Covering all legal matters for the public housing authority of Cincinnati.

Providing legal advice, counsel and litigation support to employers on employment related matters

Responsible for providing HR & ER Leadership and subject matter expertise across multiple lines of business in up to 7 facilities nationwide, advising leaders on employee relations issues, employment laws, policy interpretation & application, disciplinary issues, performance management, conflict resolution, employee development, and change management. Managed significant caseload of complex ER investigations and cases to resolution, mitigating risk for the employer and instilling confidence in the process for employees. Defended and responded to Unemployment, Workers Comp, and EEO claims. Implemented acquisition integration strategies, corporate initiatives, open enrollment meetings, and talent acquisition efforts. Handled FMLA, ADA, and other leave management requests and matters.

As a Director of Employee Relations/Human Resources, I developed a national process for managing compliance claims, increasing employee engagement, and reducing agency charges. Together with business partners, I effectively addressed workplace issues, including employee performance and development, interpretation and consistent application of policies, disciplinary actions and terminations, and executive leadership coaching. I conducted over 100 workplace investigations, always delivering sound and practical recommendations based on investigation findings. I managed and developed my team members to promotional positions, coaching them regularly to issue-spot, resolve conflict, and influence others.

As In-house Legal Counsel for Macy's, Inc., I advised internal functional departments, providing practical and strategic legal advice on corporate legal matters including employment law, contracts, policies, and internal audits to ensure compliance with laws. I used my written and verbal communication skills to interpret complex statutes, case law, regulations, and policies for my business partners. I drafted, reviewed, and approved commercial contracts, agreements and releases to ensure the Company’s full legal rights. I conducted workplace investigations and counseled business partners on resolutions and courses of action to mitigate legal risk and impact on business. I defended discrimination and other compliance claims, from investigation to written response and decision, and successfully defended mass claims resulting from the merger and acquisition of another retailer.

My time at the City of Cincinnati provided me with priceless experience as a lawyer. As a Sr. Attorney and Litigator, I represented the City in legal proceedings in courts of law, before administrative agencies, and arbitration boards. I litigated employment law claims, contract disputes, civil rights violations, discrimination claims, wrongful death, and death in custody cases. I negotiated settlement agreements and resolved disputes, claims, grievances, and law suits. My City litigation experience gave me the opportunity to interact with others at all levels of the organization and with judges, opposing counsel, union and community leaders.