MERYL A. KESSLER, ESQ.

10834 Antigua Terrace #103

Rockville, Maryland 20852
301-770-0445
mk8195ea@westpost.net
LEGAL COUNSEL
Legal Analysis & Review / Ethics & Compliance / Strategic Planning / Franchise &
Upstart Development / Contract Negotiations / Risk Management / Marketing & Sal
es / Process Improvements / Personnel Development & Training
More than just a legal professional, I understand the business challenges and ho
w to implement process and procedures to support strategic business plans in hig
hly regulated and competitive markets. I drive efficiencies in customer retentio
n and client services, positively impacting top and bottom lines.
My background includes legal applications, risk management, administration, proj
ect management, compliance, and HR for small and billion dollar organizations. I
enable organizations to meet objectives while reducing costs and boosting reven
ues with adherence to legislative regulation and compliance . Key strengths:
* Identifying systems in need of improvement, creating cost-effective solutions
* Aligning regional and national strategy to identify and seize corporate opport
unities
* Building and leading loyal, driven, dedicated and accountable teams
* Ensuring compliance with management of policies and procedures, current legisl
ative issues
* Developing recommendations that meet the business and legal needs of an organi
zation
Colleagues know me as resourceful, highly organized and action-oriented. My abil
ity to simplify complex problems enables me to meet demanding objectives. I am a
strong communicator and am an exceptional team player. I hold a JD from the Uni
versity of Baltimore School of Law and a BS in Microbiology from the University
of Maryland. Licensed Member Maryland State Bar, Licensed Member District of Col
umbia Bar, Licensed Member US District Court for the District of Maryland.
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Protected thousands in escrow funds. Client accounts of large title organization
were ineffectively managed due to deficient follow-up. Developed systems and pr
ocedures to process accounts in an efficient manner, ensuring follow-up. Execute
d new plan, increased accurate and timely appropriation of funds, balanced and i
ncreased file closure rates ensuring maximum legal compliance and reduced exposu
re.
Created training program, increasing performance. Multi-State division of major
title insurer was performing below acceptable standards. Conducted mentoring, gr
oup training and ongoing evaluations for employees. Shaped radical change in cul
ture of department, raised morale, improved communication, restored efficiencies
and increased production,
Identified administrative efficiency to ensure compliance. Timely account servic
ing was impeded by dated systems, ineffective process and administrative disconn
ect. Created and implemented new processes by engaging new methods and resources
that provided for ease of collection and the accuracy of the research informati
on. Ensured that all required elements were in place to finish transactions and
complete file closures for large financial institution.
Completed proposal for new product. Company design and development group was sta
lled on a new product offering due to legal and economic parameters impeding dev
elopment and production. Researched requirements, confirmed specifications and c
ompleted proposal for senior management team to accelerate process of the projec
t.
CAREER HISTORY
Attorney, Rifkin, Livingston, Levitan & Silver, 2008 to 2009. A mid-size law fir
m. Researched and developed plans for clients assisting them through the zoning
and land use legislative process of complying with zoning statutes, land use re
quirements, building code regulations and other legal parameters.
Vice President Operations, Steelesoft Management, 2007 to 2008. A specialty serv
ices company. Oversaw risk and compliance, project management and scheduling, hu
man resources, operations and procedures. Created training and mentoring program
s and developed program to enhance interdepartmental communication. Managed 12 s
taff.
Attorney, Realty Title Services, 2006 to 2007. A real estate services company. E
nsured all settlement processes complied with federal and state regulations. Ove
rsaw risk management and developed strategies for optimizing personnel and mater
ial resources. Directed resolution of issues related to customers, providers and
staff. Managed 7 staff.
Assistant Director, First American 2005 to 2006. Division of Citigroup, a $146B
financial services company. Managed departmental budget, ensured compliance, ove
rsaw administrative processes and risk management. Developed personnel training
program. Implemented improved delivery processes to increase client satisfaction
. Managed 130 staff.
Earlier: Attorney, Shulman, Rogers, Gandel, Pordy & Ecker; Legal Counsel, RGS Co
mmercial; Attorney & Office Manager, Universal Settlements; Foreclosure Analyst,
Citifinancial.