Mara Howes Email & Phone Number

New York, Ny, Us

Director of Case OperationsServing as the bridge between Legal Teams, Business Operations, Product, Marketing, and Leadership; this role functions as the hub of the wheel that is Mass Tort Shared Legal Services. Directly manage the three core groups of Morgan & Morgan's Case Operations Department: Case Operations Managers (5), "Flex" Paralegals (80+) and Offshore Intake Division (70) to ensure effective case management and client satisfaction.Responsible for 20+ Mass Tort cases and 5 Mass Arbitration cases from retention to resolution. Accountable for program level KPIs, SOP development, compliance, headcount and reporting. Mass Tort Product Liaison: Partnering with third parties, cross-functional teams and internal stakeholders to develop and implement new technology.Project ManagerMass Tort Shared Legal Services. Developed Case Management program, instituted department-wide standard operating procedures and project outlines for case workup.Designed operational strategy and managed legal teams responsible for Mass Tort projects including settlement programs.Collaborated with Legal teams to manage timeline, pace and process of case workup. Responsible for inventory reporting, SOP training, vendor management and paralegal performance.Developed department's case management strategy. Outlined and implemented processes and technology to manage case milestones such as medical record review, filings, preservation projects, PFS completion, settlement packages.Drafted and implemented client communications plan.

New York City

Project ManagerDrove improvements to streamline communication and promote efficiency.Worked cross-functionally and with agency partner to define requirements, manage resources and oversee development team to launch new public website and interactive member portal.Took lead building company’s intranet, trained internal teams and developed best practices documentation to connect 75 independent contractors with staff and promote connectivity.Integrated payroll system and company benefit platforms.Legal Administrator Served as primary point-of-contact for inbound and outbound contracts, including vendor SOWs, non-disclosure agreements and independent contractor agreements.Standardized workflow templates for all departments, implemented legal document version control and managed extensive file repository.Tracked vendor deliverables and contract renewals.Conducted background and reference checks for employees and independent contractors.Worked with outside counsel to manage trademark filings, demand letters and responses to infringement issues.Benefits AdministratorAdministered benefits programs including policy renewals, employee enrollments and compliance with New York State laws.Led company-wide staff trainings and improved compliance and corporate governance through HRIS initiatives.Onboarded new employees, maintained HR database and personnel files for employees and independent contractors.

Greater New York City Area

Organized schedule, logistics, and conference sponsorship for 14-person international roadshow during $25+ million capital raise.Designed and implemented protocols for initial product rollout and managed domestic and international shipping of beta unit.Analyzed existing workflow to identify gaps and implement solutions for new and growing departments. Directly supported Marketing and Sales Departments. Implemented workflow solutions, transcribed meeting notes and distributed action items.Conveyed project plans and status updates to key stakeholders. Maintained digital files workspace.

Ventura, Ca

Assisted two Senior Partners and three Associate Attorneys at fast-paced, personal injury firm.Managed court filings, case progression and deadlines for 20+ cases. Drafted written discovery and mediation briefs. Prepared documents and exhibits for depositions, meetings and hearings. Obtained, reviewed and synthesized extensive medical and employment records, police reports and insurance documents to provide background analysis to attorneys. Corresponded with opposing counsel, clients, medical providers and insurance companies.

Santa Barbara, California Area

Led lessons, monitored academic and behavioral growth. Discussed course expectations and individualized learning plans with educators. Provided daily feedback to teachers, parents and administrative staff.

Santa Barbara, California Area

Assisted Senior Partner and three Associate Attorneys at boutique, environmental law firm.Conducted legal research and drafted documents for filing in Federal and State Court. Maintained the firm’s calendar and electronic archival system. Compiled and synthesized data from internal and external databases.Provided technical and logistical support for depositions, expert meetings and Court appearances. Corresponded with opposing counsel, retained experts, state agencies and clients. Managed the daily operations of the firm’s billing and accounts receivable departments. Created and oversaw 7 settlement and trust funds for ongoing remediation efforts.

8 E. Cota St. Santa Barbara Ca

Worked as a server in a popular, upscale Cajun restaurant while completing Paralegal certificate program. Partnered with team members to provide exceptional, timely service. Assisted with stockroom management, restaurant maintenance and event coordination.

8 E Cota St. Santa Barbara

Partnered with team members to provide exceptional, timely service. Re-designed promotional materials and assisted General Manager in coordinating, preparing, and executing private events.

Santa Barbara, California Area

Conduct background investigations to determine whether specific criminal defendants, the majority of whom are are arrested for felony offenses, should be released on their own recognizance (without the assurance of bail). Duties include interviewing defendants, contacting references, obtaining input from criminal justice professionals and preparing reports for the court.

Isla Vista, California

Worked as a server, short-order/line cook and stockroom manager for family-owned restaurant while maintaining a full college course load.

Nevis, Mn

Worked as a server in an upscale German restaurant for the summers of 2010 and 2011.

Nevsi, Mn

Provided assistive personal care for elderly client. Worked in tandem with registered nurse in all aspects of home health care for the summers of 2009 and 2010.

Paralegal Certification

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Political Science And Government

Education record