Experienced educator and attorney with a strong background in business, law, and counseling. Proven track record in teaching, student advising, and career counseling. Motivated and articulate professional fluent in multiple languages. Thrives on guiding students towards their career goals and connecting them with suitable employers.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Professor of Law
American University of Iraq-Baghdad
01.2023 - Current
Teach courses in Legal Process, Comparative Legal Systems, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Legal Writing and Reasoning, Constitutional Law, Commercial and Banking Law, and Public International Law
Integrated real-world examples into lessons, making course content more relevant and engaging for students.
Mentored over 100 students and advised on career paths, degree requirements and post-graduate education options.
Principal Collaborator to the development of a comprehensive curriculum, ensuring alignment with Iraqi standards and academic goals.
Legal Advisor to the Colleges of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Healthcare Technology
Senior Attorney – Family Law Group Leader
Cantafio & Song PLLC
01.2019 - 11.2023
Headed the Family Law practice for the firm
Represented and advised over 500 clients in domestic relations, criminal matters and breach of contract cases from intake through Final Orders or trial
Developed comprehensive legal strategies for clients to address both immediate concerns and long-term objectives.
Negotiated hundreds of favorable settlements for clients through effective communication and persuasive argumentation techniques.
Delivered numerous persuasive oral arguments in court hearings, effectively advocating for client positions and achieving desired results.
Managed high-profile litigation cases, upholding client reputation while securing favorable outcomes in court proceedings.
Mentored 10 junior attorneys, fostering professional development through guidance and support in their legal practice.
Assistant Professor
American University of Science & Technology
01.2012 - 10.2018
Provided Lectures in Public International Law, Judicial Processes, Comparative Law and Crime & Criminal Justice
Taught courses in Western Civilizations, History of Lebanon, History of International Relations, US Foreign Policy and Political Theory in classes containing over 50 students
Prepared syllabi homework assignments and other classroom materials
Evaluated and graded assigned work papers and oral presentations
Developed and assigned mock cases for students to hear and try
Developed and facilitated workshops on career development topics
Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.
Contributed to campus activities to promote positive university image.
Proctored exams and provided remediation for learning improvement goals.
Of-Counsel
The Mintz Law Firm, LLC
07.2009 - 11.2011
Enhanced client satisfaction by providing comprehensive legal counsel and addressing individual concerns.
Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
Presented compelling arguments in court proceedings, achieving favorable rulings for clients across various cases types.
Generated new criminal and family law clients thus expanding the reach of the firm to a diverse clientele and practice
Negotiated approximately 60 favorable settlement terms on behalf of clients in numerous Persona Injury litigation cases, saving time and resources.
Assssistant District Attorney
3rd Judicial District
07.2008 - 06.2009
One year appointment to assist elected district attorney in specially designated cases.
Balanced prosecutorial discretion with the pursuit of justice, ensuring fair treatment for all parties involved while upholding public safety interests.
Implemented 2 innovative legal strategies to address complex legal issues in criminal cases, resulting in favorable outcomes for the prosecution.
Managing Director
Carte International LLC
01.2002 - 07.2008
Established and managed consulting business advising embassies from several African countries on conducting US business
Informed American clients on how to conduct business in Africa
Provided wide variety of legal consulting services
Brokered purchase of plane by African country from United States seller for 6 million dollars earning commission of $800,000
Instrumental in securing 4 concession contracts (diamond and hydrocarbon leases) in Africa for American clients
Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success
General Counsel and Vice President
RSM Production Corporation
01.1999 - 01.2002
Negotiated and signed hydrocarbon concession contracts in Africa thus significantly increasing the corporation’s holdings in the region by 10 percent.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish best practices for managing contractual obligations.
Successfully resolved tens of disputes through skillful mediation, preventing costly litigation and preserving business relationships.
Managed litigation strategy for over 20 cases to successfully resolve high-stakes disputes with minimal financial impact.
Negotiated and drafted over 20 Hydrocarbon contracts .
Reduced outside counsel expenses by building an effective in-house legal team capable of handling diverse matters.
Translated complex legal issues into understandable terms.
Instructor
Metropolitan State College
01.1999 - 01.2001
Taught legal courses in Criminal Procedure, Juvenile Law and Evidence
Assigned work to students administered tests and evaluated papers
Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
Tracked 60 students' progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Temple University School of Law
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
01.1992
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice and Criminology
Metropolitan State College
Denver, Colorado
01.1989
Skills
Teaching Excellence
Relationship Building
Student Placement Expertise
Negotiations
Litigation and trial
Resume Writing
Certification
Colorado Supreme Court, 1996
Pennsylvania Supreme Court, 1992, inactive
Affiliations
National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology and Toxicology, Legal Member of Administrative Board, Research focused association in Public Health and Epidemiology, Clinical Epidemiology, Health Economics, Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaco-Epidemiology, Nutrition, Health Professions, and Mental Health
Languages
Arabic
Professional Working
French
Professional Working
Timeline
Associate Professor of Law
American University of Iraq-Baghdad
01.2023 - Current
Senior Attorney – Family Law Group Leader
Cantafio & Song PLLC
01.2019 - 11.2023
Assistant Professor
American University of Science & Technology
01.2012 - 10.2018
Of-Counsel
The Mintz Law Firm, LLC
07.2009 - 11.2011
Assssistant District Attorney
3rd Judicial District
07.2008 - 06.2009
Managing Director
Carte International LLC
01.2002 - 07.2008
General Counsel and Vice President
RSM Production Corporation
01.1999 - 01.2002
Instructor
Metropolitan State College
01.1999 - 01.2001
Colorado Supreme Court, 1996
Pennsylvania Supreme Court, 1992, inactive
Juris Doctor -
Temple University School of Law
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice and Criminology
Metropolitan State College
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