Dec 2013 – Dec 2020 · 7 yrs · Greater Philadelphia Area

• Lawyer coach Dena Lefkowitz helps attorneys learn what they don’t teach in law school: business development/marketing, leadership and she provides tools and strategies for career transformation within or outside the law.

Jan 2010 – Present · 16 yrs 2 mos · Wilmington, Delaware, United States · Remote

• I discovered the magic of coaching when, miserable in my job as a litigation associate, I went to see a career coach who was also a lawyer. He helped me reinvent myself and became a touchstone whenever I faced a crossroads in my career. Along the way, I decided to follow in his footsteps. No matter what the endeavor, a coach can help you accelerate your progress with proven methods.
• In a nutshell, you describe what you want and, together, we explore options, design strategies for you to implement and achieve your goals. That is the winning formula I used with a best-selling author, attorneys from junior associate to chairman, accountants and executives. Common areas include:
• Marketing
• Confidence
• Career transitions
• Leadership
• Improving work relationships
• Work/life balance
• Public Speaking: I lead workshops and present to organizations on topics including marketing, improving self-confidence, effective goal-setting, and communicating effectively. I have presented at many continuing legal education seminars and can tailor most presentations to qualify for credit.

Oct 2008 – May 2014 · 5 yrs 7 mos · Greater Harrisburg Area

• Responsibilities included:
• Advising the Executive Director on all legal affairs;
• Appellate arguments before the Commonwealth and Supreme Court;
• Supervising and mentoring staff attorneys
• Overseeing and directing outside counsel;
• Drafting external and internal policies;
• Lobbying lawmakers to increase funding;
• Recommendations to support initiatives of the Office of Open Records
• Supervising litigation in appellate and common pleas courts;
• Monitoring appeals from decisions of the Office of Open Records
• Conducting training for public officials and attorneys and ppeals officers;
• Handling inquiries from government officials and citizens;
• Presenting continuing legal education seminars for attorneys;
• Significant Accomplishments:
• Oral argument before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court;
• Created an appeals process pursuant to the new Right to Know Law;
• Designed training for public officials on Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law;
• Drafted the first Final Determination ever published by the Office of Open Records
• Served as Senior Attorney and Appeals Officer from 2008-2010;
• Drafted advisory opinions;
• Instrumental in all aspects of implementing the Right to Know Law

Jul 2007 – Oct 2008 · 1 yr 3 mos · Chester, PA

• Represented and advised the Education Empowerment Board, Superintendent and executive management team on all legal matters involving the School District. Was responsible for all legal affairs including:
• Creating the Office of General Counsel:
• Reducing outside legal expenses by over $800,000 in the first year;
• Developing strategies for cost-effective selections and use of outside counsel;
• Overseeing outside counsel and reduction of litigation expenses
• Drafting Policies and protocols ;
• Providing counsel to improve governance and oversight of legal costs;
• Drafting or approving all procurement contracts;
• Monitoring and advising senior staff to ensure compliance with the Public School Code, Administrative Regulations, Public Employee Relations Act, Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Public Officials Act, the Pennsylvania Charter School Law and law related to education including FERPA, NCLB, Title IX, and ADA;
• Mediation of employee grievances;

Oct 2000 – Jul 2007 · 6 yrs 9 mos

Feb 1998 – Sep 2000 · 2 yrs 7 mos

Feb 1996 – Jan 1998 · 1 yr 11 mos

Jun 1993 – Jan 1996 · 2 yrs 7 mos

Jun 1987 – Jun 1993 · 6 yrs