Katrina Ford

LEGAL

• Drafted, reviewed and negotiated contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
• Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
• Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
• Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
• Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
• Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
• Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
• Advocated for clients before court in oral argument.
• Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
• Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
• Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
• Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
• Developed strategies for court proceedings and negotiations.
• Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
• Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.
• Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.

COOPERATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE WORKPLACES

Worked closely with the Fair Work Commission and multinational companies 2011 on cooperative and collaborative workplaces.

https://www.fwc.gov.au/issues-we-help/cooperative-workplaces- program

• Drove dispute resolutions using effective problem-solving and by guiding mutual understanding of opposing viewpoints.
• Devised and implemented dispute resolution processes for companies, enabling fast resolution of disputes.
• Used mediation techniques to facilitate communication between disputants, to further parties' understanding of different perspectives and to guide parties toward mutual agreement.
• Developed and delivered interest based training forums on a national level.

LEADERSHIP ROLES

• Managed supervised legal practitioner training for new legal certification for 15 years whilst at the AMWU.
• Managed, coordinated and delivered to officers and delegate: interest based bargaining training.
• Lead negotiator for disputes and enterprise bargaining.
• Chair and Secretary roles in various National Industry Groups.
• Lead campaigner on industrial and industry campaigns.

Appointed on the Remuneration; Insurance; Audit, Budget and Compliance Committees

• Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
• Formed strategic partnerships and connected with potential clients to drive business development.
• Evaluated company documentation to verify alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
• Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
• Assisted with sales and marketing strategies to foster achievement of revenue goals.
• Remained highly composed and calm in very fast-paced, stressful and constantly changing environments to provide optimal leadership and achieve desired results.

• Managed the Unfair Dismissal department, winning over 80% of cases.
• Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals.
• Prepared and reviewed employment contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
• Used knowledge of legal precedents to analyze probable outcome of cases.
• Advised clients on variety of legal matters, including corporate governance, intellectual property, labor law and taxation.
• Gathered evidence to formulate defense or initiate legal actions.
• Analyzed and applied legal principles and performed legal research to support litigation strategy.

• Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
• Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
• Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
• Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
• Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
• Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
• Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.