Leanne Knowlden Email & Phone Number

Oakland, California, Us

Specialty coffee roaster with 103 locations in the US and Asia.

San Ramon, California, Us

Publicly held (NYSE) provider of print services and document management solutions.• Drafted and maintained board of director and committee meeting minutes, resolutions, written consents, agendas, calendars, meeting trackers and litigation reports. • Prepared and filed Section 16 and 13G forms via Workiva. Assisted with legal-related exhibits for 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K.• Processed D&O Questionnaires for 6 Directors and 4 Officers.• Developed and managed proxy checklist, drafted proxy card and helped draft Proxy Statement.• Organized Annual Stockholder Meeting, including scripts, ballots, minutes and shareholder list. • Maintained cap table and assisted with all equity-related matters, including, stock option and restricted stock grants, 83(b) forms, ESPP notices and DWAC notifications.• Responsible for entity management, including formations, dissolutions, corporate org chart and annual reports filings via CSCNavigator.• Maintained minute books for 7 domestic and 12 international entities.• Managed legal accruals and outside counsel budget.

Stockton, Ca, Us

Publicly held (NASDAQ) $865 million manufacturer and distributor of Emerald® snack nuts, Diamond of California® nuts, Kettle Brand® chips and Pop Secret® popcorn. Acquired by $1.6 billion Snyders-Lance (NASDAQ) on February 29, 2016.• Prepared agendas, minutes, resolutions and administered Diligent Board Portal.• Maintained minute books for 12 foreign and domestic entities.• Helped coordinate D&O Questionnaire process for 10 Directors and 6 Officers.• Drafted transaction documents, e.g. officer’s certificates, resignations, signature pages and POAs.• Assembled closing materials for acquisition and facilitated integration of department files to new parent, including 200 legal hold and corporate filings boxes.• Tracked legal accruals from 28 law firms for budgeting process and reporting to accounting.• Point of contact for auditors regarding minutes and material contracts.• Appeared in small claims court on behalf of company.

Vevey, Ch

• Headed legal review of advertising, promotions, press releases, websites and sales materials (1,500 pieces yearly) for claim accuracy, minimizing risk of 3rd party lawsuits or FDA or FTC challenges, and ensuring compliance with Nestlé global policies. Critical two-day turnaround often required.• Co-chaired first Nestlé USA Promotion Competence Center for integrated cross-functional review of promotional material, including sweepstakes, contests, commercial co-ventures, talent contracts, coupons, social media, and adherence to state dairy laws.• Primary Legal liaison between Marketing, Regulatory and Operations from product concept to launch, balancing compliance and marketability to create defensible and successful product labeling and marketing materials.• Monitored all packaging (2,000 pieces yearly) for product claims, regulatory compliance and trademark usage, focusing on accuracy to save company time and money on production.• Coordinated with in-house counsel (domestic and abroad) on trademark protection strategy, clearance, filing, renewal and licensing. Developed trademark usage guidelines and implemented intellectual property training for marketing group and agencies to accelerate review time.• Provided litigation support for marketing-related lawsuits, including "all natural" class action.• Collaborated on acquisition of four companies. Extensive post-closing integration experience.• Solely responsible for maintaining corporate records including formation documents and annual report filings via CT hCue for 15 entities to keep companies in good standing.• Prepared and filed Section 16 forms and assisted with filing of SEC disclosure documents.• Oversaw 20 owned and 100 leased properties to ensure timely renewals.• Worked with outside counsel on Nespresso business to obtain liquor licenses for retail locations.• Managed outside counsel and contract paralegal with yearly legal marketing budget of $250K.

Vevey, Ch

Manufacturer and distributor of Nestlé®, Häagen-Dazs® and Dole® ice cream and frozen treats.• Participated in integration activities following restructuring of Nestlé/Häagen-Dazs joint venture. • Provided administration support on the acquisition of four distribution companies.• Reviewed advertising, marketing claims, promotions, sales materials and websites.• Worked with outside counsel to ensure proper use, registration and renewal of trademarks.• Interfaced with Finance team on government filings, annual reports and company name change.• Principal administrator for Nestlé merger with Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc. (NASDAQ).

Alpharetta, Georgia, Us

Manufacturer of compression and cold therapy medical device for injury treatment and recovery.• Worked with outside counsel on patent application process.• Assisted in drafting SOPs for manufacturing of medical device.

Manufacturer and distributor of athletic energy bars, gels and beverages.• Facilitated document production and in-house filing process for litigation.• Processed renewals and handled accounting for 20 leased properties including headquarters.• Assisted outside counsel with trademark filings and infringement actions.• Monitored insurance claims, broker selection and yearly renewal process.• Issued and tracked company stock options for 300 employees.• Principal administrator for sale of company to Nestlé S.A.

Minneapolis, Mn, Us

Publicly held (NASDAQ) operator and franchisor of a 1,200-store hair care business.• Produced board books, minutes and resolutions, prepared and filed Section 16 forms.• Conducted document production and prepared interrogatories for litigation.• Administered Employee Stock Purchase Plan for 300 employees.• Accountable for franchisee renewals for 735 franchises in 40 states and Puerto Rico.• Principal administrator for sale of company to Regis Corporation (NYSE). Project Manager (1993-1994)• Responsible for Corporate Learning Center.• Authored bimonthly newsletter with circulation of 4,000 employees.

Menlo Park, Ca, Us

AAA Four Diamond, European-style 140 room hotel and restaurant.• Supported seven department managers in all aspects hotel sales and catering business.• Booked corporate functions and weddings by assessing client needs and budget restrictions.

Ba, International Relations, History Minor

Paralegal Certificate (Aba Accredited)