 (002).jpg.jpg)
Description
Robust track record of results as a senior legal advisor and hands-on attorney handling high volumes of litigation and advisory matters. Accomplished leader of teams and strategic planning initiatives that support and represent on litigation, high-level negotiations, and commercial transactions and contracts. An influential professional with a propensity for negotiating favorable client outcomes. Skilled researcher with ability to learn new concepts and applicable case law, regulations, and legislation. Dynamic and detail-oriented attorney with ability to collaborate with colleagues at all levels. Areas of Expertise: Litigation & Arbitration Management / Research & Investigation / Risk Reduction & Avoidance / Contract Management/ Document Control / High-Stakes Negotiation / Client Relations / Business Development / Team Leadership & Supervision
Work Experience
| COMPANY | POSITION HELD | DATES WORKED |
|---|---|---|
| (Confidential) | Of Counsel | 1/2019 - Present |
| The Beck Group | General Counsel | 1/2008 - 1/2019 |
| Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld | Partner | 4/1998 - 12/2007 |
| Winstead PC | Litigation Equity Partner | 6/1983 - 4/1986 |
Education
| SCHOOL | MAJOR | YEAR | DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech School of Law | Law | Law Degree | |
| Eastern New Mexico University | English and Spanish | Bachelor Degree | |
Social Media
| TYPE | TITLE | URL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website | media url | Business Networking | |
| Website | Construction Lawyers Society of America | media url | Construction Law Webinars and Continuing Education |
| Website | Federal Bar Association | media url | Ongoing webinars and Continuing Legal Education Seminars |
Accomplishments
Highlights:
D Magazine’s Best Lawyers 2020 and 2021 for Construction and Commercial Litigation Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America AV Preeminent Rated Attorney – since 1997 to date Who’s Who in America-Top Women in Law 2021 Outstanding Alumni Award Texas Tech School of Law 2019 Dallas Bar Association “Inspiring Woman” Award Dallas Business Lawyers 100 Best Litigators in Dallas National Diversity Counsel 2017 Honoree Southern Methodist University School of Law Adjunct Professor – Trial Advocacy SMU Corporate Counsel Externship Program 2013 – 2019 Texas Tech School of Law Externship Program 2016 – 2018 SMU Corporate Counsel Symposium Board of Directors 2016 – 2018 Vanguard Law Profile https://www.vanguardlawmag.com/case-studies/tonya-johannsen-the-beck-group/ 2018 Speaking Engagements: Austin College Law Symposium, “Legal Ethics and Client Advocacy in Civil Litigation: The Lawyer’s Perspective” (February 28, 2020). “Certificates of Merit in Texas: An Analysis of the Legislative Changes and Potential Litigation Impacts” Texas Construction Law Foundation and Construction Law Section (November 26, 2019). Texas Construction Law Seminar: “Corporate Counsel Panel: Most Important Issues Facing In-house Counsel” (San Antonio, March 2017) American Bar Association Construction Law Forum: “Corporate Counsel and Outside Counsel: The Good, the Bad, And the Ugly” (Washington, DC, April 2017) Women in the Law: Leading, Empowering and Succeeding (March 2014) American Bar Association Construction Law Forum: “Building Information Modeling: New Horizons” (January 2014) Community Honors & Involvement: Attorneys’ Serving the Community President, Victim’s Outreach Board of Directors President, Bryan’s House Board of Directors Honoree, 2012 Hats Off to Mothers – Easter Seals of North TexasCompanies I like:
Construction, Architecture, Engineers, Subcontractors, Financial Institutions, Commercial Litigation
Job Skills
Keywords
Responsibilities
Onboarded to transform, restructure, and manage in-house legal department for highly-regulated real estate solutions firm. Developed high-level operations frameworks and delivered hands-on management of staff and legal resources. Mitigated risks and unforeseen obstacles by conducting due diligence and staying abreast of changing and evolving regulations and governance processes. Advised executive and leadership teams in legal matters, litigation strategy development, and related business matters. Oversaw staff in completion of daily tasks and conducted performance management to ensure service levels.
• Modernized and grew struggling legal department by instituting and governing of ethics and compliance policies.
• Generated substantial cost-savings on outside counsel fees by negotiating fixed fee arrangements and utilizing legal interns.
Recruited to leverage expertise in developing and building new construction and architectural practice with keen focus on liability and legal strategy. Ensure favorable outcomes when leading litigation and resolution of complex matters related to real estate and financial services. Draft and analyze agreements protecting best interests of practice in matters related to formation of legal entities and business ventures.
• Built construction law department from ground up, hiring and mentoring junior associates on effective business development methods and practices.
• Received recognition as one of best lawyers for Commercial and Construction litigation in Dallas area.
Earlier Career Success:
Litigation Partner, Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP | Litigation Equity Shareholder, The Winstead Firm
