PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Tech Data Corporation Clearwater, Florida, Associate Counsel, July 2005 to January 2010- Developed and implemented the Ethics and Compliance program at Fortune 150 Corporation by supporting Code of Ethics and other compliance trainings globally.
- Supervised and supported a worldwide network of Ethics Advisors located in the Americas and Europe; conducted and coordinated trainer and new-hire ethics training; investigated ethical and policy violations by employees and third parties.
- Supported primarily the Human Resources Department in labor law and employment related matters, advising on hiring/termination practices, wage/hour laws, Civil Rights Act, American with Disabilities Act and Employee Free Choice Act; cooperated with HR to implement union avoidance best practices and foster healthy work environment; investigate employment policies violations and responded to complaints filed before federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and similar state agencies.
- Built expertise in various International Conventions, EU directives, national European laws, U.S. laws and Latin America laws on topics such as Anti-Bribery, Antitrust/Competition, Discrimination, Whistle-blower Hotlines and Data Privacy and Protection.
- Created and implemented trainings and processes worldwide in order to bring corporation and subsidiaries into compliance based upon the above-mentioned expertise. Managed projects and dealt with outside vendors for implementation of knowledge/e-learning tools whistle-blower hotlines and web-lines in various EU jurisdictions and the US.
- Researched and drafted multiple corporate policies including HR policies, bribery and gifts and entertainment, internal investigations and immigration policies.
- Interviewed, selected and supervised outside counsel while developing litigation strategy and providing continuous litigation support for outside counsel.
- Drafted legal memoranda addressing diverse legal issues such as employment, intellectual property and contract law; drafted and reviewed non-disclosure agreements, independent sales contractor agreements, and inter-company management services agreements. Supported real estate transactions and synthetic lease facility.
- Processed and responded to subpoenas and discovery requests in a timely manner.
- Handled most aspects of corporate maintenance for Tech Data’s various subsidiaries in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, including the filing of annual reports, the drafting of all necessary minutes for shareholders and board meetings, as well as power of attorneys and authorizations.
- Translated documents from/to English, French, Arabic and Spanish.
Joyner & Jordan-Holmes Tampa, Florida, Law Clerk, October 2004 to July 2005
- Advised local governmental entities regarding government accountability, public administration reform and rights of citizens to transparent government (Florida’s Government in the Sunshine).
- Advised state agency on anti-discrimination civil right laws pertaining to gender equality, race and ethnic equality, and rights of marginalized groups such as disabled citizens.
Stetson University College of Law St. Petersburg, Florida
Research Assistant, 2000 to 2004
- Performed research and analysis for dean of college and former director of international LL.M. program. Focused on legal and business issues in the Middle East.
- Performed extensive research using Lexis, Westlaw, and the internet. Drafted and reviewed office memoranda and various documents.
- Focused on evaluating product compliance with FDA guidelines for product labeling, researching FTC issues related to advertisements as well as ADA, Title VII and employment matters.
- Focused on immigration matters and asylum issues. Permitted extensive client contact, including preparation of clients for interviews before immigration officers. Translated during interviews for clients, counsels, and immigration officers to and from English and Arabic.
Roger Assi Law Office Beirut, Lebanon, Attorney, 1996 to 2000
- Drafted and negotiated contracts in Arabic, French, and English languages. Drafted articles of incorporation, by-laws, and minutes of various corporations.
- Advised Lebanese companies in establishing franchises agreements, distribution arrangements, and trademarks for McDonald’s Corporation, Perrier Vittel SA France-Nestlé Group, Danone International Brands-Paris, TCBY Yogurt, and Hershey’s Chocolate.
- Represented clients at hearings for commercial, and civil cases before trial and appellate courts.
EDUCATION
Stetson University College of Law St. Petersburg, Florida (ranked in top 100 of U.S. law schools)- Juris Doctor, Cum laude, July 2004
- Masters in International Law and Business (LL.M.), Magna cum laude, May 2001
- Degree in Lebanese Law (equivalent to a Juris doctor); focused on Lebanese and French commercial and civil law, inter-religious laws, and taught in Arabic and French.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Comprehensive written and spoken fluency in Arabic, French, and English, plus basic Spanish.
- American/Lebanese Citizen.
- Proficient in MS Office, Orgchart, Outlook, Adobe, Hummingbird, and Blueprint OneWorld.
- Member of the Florida Bar and the Beirut Bar Association.