Dawn F. Thomas

I am interested in working on project-based work with teams, which my education, experience, and skillset would enhance the productivity of your organization. And, at the same time, I would be given the opportunity to enhance and learn new skills to assist your organization with attaining its economic objectives.

In February 2011, I began a freelance, project-based guardian ad litem (GAL) service. I was appointed by civil court judges to provide paralegal services to the New York City Human Resources Administration and the New York City Housing Authority on behalf of disabled and elderly tenants. The objective was to assist tenants with their summary proceedings and administrative hearings to preserve their tenancy. 

The projects’ duration was typically 6 to 12 months; the duration was determined the cases’ deliverables, which were unique to each case, e.g., outstanding rent owed to landlord, tenant living in an apartment without landlord’s consent, etc. Consequently, I prepared for those proceedings by identifying the stakeholders (e.g., tenants, tenant attorneys, city social services agencies); collecting requirements, defining the scope of the project; building a team by consulting and/or working with attorneys, city social services and healthcare agencies, charitable organizations, and tenant relatives; gathering evidence; preparing witnesses; formulating a defense and/or counterclaims; defining, assigning, and sequencing activities; identifying and mitigating risks (e.g., a concurrent criminal proceeding that might have an adverse effect on deliverables); executing and monitoring activities to complete deliverables and, ultimately, closing cases by making presentations before judges.

Highlights of my duties as a GAL included the following:

• Presented arguments, evidence, and testified before judges and attorneys.
• Cross-examined opposing counsels’ witnesses.
• Negotiated terms of stipulations with opposing counsel.
• Coordinated with various city agencies, charitable organizations, and legal service providers.
• Prepared defense and testimony outlines, and composed correspondence and memoranda.

Attached please find a copy of my résumé, which outlines my experience and educational achievements. I am confident that I meet most of your requirements for a position, or my skill set might be transferable for another role within your organization. In addition, my salary requirement is negotiable.

If you are interested in scheduling an interview, please feel free to contact me. I thank you for your consideration, and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Dawn F. Thomas