Meet MDK's Managers: Courtney Olah

I started with MDK in 2004 as the second employee in the Bankruptcy Department.  Prior to coming to MDK I worked for JPMorgan Chase.  I applied there right out of college and was randomly placed in their Bankruptcy Department.  I really enjoyed learning how loans were serviced and maintained while also learning the ropes of the bankruptcy process.  I especially liked working with the law firms Chase had retained to handle their bankruptcy pleadings.  I worked with many law firms throughout the country and thought, “I can do that!”  That inspired me to go back to school to obtain my Paralegal Certification and learn the legal side of the process.  As graduation approached, I learned MDK was hiring and came onboard.  

In the early days of MDK we did not have a HR department, no published employee handbook, and no management hierarchy.  The two of us in the department worked with Ted Manley to handle whatever bankruptcy matters came through the door.  As the firm grew, it became more necessary to have a more structured management team. I became a manager in the department and have remained in that role since.

While my job title has not changed in many years, the department has definitely grown and evolved.  Not only have we taken on new states and even some nationwide service offerings, we have also created more robust processes, procedures, and document templates.  We have worked hard to increase the visibility of the work done in the department and created reporting to capture our contribution to the firm as a whole.  

Bankruptcy really started out as something that wasn’t very profitable but the firm needed to offer to complement its foreclosure services but has become an area of expansion and growth. I am beyond proud to be a member of such a strong, intelligent, and hardworking team.  My teammates continually challenge me through their dedication and willingness to go over and above. There is never a dull moment in the Bankruptcy Department but it’s exactly where I want to be.

Outside the office, I have two teenagers that keep me busy with sports, music, and busy social lives.  I enjoy being outside, watching my son play baseball, reading, traveling, and watching cooking and baking competition shows despite the fact that I am a terrible cook.