CHANTELL RICHARDS
Legal
Johannesburg
Summary
I am a very meticulous and keen learner with a strong background in the Legal field. I am familiar with legal proceedings, documentation, and case management requirements. I also offer excellent administrative abilities, customer centric approach, problem solving ability and result driven attitude whether as an individual or as a team member. I also possess strong organizational skills, combined with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. My background demonstrates a robust history of enhancing processes and office efficiency by streamlining processes and improving client relationships.
Legal professional prepared to drive operational efficiency in legal services. Managed multifaceted legal tasks and supported team goals with high degree of accuracy. Valued for collaborative teamwork and adaptability in dynamic environments. Proficient in legal research and administrative processes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Legal Services Administrator
Richards and Palmer Attorneys
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Provide research material, analyses and interpretation of various case law, legislation, contracts etc. on a case-by-case basis
- Scheduling and minute-taking of all divorce and labour consultations
- Ensuring professional, accurate and timeous response to all emails received by the firm and acceptance of all served documentation
- Transportation of RAF clients to various medical appointments and obtaining applicable documentation.
- Shadowing firm attorneys during bail applications, court hearings, mediations, etc.
- Resolve client complaints and provide solutions to complaints within the scope of the existing service level
- Ensure utmost confidentiality of all clientele information collected or submitted as per individual case
- File and update clients' legal documentation as required.
- Post, or email of legal correspondence to clients and court officials.
- Managed office scheduling and kept accurate notes on deadlines, motions, and other dates.
- Increased productivity by automating routine tasks, freeing up time for more strategic initiatives within the department.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex legal challenges.
- Streamlined billing procedures to ensure timely invoicing, reducing outstanding accounts receivable balances.
- Improved legal services efficiency by streamlining administrative processes and implementing new case management systems.
- Maintained strict compliance with regulatory requirements through regular audits and policy updates.
- Coordinated office operations for optimal workflow, maintaining a well-organized and efficient work environment.
- Fostered an inclusive, supportive work environment by promoting diversity initiatives and addressing employee concerns proactively.
- Delegated work effectively among staff members to balance workload while ensuring high-quality results across all functions of the organization.
- Developed strong relationships with external partners including court personnel, expert witnesses, and opposing counsel to facilitate effective case management.
- Provided exceptional client service in handling inquiries and managing expectations related to ongoing cases or projects.
- Supported attorneys with diligent research, document preparation, and trial support for successful case outcomes.
- Provided administrative support and research for civil litigation and civil proceedings.
- Kept up-to-date on case progress by frequently reviewing records and reporting findings to clients.
- Enhanced client satisfaction with prompt communication, thorough research, and timely resolution of issues.
- Managed confidential legal documents to ensure secure storage and accurate recordkeeping.
- Provided key administrative assistance to senior management.
- Compiled documentation, ensuring accuracy and detail for legal briefs, responses to opposing counsel, motions to court and trial exhibits.
- Investigated facts and law of cases, using pertinent sources to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- Supported administration and research processes for civil litigation cases.
- Managed administrative tasks for firm partners and associates.
- Assisted litigation attorneys with research, depositions, trial preparation, discovery and document drafts for court submittal.
- Participated in professional development initiatives for consistent improvement and up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends and best practices.
- Collected and prepared pre-trial discoveries, records and evidence displays.
- Answered telephone and coordinated meetings and conferences.
- Handled complex scheduling for appointments, court appearances and depositions for busy litigation firm.
Digital Team Lead
Pearson Institute of Higher Education
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Expanding and achieving sales targets set for all 12 campuses digital channel within South Africa.
- Strategizing and implementing strategic sales plan that expands the Institute's customer base and ensures its strong presence within the market.
- Recruitment, on and off onboarding of sales representatives.
- Salesforce (crm) and Product training provided to domestic sales representatives and International branches.
- Designing training material and implementing of sales process and SLA's
- Data management of Institutes 12 campuses nationally via digital channels.
- Defined legal, statutory, and regulatory compliance is appropriately implemented and maintained at the required standard for the team nationally (POPIA)
- Identify emerging markets and market shifts while being fully aware of new products and competition status
- Liaise with the National Call Centre to assist all campuses Sales teams in line with sales plan or Marketing campaign
- Present sales plans and realistic forecasting monthly to executive members
- Provide revenue and expense reports to the National Director
- Maintaining customer relations with all relevant stakeholders.
- Managing and resolving all incoming complaints timeous within set SLA.
- Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
- Established clear performance metrics for the team which helped in tracking progress towards set targets effectively.
- Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
- Conducted regular progress reviews with individual team members to identify areas for improvement and provide guidance on career development opportunities.
Senior Student Advisor
Pearson Institute of Higher Education
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Managing a database of 4000+ leads and assisting all new students with application and registration process into Institutes degrees.
- Assisting all existing and new students with their enrollment process upon final acceptance
- Provisional drafting of all 1st year student's timetables
- Providing financial guidance and assistance to all stakeholders
- Assisting campus director with team management on daily activities and targets
- Providing guidance to junior staff to help identify 'problem' areas where agents may improve sales targets.
- Book Open Days, career exhibitions and various stakeholder events on campus.
- Ensure continuous update of all parents and students' relevant documentation and information.
- Liaise with the National call Centre to ensure each advisor's monthly sales plan is correctly executed.
- Work against strict activity and financial targets
- Building and retaining relationships with Principles, teachers and parents.
Administrator
FNB (First National Bank)
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Deliver exceptional service that exceeds customer's expectations through proactive, innovative and appropriate solutions
- Resolve all customer queries efficiently, and within agreed timelines
- Efficient administration service through careful and timeous planning, reporting and updating of all related information
- Work closely with the team / allocated individual in order to up skill knowledge and skills in Operations and Administration
- Process all applications for various digital devices for clients within a 1-hour turnover time limit for all i-Store branches across SA when FNB launched i-Store devices to be bought through them.
- Assisted all International clients with their accounts, processed all payments done to beneficiaries in SA
- Distinctive assistance to all Private banking/ Wealth clients with all their banking inquiries and banking related inquiries
- Mitigated operational risks by adhering to established guidelines when processing new account applications or updating existing records.
- Conducted comprehensive risk assessments for high-risk clients, mitigating potential threats to the organization''s reputation and finances.
- Provided exceptional customer service during client interactions, addressing inquiries promptly while safeguarding sensitive information securely.
- Enhanced client onboarding process by streamlining KYC documentation collection and verification.
- Improved efficiency in customer due diligence procedures with thorough knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards.
- Reduced risk exposure by diligently reviewing client information for potential red flags and escalated issues as necessary.
Education
Bachelor of Laws - Legal Studies
UNISA
01.2020 - 01.2023
Skills
Legal research
Legal documentation and reporting
Client service and support
Customer relationship management
Office administration
Litigation support
Regulatory compliance
Problem/Conflict resolution
Legal document preparation
Contract review
Court proceedings
Real estate transactions
Legal writing
Certification
Anti money laundering (AML/ CFT Compliance)
Timeline
Legal Services Administrator
Richards and Palmer Attorneys
01.2020 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Laws - Legal Studies
UNISA
01.2020 - 01.2023
Digital Team Lead
Pearson Institute of Higher Education
01.2016 - 01.2019
Senior Student Advisor
Pearson Institute of Higher Education
01.2012 - 01.2015
Administrator
FNB (First National Bank)
01.2009 - 01.2011