1. Darlene Allison
3819 Keygate Drive, Spring, Texas 77388
(281) 948-9538 (cell) (281) 353-4461 (home)
darlene.allison11@outlook.com
Summary
A highly creative, goal-oriented professional with solid experience in a corporate legal
department assisting the general counsel with confidential matters and projects.
Demonstrated experience in reviewing a wide variety of contracts and drafting contracts
for the general counsel’s review and approval. Contracts include: distributorship-
international and domestic, policies and procedures, vendor, confidentiality, independent
contractor, school, marketing, lease, shows, model, advertising, social media, and
contest rules. Converse with attorneys, customers, vendors, distributors, agents, and
sales staff. Considered as the legal department’s initial point of contact for all internal
departments, attorneys, customers, and vendors with contract requests and questions.
Assist accounts receivable with short-paid or outstanding invoices and collection
matters. Handle escalated consumer complaints.
Extremely organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
having a substantial positive impact on the company. Maintain a consistently high level
of productivity. Trustworthy with a strong work ethic combined with a commitment to
excellence in all projects undertaken. A team player, working effectively with various
departments, upper management, and outside counsel, salespeople, and vendors.
Consistently high level of productivity, exemplary communication and written skills, and
good judgment.
Notable Accomplishments
Assisted with the transition of Farouk Systems, Europe B.V.;
Prepared a Record Retention Policy for distribution throughout the company;
Completed work Visa documents for 2 international hair stylists for last 3 years;
Successfully implemented legal contract database to house all contracts;
Prepare and update list of international distributors and retailers;
Process and organize all contracts related to bi-annual FSI conference in Cancun,
Mexico;
Work with and assist insurance broker with annual renewals and ease of
transition; and
Collection of high-balance outstanding accounts.
2. Experience
FAROUK SYSTEMS, INC.
Houston, Texas
Corporate Paralegal
8/2013 – current
Assist general counsel on a wide range of legal support and administrative duties
including: drafting contracts, corporate governance, compliance, contract management,
litigation management
Prepare and gather documents for general counsel and outside counsel for discovery
phase and calendar deadlines
Maintain a biweekly list of current litigation, pending contracts, and miscellaneous matters
in the legal department for general counsel
Form new corporate entities with the Texas Secretary of State’s office
Corporate upkeep for all entities: resolutions, consents, minutes, stock certificates,
apostilles, and other forms as needed
Correspond with and support all departments with contract and legal matters
Review all contracts to ensure compliance with legal requirements and redline for general
counsel’s review and approval. Communicate with counterparts, coordinate approvals and
final signature
Input and oversee legal contract database
Manage escalated consumer complaints
Prepare insurance renewal paperwork each year and provided certificates of insurance as
requested
Assist with past due accounts once escalated from accounts receivable to the legal
department
Complete bankruptcy proof of claims
Maintain a current list of all company vehicles and renew annual registrations
Complete various forms and applications for all company departments
Equifax Information Services LLC (fka CSC Credit Services, Inc.)
Houston, Texas
Senior Legal Specialist
2/2003 – 5/2013
Reviewed customer contracts, vendor agreements, and facility leases for compliance and
accuracy
Supported internal and external customers with contract needs and questions
Processed subpoenas, court orders, insurance certificates, and bankruptcy proof of claims
Requested new agreements from customers due to mergers and acquisitions
Developed and standardized the Request for Proposal (RFP) process
Managed databases for contracts, subpoenas, and legal requests and projects
Supported two corporate attorneys with administrative duties and special projects
3. CSC Credit Services, Inc.
Houston, Texas
Legal Administrative Supervisor
2/1997 – 2/2003
Supervised two file clerks
Reviewed contracts for compliance and accuracy
Initiated the consolidation of customer files into a single repository
Made recommendations to management on improving department’s database functions
Sorted and populated contracts in the department’s databases
Coordinated and organized quarterly department staff meetings
Assisted two corporate attorneys with administrative duties and special projects
Contract/Licensing Administrator
8/1991 – 1/1997
Obtained state licenses for CSC’s Collection Division
Performed administrative duties for the corporate attorney
Executive Secretary-Legal Department
10/1989 – 8/1991
Furnished administrative support to the corporate attorney and paralegal
Senior Administrative Support Assistant/Executive Secretary
8/1988 – 10/1989
Supported the Executive Vice President-Collection Division
Secretary-Sales Department
4/1986 – 8/1988
Provided administrative support for the Vice President–Southern Region and sales team
Testimonials
“I love working with Darlene and she is a valued asset to me and the Company.”
-Jason L. Rumsey, General Counsel, Farouk Systems, Inc.
“Darlene contributed to the team’s success in meeting objectives set by Corporate to review and
transition the business. Her work on these projects was key – and she was able to manage her
regular duties while still meeting the demands of these other projects.”
-Danelle Gulley, Assistant General Counsel, Equifax
“My colleagues have praised the investigative skills and dedication you have displayed in
performing your duties. You deserve special recognition, and I wanted you to know of our
appreciation for your cooperation and exceptional efforts.”
-Robert S. Mueller, III, Director, FBI, Washington, D.C.
“In recognition for superior customer service for assistance in creating and maintaining the Legal
Standard Contract Forms Database. This new tool will be a great benefit to the Legal
4. Department and Sales organization. Thanks for going the extra mile to provide excellent
customer service.”
-Danelle Gulley, Assistant General Counsel, Equifax
“I am taking this opportunity to express my personal gratitude for the spectacular job you did as a
member of the Sales and Management Conference planning committee . . . thanks for our best
meeting yet.”
-Bob Denney, former President, CSC Credit Services, Inc.
Education
North Harris College
Houston, Texas
Associates Degree-Paralegal Studies
May 2007
Graduated with Honors
3.70 GPA
Skills
Microsoft Office - Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Adobe Acrobat
Member of Texas Paralegal Association
FBI Houston Citizens Academy Alumni