Janet Diaz Email & Phone Number

Houston, Texas, United States

DV8 Legal Strategies assists law firms, legal departments, and legal technology firms deviate from the norm and develop differentiated and sustainable strategies. As COO, I work closely with the CEO to oversee the company's day-to-day operations and ensure that the business runs efficiently. I handle the execution of DV8's strategy, with a focus on operational excellence.

Houston. Texas

I am appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to serve on the State Committee for the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL). The Committee investigates UPL complaints against individuals and organizations not licensed to practice law in Texas.

As President and Founder of Matters Centric, I was responsible for all facets of the business. I assisted professional services firms and law departments in reviewing or establishing foundational structures with the goal of refining processes, eliminating inefficiencies, and controlling expenses. I focused on assessing current systems and/or implementing new systems and managing those projects. I also have experience managing space build-outs to achieve an effective work environment.

In tandem with a talented Board, I led the operational creation of the structural foundation need to grow the Legal Value Network (LVN) to 800+ members in its first year of existence. This required an extensive skill set that included association, board, project, and membership management, technology review and implementation, event planning and execution, and strong financial acumen.LVN was born from the business of law community as a dedicated home for members of a dynamic and growing ecosystem comprised of law firm, client and business partner executives focused on modernizing pricing, value and business processes in the legal services industry.

Acted as a strong management partner for the leadership of the firm and engaged in helping to deliver on the organization's mission, purpose, and goals. My responsibilities focused on identifying management priorities, developing and refining strategic goals, evaluating and implementing new processes, coordinating the operations plan and budget, and cultivating values. These duties required a high level of business acumen, including a thorough understanding of business functions and systems, including strategic development and planning, budgeting, business analysis, finance, information systems, human resources and marketing.

Held full operational responsibilities for the corporate headquarters of a global AmLaw 50 law firm. Provided administrative leadership utilizing effective management techniques to create productive work environments. Oversaw multiple functions; Financial Management, Facilities Operations, Human Resources, Conference Services, Secretarial and Paralegal Services. Worked directly with the Partner in Charge and firm leadership to develop and implement strategic initiatives.Financial Management•Provided oversight to capital, operating, and departmental budgets, meeting financial obligations and reducing office expenses by 5%. Provided budget analyses, statistical reports while working with managers regarding variances.Facilities Management•Provided project management for onsite space renovation project. Responsible for thoroughly understanding and communicating stakeholder goals to Architects and construction teams. Tracked progress and controls schedule to ensure deadlines. Assessed project issues and identified solutions to meet cost projections, productivity, and quality. Proactively communicated project status and risks to stakeholders. •Managed assets and office operational functionsHuman Resources and Personnel Governance•Accomplished HR objectives by recruiting, selecting, orienting, coaching and disciplining employees. Communicated job expectations, performance reviews, and enforced policies and procedures for 260 employees.•Assisted the National Director of Human Resources and Administration in the preparation of year end salary adjustments and budget calculations for salaries and bonuses•Ensured compliance with various labor laws and regulations•Assisted with creation of firmwide initiatives including Emergency Crisis Communication Plan•Engaged lawyers and staff in various award winning charitable organization initiatives and created office wide events to enhance relationships.

Washington, Dc

Provided comprehensive oversight for congressional office. Acted as chief policy advisor; defined and evaluated risk, oversaw legislative agenda, communications team and constituent services. Managed human resources and directed activities and staff in the Washington, D.C. and two district offices; coordinated federal office with state and local governments; oversaw full budget functions.•Responsible for independent congressional budget oversight•Hired and managed all staff and formulated performance measures•Implemented Member’s agenda and identified key risks and mitigated factors of initiatives•Guided consensus building and interaction with federal agencies, Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committee staff and state government •Provided oversight and development of marketing content including direct mail, website, social media, press releases and presentations •Managed flow of information and crisis management

As Executive Director of this non-profit community service project of the legal profession, I worked with a 22 attorney Board of Trustees to effectively manage all aspects of strategic planning, budget and finance, public relations, staff oversight and membership recruitment and retention activities. Fullfilled organization's mission by providing the community with access to competent legal representation. Assisted over 125,000 individuals annually.•Provided strategic forecasting, maintained understanding of market shifts and anticipated impact on budget, marketing and membership retention•Managed all aspect of finances and grew operating budget and investment reserves by 60% while decreasing overall expenses •Created highly effective compliance initiative, increasing first year income by 12%•Created new industry standards used by 40% of all programs nationwide; standards include compliance, modest means policies and phone intake and screening•Handled every aspect of public relations and marketing, resulting in 25% increase in community awareness. Created bench/bar initiative and maintained rapport with area non-profits and community leaders •Assisted leadership by preparing numerous monthly detailed summary reports, coordinating agendas and meetings, prepare minutes and correspondence for Board of Trustees and all standing committees•Performed all human resource functions; hiring, supervision, benefits and payroll•Orchestrated extensive computer hardware and software conversions, worked with software developers to design industry leading software used by 30% of the market•Designed and implemented policies to achieve certification by the State Bar of Texas and meet American Bar Association standards