Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Jacques-Louis Van Wyk

Attorney
Pretoria

Summary

Accomplished Attorney with a proven track record in Private Practice and at the Department of Correctional Services, excelling in legal drafting, litigation, and client representation. Renowned for strategic development and establishing effective relationships, I've significantly enhanced legal compliance and client satisfaction. Expertise in corporate and business legal issues, combined with exceptional negotiation skills, has led to successful dispute resolutions and legislative advancements. Dedicated legal professional offering expertise in Labour, Family, Contractual, Estate, Insolvency, Damages and Property law. Proven success in building trusting rapport with clients and offering sound legal advice in clear and universal terms. Hardworking and dedicated to client advocacy. Attorney adept at developing positive rapport with clients. Presents evidence clearly and practices sound and thorough case analysis techniques. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

Attorney

Sole Proprietorship
01.2011 - Current
  • Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
  • Participated in mediation sessions leading to cost-effective resolutions without resorting to lengthy trial procedures.
  • Drafted comprehensive legal documents such as pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, wills, and trusts for various clients.
  • Drafted and reviewed contracts for clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws while protecting their interests.
  • Managed complex caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks and keeping organized records of case materials.
  • Improved client satisfaction rates by providing timely updates on case progress and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Achieved successful case outcomes by researching legal issues and drafting persuasive arguments.
  • Provided pro bono services.
  • Attended to various fields of law such as, labour-, family-, contracts, estates, civil and commercial litigation, personal injury claims, property- and insolvency law.
  • In Labour Law: Acted as Chairperson and prosecutor in disciplinary hearings. Represented employers and employees at CCMA, Bargaining Councils and Labour Court. Attended to drafting and reviewing various employment contracts and instruments.
  • Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
  • Counseled clients on risk management strategies to minimize exposure to litigation liabilities.
  • Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
  • Represented clients in administrative proceedings before government agencies.
  • Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
  • Worked with legislators to assist in drafting, reviewing and amending Correctional Services legislation. Presented two Amendment Bills to Cabinet and Parliament which were assented to by the President during 2021 and 2024 respectively.

Snr Legal Administration Officer

Department Of Correctional Services
09.2010 - 05.2024
  • Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
  • Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
  • Prepared and submitted detailed reports regarding assignments and ongoing cases. Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
  • Improved overall department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new policies.
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to meet organizational goals.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
  • Addressed public questions, complaints and requests and provided necessary assistance.
  • Mitigated potential risks by proactively identifying potential issues and implementing appropriate countermeasures or contingency plans as needed.
  • Spearheaded successful projects from conception through completion, showcasing strong project management abilities.
  • Attended to Civil litigation to protect interests of State.
  • Reviewed and amended Correctional Services Act and various policies.

Human Resources Specialist

Department Of Correctional Services
11.1991 - 08.2010
  • Conducted routine HR audits to ensure data accuracy in personnel files, payroll records, and benefit enrollments.
  • Monitored employee attendance and performance, addressing issues in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Facilitated smooth orientation processes for new recruits, leading to faster integration into workplace culture.
  • Resolved employee complaints and grievances successfully through mediation and collaboration.
  • Partnered with senior leadership to establish and develop corporate and HR policies and procedures.
  • Maintained personnel records and statistical data to establish accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Managed payroll processing and benefits to compensate employees for service rendered.
  • Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for various posts within department.
  • Planned, monitored and appraised employee work results by training managers to coach and discipline employees.
  • Generated and analyzed reports to monitor employee engagement and attrition trends.
  • Engaged as National Auditor for PERSAL and Remuneration Control for 3 years.

Employee Relations Manager

Department Of Corrective Services
07.1996 - 12.2005
  • Promoted employee welfare by maintaining proper protocols throughout investigations and disciplinary procedures.
  • Managed sensitive personnel issues discreetly while adhering closely to confidentiality guidelines outlined in company policies or legal requirements.
  • Conducted thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct or policy violations, ensuring fair outcomes for all parties involved.
  • Monitored and enforced company policies and procedures to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Facilitated communication and collaboration with employees and management to encourage teamwork and rapport.
  • Resolved conflicts and disputes through mediation and negotiation, fostering positive work environment.
  • Acted as Chairperson and Prosecutor in disciplinary hearings of employees.
  • Attended to arbitrations, mediations and conciliations .

Custodial Correctional Officer

Department Of Correctional Services
02.1991 - 10.1991
  • Assisted in successful rehabilitation of inmates with tailored support programs and resources.
  • Consistently monitored inmate behavior, intervening when necessary to deescalate volatile situations or potential conflicts.
  • Improved overall facility cleanliness with regular inspections and maintenance tasks, contributing to healthier living space for both staff and inmates.
  • Supported fellow officers during high-stress scenarios, maintaining composure under pressure and making decisive decisions quickly as needed.
  • Enhanced inmate safety by conducting thorough cell searches and confiscating contraband materials.
  • Ensured accuracy of all documentation related to inmate populations, including incident reports and case files, upholding professional standards at all times.
  • Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
  • Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
  • Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.

Education

LLB - Legal Studies

UNISA
Pretoria, South Africa
04.2001 -

B-Tech Degree - Correctional Services Management

Technicon SA
Pretoria, South Africa
04.2001 -

National Diploma - Correctional Services Management

Technicon SA
Pretoria, South Africa
04.2001 -

National Senior Certificate - Mercantile Law, Economics, Tech Drawing

Luceum College
Dundee, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

Litigation and Trial Advocacy in all forums

Legal Drafting and reviewing, ie contracts, pleadings, settlements, policies, legislation, etc

Negotiation, mediation and dispute resolution

Civil Law, Labour Law, Family Law, Contracts, Wills and Estate Planning and Administration, Personal injury and damages claims

  • Investigation skills

  • Practice Management

    • Legal Analysis, counselling and advisory

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

  • Teamwork and Collaboration

  • Time Management

  • Problem-solving abilities

  • Creative and Critical Thinking

    • Excellent Communication Skills

  • Decision-Making

  • Self Motivation

  • Organizational Skills

  • Analytical Thinking

  • Legal Research

    • Accomplishments

    • Successfully represented several clients in labour and civil litigation.
    • Served an average of 5 clients per year pro bono.
    • Successfully reviewed and amended the Correctional Services Act.
    • Supervised team of 13 staff members.
    • Received numerous provincial awards for best practicing HR Division in Correctional Services in KZN.
    • Instrumental in the amendment of policies and procedures.
    • Conducted many audits and inspections to increase quality outputs in DCS.
    • Served on the National Council for Correctional Services.

    Additional Information

    1. Active in Labour Law and Employee Relations since 1996.

    2. Admitted as an attorney in the High Court, Pretoria in July 2010

    3. Member of Protol Team in reconciling and adjusting salary positions of all former KwaZulu Correctional Services officials during its incorporation into the RSA in 1995

    4. Conducted HR and PERSAL (payroll) audits nationally in RSA.

    5. Acted as PERSAL (payroll) Controller since 1993

    6. Conducted various inspections and investigations in RSA

    7. Whilst at Legal Services, dealt with many high profile court matters on behalf of the state such as Janus Waluz, Eugene De Kock, Clive Derby Lewis, etc.

    Timeline

    Attorney

    Sole Proprietorship
    01.2011 - Current

    Snr Legal Administration Officer

    Department Of Correctional Services
    09.2010 - 05.2024

    LLB - Legal Studies

    UNISA
    04.2001 -

    B-Tech Degree - Correctional Services Management

    Technicon SA
    04.2001 -

    National Diploma - Correctional Services Management

    Technicon SA
    04.2001 -

    National Senior Certificate - Mercantile Law, Economics, Tech Drawing

    Luceum College
    04.2001 -

    Employee Relations Manager

    Department Of Corrective Services
    07.1996 - 12.2005

    Human Resources Specialist

    Department Of Correctional Services
    11.1991 - 08.2010

    Custodial Correctional Officer

    Department Of Correctional Services
    02.1991 - 10.1991

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