EDUCATION

University of California, Los Angeles – B.A., Psychology UC Hastings College of the Law – Juris Doctorate

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Finney Arnold LLP – Founding Partner, Managing Partner 2016 – Present
Founding and Managing Partner of a minority-owned/woman-owned boutique law firm that specializes in general business and corporate law; government regulatory and transactional law; and real estate, development, facilities, energy, and land use law. Represent the business interests of geothermal, solar and other energy producers, including land auctions, leasing, power purchase agreement negotiations, bonding, insurance, and well construction and insurance issues. Successfully organize non-profit and for-profit business entities and draft private placement memorandums; Conduct the entire cycle of corporate mergers & acquisition, stock repurchases, and commercial real estate transactions, particularly in the area of negotiating commercial leases, including cell tower leases, and the purchase and sale of land and property transfers in association with mergers and acquisitions, including opining on corporate documents, preliminary title reports, and land surveys, etc. for title insurance and funding purposes. Coordinate the recording of memoranda, deeds and other documents; Public and private entity state and federal regulatory compliance and enforcement; Coastal law, CEQA and Environmental Law.

Dongell Lawrence Finney LLP – Lead Transaction Counsel, 2005 – 2015
Lead transactional attorney for general business, litigation, and government regulatory law firm with four offices nationwide. In this 30+ attorney firm, focused on the following practice areas: Energy law, non-profit and for-profit business entity formation, securities compliance, including private placement memorandums; mergers & acquisition, stock repurchases, commercial real estate transactions, commercial leases, purchase and sale of land and real property transfers in association with mergers and acquisitions, securing and opining on corporate and real estate documents for title insurance and funding purposes. Coordinate the recording of documents; Public and private entity state and federal regulatory compliance and enforcement; Coastal law, CEQA and Environmental Law.

Alvarado Smith Sanchez – Of Counsel – 2004 – 2005
Successfully designed best business practices relating to the electric energy market redesign in California and the regional Western Interconnection. Participated in transmission planning, price reciprocity, business architecture development, single market interface, market monitoring, and common system interface coordination. Represented several major utility clients in eminent domain actions. Traveled internationally in the public utility sector on behalf of clients.

Curls Brown LLP – Counsel – 2001-2004
Represented clients, including the Board of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Regularly handled matters involving the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Independent System Operator and other western utility agencies involved in designing best business practices related to the electric energy market redesign in California and the regional Western Interconnection. Represented several major utility clients in eminent domain actions and other real estate matters. Gained experience in real estate development including, drafting partnerships, finance, and construction agreements. Drafted 3 successful CA Tax Credit (TCAC) applications. Participated in bond financing for construction projects. Handled all phases of probate and conservatorship matters in court.

Teledyne Technologies – General Counsel – 1999 – 2001
Spearheaded the establishment of a legal department, following the company’s Allegheny Teledyne, Allegheny Technologies and their relocation to Los Angeles. Participated in Teledyne’s Public Offering, including participating in drafting the prospectus, 8Ks, 10Ks, 10Qs, etc. Monitored and reported to the SEC monthly all Teledyne stock held by Board of Director members. Managed the company’s 700-item intellectual property portfolio consisting of patents, trademarks and copyrights. Managed the intellectual property registration application process, contracted with monitoring agencies worldwide to defend our portfolio. Participated in mergers and acquisitions of various companies. Managed company litigation with outside counsel.

Telemundo/Sony Pictures Entertainment – Business Affairs, Legal Secretary 1998-1999
Drafted contracts with Producers and reviewed Producer agreements for compliance issues. Worked with high level Executives, to schedule screenings for new movies to get them rated. Reviewed motion picture production contracts to ensure that the credits on the screen matched the contractual requirements and to ensure contractual compliance. Drafted production contracts.

Arthur Andersen – Marketing Department Coordinator – 1997-1998
Managed the production of marketing proposals used by Branch Managers and Division Directors to develop new business prospects

Prudential Securities – Licensed Financial Advisor – 1995-1997
Series 7, Series 63 Series 65 and California Insurance licensed financial advisor. Provided financial advice and facilitated trades for clients with relation to stocks, bonds, mutual funds and annuities.

CBS Records – Business Affairs Legal Secretary, 1987-1988
Drafted music contracts.

Morgan Olmstead Kennedy & Gardner – Research Assistant, 1986-1987
Worked with the Research Analysts to compile and publish monthly research analysis on the companies and industries they followed for dissemination to clients, industry experts and news agencies.

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Children Are Our Future 2001-2004
They own and operate 13 group homes in Los Angeles County for at-risk youths providing residential, educational and healthcare services.

American Cancer Society Regional Council 2001-2012
Chaired three Relay for Life events; participated in numerous charity events to benefit the organization

HONORS

American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy, UC Hastings College of the Law, 1990

ASSOCIATIONS

State Bar of California, 1994 – Present