Darlene Allison

3819 Keygate Drive, Spring, Texas 77388(281) 948-9538 (cell) (281) 353-4461 (home)

darlene.allison11@outlook.com

Summary

A highly creative, goal-oriented professional with solid experience in a corporate legal department assisting the general counsel with confidential matters and projects. Demonstrated experience in reviewing a wide variety of contracts and drafting contracts for the general counsel’s review and approval. Contracts include: distributorship-international and domestic, policies and procedures, vendor, confidentiality, independent contractor, school, marketing, lease, shows, model, advertising, social media, and contest rules. Converse with attorneys, customers, vendors, distributors, agents, and sales staff. Considered as the legal department’s initial point of contact for all internal departments, attorneys, customers, and vendors with contract requests and questions. Assist accounts receivable with short-paid or outstanding invoices and collection matters. Handle escalated consumer complaints.

Extremely organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines having a substantial positive impact on the company. Maintain a consistently high level of productivity. Trustworthy with a strong work ethic combined with a commitment to excellence in all projects undertaken. A team player, working effectively with various departments, upper management, and outside counsel, salespeople, and vendors. Consistently high level of productivity, exemplary communication and written skills, and good judgment.

Notable Accomplishments

Assisted with the transition of Farouk Systems, Europe B.V.; Prepared a Record Retention Policy for distribution throughout the company; Completed work Visa documents for 2 international hair stylists for last 3 years; Successfully implemented legal contract database to house all contracts; Prepare and update list of international distributors and retailers; Process and organize all contracts related to bi-annual FSI conference in Cancun,

Mexico; Work with and assist insurance broker with annual renewals and ease of

transition; and Collection of high-balance outstanding accounts.

Experience

FAROUK SYSTEMS, INC.Houston, TexasCorporate Paralegal8/2013 – current

Assist general counsel on a wide range of legal support and administrative duties including: drafting contracts, corporate governance, compliance, contract management, litigation management

Prepare and gather documents for general counsel and outside counsel for discovery phase and calendar deadlines

Maintain a biweekly list of current litigation, pending contracts, and miscellaneous matters in the legal department for general counsel

Form new corporate entities with the Texas Secretary of State’s office Corporate upkeep for all entities: resolutions, consents, minutes, stock certificates,

apostilles, and other forms as needed Correspond with and support all departments with contract and legal matters Review all contracts to ensure compliance with legal requirements and redline for general

counsel’s review and approval. Communicate with counterparts, coordinate approvals and final signature

Input and oversee legal contract database Manage escalated consumer complaints Prepare insurance renewal paperwork each year and provided certificates of insurance as

requested Assist with past due accounts once escalated from accounts receivable to the legal

department Complete bankruptcy proof of claims Maintain a current list of all company vehicles and renew annual registrations Complete various forms and applications for all company departments

Equifax Information Services LLC (fka CSC Credit Services, Inc.)Houston, TexasSenior Legal Specialist2/2003 – 5/2013 Reviewed customer contracts, vendor agreements, and facility leases for compliance and

accuracy Supported internal and external customers with contract needs and questions Processed subpoenas, court orders, insurance certificates, and bankruptcy proof of claims Requested new agreements from customers due to mergers and acquisitions Developed and standardized the Request for Proposal (RFP) process Managed databases for contracts, subpoenas, and legal requests and projects Supported two corporate attorneys with administrative duties and special projects

CSC Credit Services, Inc.Houston, TexasLegal Administrative Supervisor

2/1997 – 2/2003 Supervised two file clerks Reviewed contracts for compliance and accuracy Initiated the consolidation of customer files into a single repository Made recommendations to management on improving department’s database functions Sorted and populated contracts in the department’s databases Coordinated and organized quarterly department staff meetings Assisted two corporate attorneys with administrative duties and special projects

Contract/Licensing Administrator8/1991 – 1/1997 Obtained state licenses for CSC’s Collection Division Performed administrative duties for the corporate attorney

Executive Secretary-Legal Department10/1989 – 8/1991

Furnished administrative support to the corporate attorney and paralegal

Senior Administrative Support Assistant/Executive Secretary8/1988 – 10/1989 Supported the Executive Vice President-Collection Division

Secretary-Sales Department4/1986 – 8/1988 Provided administrative support for the Vice President–Southern Region and sales team

Testimonials

“I love working with Darlene and she is a valued asset to me and the Company.”-Jason L. Rumsey, General Counsel, Farouk Systems, Inc.

“Darlene contributed to the team’s success in meeting objectives set by Corporate to review and transition the business. Her work on these projects was key – and she was able to manage her regular duties while still meeting the demands of these other projects.”

-Danelle Gulley, Assistant General Counsel, Equifax

“My colleagues have praised the investigative skills and dedication you have displayed in performing your duties. You deserve special recognition, and I wanted you to know of our appreciation for your cooperation and exceptional efforts.”

-Robert S. Mueller, III, Director, FBI, Washington, D.C.

“In recognition for superior customer service for assistance in creating and maintaining the Legal Standard Contract Forms Database. This new tool will be a great benefit to the Legal Department and Sales organization. Thanks for going the extra mile to provide excellent customer service.”

-Danelle Gulley, Assistant General Counsel, Equifax

“I am taking this opportunity to express my personal gratitude for the spectacular job you did as a member of the Sales and Management Conference planning committee . . . thanks for our best meeting yet.”

-Bob Denney, former President, CSC Credit Services, Inc.

Education

North Harris CollegeHouston, TexasAssociates Degree-Paralegal StudiesMay 2007

Graduated with Honors3.70 GPA

Skills

Microsoft Office - Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint Adobe Acrobat Member of Texas Paralegal Association FBI Houston Citizens Academy Alumni