JESSICA BACKUS
Carmel
Summary
Ambitious and team-oriented Senior Corporate Counsel with 8 years of extensive experience advising companies in the technology and finance industry in all aspects of corporate law. Areas of expertise include commercial contracts, corporate governance, debt finance and strategic investments. Established capabilities in negotiating technology transactions, risk management, data privacy and regulatory compliance. Proven track record of successfully managing legal issues, providing sound legal advice and delivering cost-effective solutions. Self-starter who thrives on being the go-to legal resource in a fast-paced environment.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Corporate Counsel
GROUP 1001
02.2024 - Current
- Assist in the development of company policies, enhancing compliance with industry regulations and standards.
- Oversee corporate governance matters by maintaining accurate records of board actions and ensuring timely filing of required documents.
- Spearhead contract negotiations by identifying key business needs and ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
- Conduct comprehensive due diligence reviews for mergers and acquisitions, facilitating smooth transactions.
- Advise executive leadership on legal matters, leading to informed strategic decision making.
- Coordinate responses to government inquiries and investigations, promoting transparency and cooperation with regulatory agencies.
- Led regulatory compliance initiatives by implementing effective monitoring systems and providing guidance on best practices.
- Structure global business transactions efficiently by navigating intricate international legal frameworks.
Associate General Counsel
APEX FINTECH SOLUTIONS INC.
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated various agreements relating to strategic investments, corporate transactions and day-to-day operations, including client agreements, credit facilities, partnership/product agreements, platform agreements, licensing agreements, MSAs, engagement letters, NDAs, office leases, settlement agreements, and event/vendor contracts.
- Created and maintained contract templates and negotiation guidelines that align with corporate objectives, risk mitigation strategies and desired business-wide strategies and timelines; create contract review “playbooks” and templates.
- Managed corporate governance of overall organizational structure covering company and its affiliates by drafting corporate and organizational documents.
- Ensured data privacy compliance by creating protocols surrounding information handling practices across the organization.
- Promoted a culture of strong ethical behavior by serving as an accessible resource for employees seeking guidance on legal issues.
- Contributed to overall risk management efforts by identifying potential areas of vulnerability within the organization's operations and recommending appropriate corrective action.
Debt Finance Associate
HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP
09.2019 - 01.2021
- Concentrated in debt finance, M&A and corporate governance.
- Drafted and negotiated wide variety of finance agreements including loan documents, credit and security agreements, mortgages, deeds, guarantees, pledge agreements, intercreditor agreements and subordination agreements.
- Represented commercial banks, borrowers, trustees, and administrative agents in wide-range of ESOP transactions, construction and real estate financing, structured finance, and asset based finance transactions.
Corporate Associate
SEYFARTH SHAW LLP
09.2016 - 09.2019
- Concentrated in M&A, finance and corporate governance.
- Drafted variety of corporate and transactional agreements, including merger agreements, exchange agreements, loan and security agreements, escrow agreements, subordinated debt documents, operating agreements, indentures and disclosure schedules.
- Conducted due diligence review for M&A and credit transactions, managed data rooms, prepared due diligence reports and advised deal teams on potential risks.
Education
J.D. - Certificate in Tax Law
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO SCHOOL OF LAW
05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Finance
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, Eli Broad College of Business
12.2012
Skills
- Contract Management
- Financial Transactions
- Legal & Regulatory Compliance
- Creative & Critical Thinking
- Mentoring & Coaching
- Contract Review & Negotiation
- Data Privacy
- Financial Law
Additional Information
- Admitted to practice in the state of Illinois
Timeline
Senior Corporate Counsel
GROUP 1001
02.2024 - Current
Associate General Counsel
APEX FINTECH SOLUTIONS INC.
01.2021 - 01.2024
Debt Finance Associate
HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP
09.2019 - 01.2021
Corporate Associate
SEYFARTH SHAW LLP
09.2016 - 09.2019
J.D. - Certificate in Tax Law
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO SCHOOL OF LAW
Bachelor of Arts - Finance
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, Eli Broad College of Business
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