Skilled Senior Manager in Contract Administration & Project Management

Supem Thanthulage Fernando

**** ******* ** ********* ** 21702

Email: ******@*********.*** Mob: 281-***-****

A U.S. citizen and accomplished International Lawyer with multi-jurisdictional qualifications in Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and the United States, bringing a strong record of success in International Business Law, Delicts (Tort), Immigration, Higher Education, Contracts, Project Management, Finance Management and Human Resources. Known for the ability to lead cross-cultural teams, develop forward-thinking legal and business strategies, and effectively navigate complex international legal frameworks.

Advanced Skills

Prioritization, Delegation, Communication Skills, Project Management, Emotional Intelligence, Time Management, Goal Setting, Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Decision-Making, Constructive Feedback, Coaching, Industry Specific Regulations and Compliance, Management, Preparing Databases and Reports, Staff Management, Team Work, HR and Compliance, Mentoring, Work Ethics and Best Practices, Human Services, Adaptability Skills in CRM Platforms such as Clio, Procore, Zoho and Yardi, LexisNexis, Microsoft Office, and Process Optimization Tools. Skills in DocuSign, Quick Books and many Office Applications Education

University of Maryland Carey School of Law Baltimore, Maryland LL.M., Master of Laws 2019

● Completed Coursework: Business Associations, Family Law, Introduction to Legal Systems & Criminal Law, Property, Estates & Trusts, Contracts, Civil Procedure, Commercial Law (Secured Transactions), Criminal Procedure.

● Research & Focus Areas: Health Law, Policy & Healthcare Programs, Administrative Law, Mediation, Employment Law, Agency Law, Torts, Immigration Law. University of London London, United Kingdom

LL.M., Master of Laws 2006-2007

Academic areas specialized: Child Rights & Family (Completed 30 Credits) Solicitor’s Final Examination England & Wales

Juris Doctor Equivalent October 1991

Attorney-at-Law Sri Lanka Law College

Juris Doctor Equivalent 1983-1986

Professional Experience Since 2015: (Legal / Management / HR) in USA Highflyers Legal Consult Law June 2022 - Present

Immigration Consultant / Senior Paralegal Manager Montgomery Village, Maryland, USA

● Advise schools on immigration compliance F-1 VISA, SEVIS and recruitment management.

● Provide expert legal advice and strategic guidance on complex legal matters, policies, and regulatory compliance to clients.

● Draft, review, and revise legal documents, including contracts, agreements, policies, and regulatory filings and client management.

● Support the Principal Attorney in immigration and business contracts.

● Checking the accuracy and completeness of the contract terms and conditions

● Identifying and mitigating any potential risks or liabilities

● Negotiating with all parties and drafting amendments or revisions to the contract

● Ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations

● Reporting to the Principal Attorney on issues and possibilities in dispute resolution. 1

Suppa’s Edu First LLC November 2019 - Present

CEO, Director Finance, International Immigration & Education Attorney Global & USA

● Provide expert consultation on global visa processes, immigration policies, and international travel regulations for students, professionals, and families across multiple jurisdictions.

● Conduct seminars, webinars, and workshops to educate prospective applicants on visa procedures; collaborate closely with educational institutions, legal professionals, and government bodies to streamline application and enrollment processes.

● Liaise with embassies, consulates, and immigration authorities to monitor application status, resolve delays, and ensure timely approvals.

● Officially represent 213 SEVIS-approved U.S. universities and colleges, supporting global student recruitment and facilitating accurate issuance and management of I-20 documents.

● Possess in-depth knowledge of U.S. student visa regulations (F-1, M-1, J-1, and B-1/B-2 visas) and advanced skills in evaluating foreign educational credentials from over 45 countries. SUPEM FERNANDO ASSOCIATION PVT LTD October 2005 - Present CEO, International Immigration & Education Attorney Sri Lanka

● Delivered tailored solutions for complex immigration cases, including appeals, rejections, and special circumstance visa applications, Evaluated and certified international educational credentials from over 45 countries, assessing equivalency to U.S. academic standards. Global, Inc January 2020 - December 2023

Contract Manager, Part Time 1818 New York Ave NE S-217 Washington DC 20002

● Draft Project Proposals and agreements, all related project documents, review and analyze and maintain in CRM system, smooth operation to closing process, guide & supervise the office staff

● Budgeting and cost tracking, coordinate and communicate with all parties

● Compliance to all State and County permits and regulations, lien waivers

● Make sure all payment receivals, utilizing payments in time, deadline awareness Office of Administrative Judge Hearings May 2019 - August 2019 Law Clerk Intern Hunt Valley, MD, USA

● Sitting in court hearings with Administrative Judges with due diligence to verify legal claims.

● Assisted Administrative Judges in reviewing evidence, supportive documentation, statements, legal submissions in compliance to legal requirements.

● Draft Decisions to assist Administrative Judges analyzing all documentations, evidence, followed procedures, and legal compliances.

Julia M Toro Law Firm March 2019 - May 2019

Immigration Paralegal Intern Washington, DC

● Assisted in preparing and filing immigration petitions, applications, and supporting documents for visas, green cards, asylum, citizenship, and removal of deportation orders.

● Conducted legal research on immigration laws, policies, and case precedents to support attorneys in client representation, draft court documentation and briefs. Maryland Department of Transportation August 2017 - October 2018 Customer Agent Beltsville, MD

● Highly skilled in detecting fraudulent documents and ensuring compliance with USCIS, SEVIS, and Social Security Administration regulations.

● Well-versed in utilizing the Q-Floor System, DL System, TARIS, and IBM check ups for document verification and processing. Provided best customer services to the public. 2

Professional Experience in Sri Lanka

Legal Chambers of Supem Fernando Esq November 1987 - July 2015 Attorney-at-Law & Expert Litigation Advocate Sri Lanka

● Represented clients before magistrate courts, district courts, high courts and court of appeal.

● Provided expert legal representation service in all criminal cases, civil matters, commercial cases, law of property, labor, human resources and contracts.

● Collaborated with forensic experts, medical professionals, government, law and enforcement.

● Provided full services in real estate, contract, management, HR and trade unions of private companies and government agencies on contract/assignment basis. Judicial Service Commission of Sri Lanka January 1995 - July 2015 Acting Magistrate & District Judge Sri Lanka

● Honorary appointment to the Moratuwa judicial district by the Judicial Service Commission

(JSC) of Sri Lanka, serving as an acting judge in the absence of the permanent judge for 20 years.

● Presided over civil and criminal cases, conducted in-depth civil inquiries, and issued stay orders and enjoining orders.

● Oversaw identification parades and inquests while ensuring fair and just legal proceedings. Sterling Garments Pvt Ltd January 2008 - June 2015 Contract/Assignment based Company Lawyer & Advocate Sri Lanka

● Redesigned employment contracts and assigned clearly defined duties and responsibilities across all positions; led comprehensive training for management and HR teams to implement new procedures effectively.

● Handled property management all related documentations, draft contracts, sub contracts and agreements with all parties, dealt with all venders, sub contractors, project staff budget management, closing documentations.

● Conducted internal investigations and inquiries related to employment discrimination complaints and workplace disputes; provided legal analysis and strategic recommendations for resolutions.

● Led domestic inquiries and ensured due process in handling employee-related issues in line with organizational policy and labor law.

Research Work, Academic Teaching & Public Speaking July 2005 - June 2024

● Taught and provided professional training to law graduates annually from 2000 to 2015, equipping students with legal expertise and practical skills for successful careers.

● Delivered impactful presentations on television, engaging broad audiences with complex legal and social topics.

● Conducted seminars, presentations, and webinars for schools, government agencies, and across social media platforms, fostering public understanding of immigration, law, and education.

● Produced and hosted over 200 educational videos and webinars on YouTube, sharing insights on a variety of topics related to higher education and immigration.

● Designed 50+ visually engaging PowerPoint presentations, simplifying complex legal and educational content for diverse audiences.

● Developed more than 100 informative brochures on higher education, effectively communicating key details to students, educators, and professionals.

● Collaborated with a multidisciplinary research team to develop the concept of ‘Psychodiversity in Migration,’ focusing on the psychological and social challenges faced by international students and migrants. This innovative concept addresses mental health, cultural integration, and adaptation issues within educational contexts.

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Licenses & Certifications

● Certified Mediator, State of Maryland (Certified by OAH) August 2019 – Present

● Student Member, American Bar Association (ABA) 2018 – 2022

● Court Translator, Court Interpreting Service LLC (MD & VA) 2017 – 2021

● President, Student Bar Association, University of Maryland Carey Law School 2017 – 2019

● Attorney-at-Law, Supreme Court of Sri Lanka (Lic. No. A 8996) November 1987 – Present

● Life Member, Bar Association of Sri Lanka 2010 – Present

● Trained Education Agent, Cambridge English 2018 – Present

● Trained Education Agent, Education New Zealand 2014 – Present

● Qualified Solicitor (NP), The Law Society of England & Wales Since October 1991

● Registered Foreign Lawyer, Solicitors Regulation Authority (UK) 2008 – 2010

● South Asia Regional Admissions Director, Bridgewater College, UK 2010 – 2012

● Country Manager (SL – Student Admissions), Glyndwr University, UK 2008 – 2013 4

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