Akho Dubula
Admitted Attorney
Pretoria,GP
Work Preference
Summary
I am a dynamic and results-driven Attorney with a strong foundation in litigation, regulatory compliance and client relations. Experienced in managing high-profile cases and handling complex legal matters in civil, criminal, and commercial law across South Africa's Magistrates and High Courts. Adept at drafting legal documents, conducting in-depth legal research, and delivering sound legal advice in areas including family, labour, administrative, commercial and personal injury law. Proven expertise in strategic project and team management, with a commitment to upholding procedural accuracy and fostering collaborative client relationships. Proficient in English and IsiXhosa, with intermediate proficiency in IsiZulu, and actively involved in professional legal networks. Demonstrated adaptability to legal technologies and e-discovery platforms, ensuring alignment with emerging industry practices. Highly adaptable to evolving legal environments and client needs, with strong skills in legal research and contract negotiation.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Associate Attorney
Mketsu & Associates Inc.
09.2024 - Current
- Leading branch operations for a law firm in Middelburg, strategically planning and executing initiatives to attract new clients and foster long-term client relationships through targeted business development initiatives.
- Identified and capitalized on growth opportunities, facilitating the firm's expansion by assessing market trends and client needs, resulting in increased revenue and brand visibility.
- Managing a team of support staff and coordination with service providers to ensure efficient daily operations, including task delegation, work plan monitoring, and office resource planning.
- Drafting of high-quality legal documents such as pleadings, legal opinions and notices. Ensuring accuracy and compliance with court standards and procedural requirements.
- Cultivating strong client relationships to enhance the reputation of the firm. Successfully ensuring that cases are prosecuted to finality and facilitating smoother case progression.
- Leading client consultations to analyze legal issues, resulting in tailored strategies that enhance case outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Drafting and reviewing legal documents, ensuring compliance with regulations to minimize risks and streamline processes for clients.
- Representing clients in court proceedings, advocating effectively to achieve favorable judgments and strengthen client relationships.
- Conducting extensive legal research, providing critical insights on informed case strategies and improving overall legal arguments.
- Mentoring paralegals and candidate attorneys, fostering professional development and improving team efficiency in case management and legal practices.
- Assist senior attorneys with complex cases, contributing to the successful resolution of challenging disputes.
- Manage a diverse caseload, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
Candidate Attorney
Mketsu & Associates Inc.
09.2022 - 08.2024
- Argued opposed and unopposed matters in the Magistrates' Court for civil and criminal cases, delivering effective representation and advocacy for clients across various legal disputes.
- Drafted pleadings, notices, and legal opinions, conducted comprehensive legal research, and provided high-level assistance to Counsel on cases presented in the High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, and Constitutional Court.
- Provided legal advice to clients in diverse areas of law, including family, labour, administrative, immigration, personal injury, property disputes and contractual disputes, tailoring solutions to meet each client's specific needs and objectives.
- Conducted thorough legal research and analysis, improving case preparation efficiency and enhancing client outcomes.
- Participated in court appearances, supporting attorneys in case presentations and strengthening trial readiness.
Junior Analyst
Subsolar Energy
04.2021 - 08.2022
- Drafted proposals for legislative amendments to support company interests, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Prepared and reviewed legal documents, including non-disclosure agreements and lease agreements, safeguarding company information and securing contract terms.
- Conducted thorough due diligence on tender documents, contracts, and environmental studies, identifying potential risks and ensuring compliance with project specifications.
- Coordinated with public departments such as Eskom, SANRAL, and DMRE to obtain necessary permits, facilitating seamless project progression and regulatory compliance.
- Supported project managers in renewable energy procurement, conducting risk analysis and maintaining strategic relationships with stakeholders to advance business objectives.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, contributing to accurate contract management and minimizing potential legal risks.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research and analysis, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Developed internal training materials on legal compliance, fostering a culture of awareness and adherence within the organization.
Legal Assistant
Exigent Group Limited
03.2020 - 03.2021
- Conducted comprehensive investigations on prospective legal cases, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in identifying case viability and legal grounds.
- Performed meticulous quality control on legal documentation, verifying adherence to procedural standards and compliance requirements.
- Supported litigation efforts by assisting with discovery proceedings for various global law firms, enhancing case preparation and evidence organization.
- Participated in briefings and training sessions on e-discovery platforms and emerging legal technologies, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans, timelines, and handover procedures in collaboration with team members and project managers, ensuring seamless project progression and task delegation.
Education
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law
University of The Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa04-2020
National Senior Certificate -
Gonubie High School
Cape Town, South Africa12-2015
Skills
Legal Research and Analysis
References
- Irene, Buys, Practice Manager, 076 077 4329, Mketsu & Associates Inc.
- Patrick, Mabasa, Senior Project Manager, 071 305 9183, Subsolar Energy
- Yamani, Selana, Former Director, 082 048 0044, Mketsu & Associates Inc.
Affiliations
- Legal Practice Council
- Pretoria Attorneys Association
PUBLIC INTEREST CASES
- 1. United Democratic Movement & 18 Others vs Eskom Holdings SOC LTD & 7 Others
- Synopsis: We brought an application on behalf of our clients in the following terms; The practice of 'load-shedding' by Eskom impacts prejudicially on Constitutional rights to health, security and education. The infringement of these rights justifies judicial intervention, but to such a limited extent that the principle regarding the separation of powers is not overstepped.
- 2. Takatso Aviation (Pty) Ltd And South African Airways State Owned Company Limited
- Synopsis: We submitted representations on behalf of our client on the merger in terms of which Takatso Aviation (Pty) Ltd intended to acquire 51% of the issued share capital of South African Airways State Owned Company Limited from the South African Government as represented by the National Department of Public Enterprises.
- 3. Electoral Commission of South Africa vs Umkhonto Wesizwe Political Party, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma & others.
- Synopsis: I drafted and submitted an application to join the proceedings as amicas curiae, as a team we sought to guide the Constitutional Court on the alternatives available if the recusal application is granted in favour of the former President of South Africa.
Certification
Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Timeline
Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
02-2025
Associate Attorney
Mketsu & Associates Inc.
09.2024 - Current
Candidate Attorney
Mketsu & Associates Inc.
09.2022 - 08.2024
Junior Analyst
Subsolar Energy
04.2021 - 08.2022
Legal Assistant
Exigent Group Limited
03.2020 - 03.2021
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law
University of The Western Cape
National Senior Certificate -
Gonubie High School