Leyla Parada Email & Phone Number

United States

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Advise and manage teams on all areas related to intellectual property issues, including trademark, trade dress, product development, patent and copyright. Manage trademark portfolio, advising marketing, product and engineering teams on new and current trademarks. Advised product teams on new product development, guiding through the entire product life cycle from creation through customer engagement and communication. Lead on all HR and employee related legal matters, advising and guiding decision-making regarding employee issues and compliance related to the ever-changing state employment laws. Fully directed company corporate governance, implementing new processes and ensuring document retention and compliance. Extensive experience negotiating complex SaaS agreements, both from a commercial perspective as well as a procurement perspective. Counseled and trained new hires to the legal team on all commercial related negotiation.

Naperville, Il

Solely managed and led legal affairs for all in-house teams. Drafted and negotiated all internal contracts, including publishing contracts, vendor contracts, property contracts, licensing agreements, partner agreements, sales agreements and distribution agreements. Managed entire trademark portfolio, guiding and advising the company on the preparation for use and filing of new trademarks as well as the extension and use of all currently held trademarks. Sole legal drafter and negotiator for several acquisition agreements, negotiating with both outside counsel and in-house counsel to close several acquisitions that occurred during my tenure. Extensive experience advising HR on employee related matters, including resolving performance issues, termination decisions and compliance strategy. Prepare, file and maintain copyright and trademark filings. Handled the direction of all outside litigation counsel as needed in litigation proceedings.

Revised, prepared and managed open enrollment contracts with corporations holding policies with BCBS - Illinois. Ensured compliance with ACA rules and BCBS guidelines.

Geneva, Il

Extensive experience in a variety of litigation proceedings, from motion hearings to trials and post-trial motions. Drafted and negotiated a variety of corporate agreements and contracts and resolved pending litigation through the negotiation of settlement agreements. Responsible for vendor contract management, review and approval of vendor contracts, including IT contracts (related to website building and maintenance and IT support team), payroll contracts, leasing contracts. Dealt with client issues related to ongoing litigation and billing while maintaining positive relationships with clients. Reviewed, revised and maintained all other business-related contracts, including Non-Disclosure Agreements and Confidentiality Agreements.

Owner and operator of full service law firm, providing legal services in a wide variety of areas, including contracts, family law, small business and criminal law. Negotiated, drafted and settled multiple litigation disputes via settlement agreements and handled various trials for unresolved cases. Extensive work in customer relations, conflict and case management, as well as protection of client interests.

Prosecuted criminal defendants in traffic, misdemeanor and felony cases. Represented victims of violence in trials, hearings and motions before the Kane County court system.

Juris Doctor, Law

Activities and Societies: Minnesota Justice Foundation, Moot Court

B.A., Political Science, Speech Communications

Activities and Societies: President's Distinguished Student Program, President's Scholarship (4 year tuition)