.

• Prepared litigation analysis reports to insurance company representatives.

• Interacted and coordinated with insured clients’ management and personnel.

• Served as counsel for the Board of Directors of condominium homeowners association. CAL Group, LLC, Biloxi, MS General Counsel, 2007 – 2010

• Advised owners on all legal aspects of vertically integrated real estate development business.

• Drafted all documents used by the company in real estate sales and property management.

• Created numerous development and third-party investment contracts for specific real estate projects.

Watkins, Ludlam, Winter & Stennis, Gulfport, MS Attorney, 2003 – 2007

• Successfully defended approximately 50 lawsuits with more than 4000 total plaintiffs in mass tort consumer fraud claims against finance company. Dickinson, Ros, Wooten & Samson, Gulfport, MS Attorney, 1999 – 2003

• Represented large retail establishment in dozens of premises liability cases including securing summary judgment in more than 50% of all lawsuits. Page 2

• Defended insured drivers in automobile accident cases. Page, Mannino, Peresich, Dickinson & McDermott Attorney, 1997 – 1999 Biloxi, MS

• Created new Telecommunications Ordinance for City of Biloxi, MS.

• Assisted City of Biloxi Planning Commission in revising and enforcing zoning ordinances.

EDUCATION

Southern Methodist University Juris Doctor, 1997

Dallas, TX

George Washington University Bachelor of Science, International Affairs, 1992 Washington DC

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Coached hundreds of kids on dozens of teams in recreational baseball, basketball, and soccer leagues. Also coached tournament-level and college showcase baseball teams. Served on the board of directors for two recreational sports organizations.

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