Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Deoné Strydom

Deoné Strydom

Legal Secretary
Polokwane

Summary

Adept at legal research and office administration, I significantly enhanced client relations and streamlined case management at Du Toit Swanepoel Steyn & Spruyt Attorneys. My proficiency in Microsoft Office and exceptional attention to detail led to a marked increase in efficiency and positive case outcomes, showcasing my results-driven approach and strong professional acumen.

I'm a hardworking employee with 8 years in legal and office administration. Offers exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Focused Legal Secretary with solid administrative support background. Pays attention to details as well as considering larger picture when managing court filing procedures and deadlines.

Reliable administrative and legal support professional with great attention to detail. Works well independently to carry out assignments. Maintains impeccable files and organized case materials.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Legal Secretary

Du Toit Swanepoel Steyn & Spruyt Attorneys
02.2022 - Current
  • Improved client relations with timely communication of case updates, maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Coordinated deposition schedules among multiple parties involved in litigation cases resulting in smooth proceedings without delay.
  • Managed complex litigation cases from inception to resolution, coordinating efforts between attorneys and support staff.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors for cost-effective services while maintaining quality standards in office operations.
  • Implemented new billing software system that streamlined invoicing process leading to an increased rate collection.
  • Safeguarded sensitive information by establishing strong security protocols for physical and electronic files.
  • Assisted in drafting persuasive legal documents, contributing to favorable outcomes in court proceedings.
  • Enhanced attorney productivity by providing comprehensive administrative support, including calendar management and travel arrangements.
  • Ensured seamless transition during team restructures by effectively managing resources allocation among various cases at once.
  • Collaborated with attorneys on time-sensitive projects, meeting strict deadlines under pressure.
  • Conducted regular audits of case files to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, mitigating potential risks to the firm.
  • Expedited case preparation for trial, organizing exhibits and coordinating witness schedules.
  • Reduced errors in legal documents with thorough proofreading and editing tasks, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Provided training to junior secretaries on office procedures and software applications, increasing overall efficiency within the firm.
  • Conducted extensive research on legal matters as needed, synthesizing complex information into concise reports for attorney review.
  • Developed a standard operating procedure handbook for the legal secretary role, improving consistency and efficiency in daily tasks.
  • Streamlined legal documentation processes by implementing efficient filing and archiving systems.
  • Organized files for court proceedings.
  • Scheduled all appointments, appearances and briefings.
  • Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
  • Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
  • Developed and maintained filing and retrieval systems.
  • Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
  • Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
  • Screened telephone calls and forwarded to appropriate departments.
  • Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
  • Diligently edited legal correspondence for grammar and spelling.
  • Answered and directed calls using multi-line switchboard.
  • Scheduled and made appointments for [Number] attorneys.
  • Created, indexed, and maintained client binders.
  • Completed accident reports, trial and courtroom requests and applications for clients.
  • Communicated professionally with clients, colleagues and legal partnership verbally and in writing.
  • Completed data entry of legal documents into electronic filing systems.
  • Created and printed legal documents for attorneys to review.
  • Prioritized and handled multiple assignments and maintained firm commitment to deadlines.
  • Assisted with preparation of trial materials and documents.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
  • Produced and filed various legal documents and electronically preserved updated case record system.
  • Composed contracts, pleadings and motions in accordance with established guidelines.
  • Prepared and processed invoices for attorney billing.
  • Researched and booked reasonably-priced and comfortable airfare, hotels and ground transportation for senior leadership.
  • Researched and identified legal precedents and statutes.
  • Managed check requests, expense reimbursement requests, invoices and accounts payable and receivable information.
  • Conducted research on legal cases and prepared summaries for attorneys.

Reception

BB Ford Polokwane
03.2021 - 01.2022
  • Promoted a welcoming environment by maintaining clean and organized reception area at all times.
  • Provided exceptional customer service at front desk reception area, greeting visitors warmly while addressing their questions or concerns efficiently.
  • Maintained a clean and welcoming reception area to create a positive environment for patients and visitors.
  • Managed reception area, answered telephone calls and received packages.
  • Collaborated closely with other administrative staff in sharing responsibilities such as reception coverage or meeting setup when necessary.
  • Improved office efficiency by maintaining an organized reception area, filing documents, and managing incoming mail.
  • Backed up reception with front-line support for guests.
  • Exhibited exceptional customer service skills when greeting visitors at reception desk; quickly assessing needs while maintaining professionalism under pressure.

Administrator and Receptionist

NJR Projects (Pty)Ltd
01.2019 - 12.2020
  • Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy.
  • Computerized office activities, maintained customer communications, and tracked records through delivery.
  • Collected, validated, and distributed information to employees.
  • Managed office inventory levels, ensuring adequate supplies were available while minimizing waste and unnecessary spending.
  • Screened and transferred incoming calls, took down messages, and transmitted information and documents to internal personnel.
  • Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
  • Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
  • Resolved customer problems and complaints.
  • Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
  • Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
  • Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
  • Handled cash transactions and maintained sales and payments records accurately.
  • Managed multiple tasks and met time-sensitive deadlines.
  • Corresponded with clients through email, telephone, or postal mail.
  • Provided administrative support to staff members by handling correspondence, filing documents, and managing office supplies inventory.
  • Welcomed customers with friendly greeting, answered general questions, gathered nature of visit and directed to specific offices.

Administrator and Filing Clerk

Pule Incorporated Attorneys
11.2016 - 01.2019
  • Opening of new case files
  • Notice of intention to Defend Documents
  • Drafting of Pleadings
  • Professional letter typing
  • Dictations
  • Drafting of Discovery Affidavits
  • Drafting of Notice of Appointment as Attorneys of Record
  • Filing of documents
  • Email, Scanning, Copies and Faxes
  • Telephone Attendances

Education

High School Diploma -

PHS Pietersburg High School
Polokwane, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

    Legal Research

    Office Administration

    Document drafting

    File Organization

    Court filings

    Typing Speed

    Contract Review

    Billing and Invoicing

    Meeting Scheduling

    Legal Compliance

    Deadline Management

    Calendar Management

    Legal Correspondence

    Litigation Support

    Transcription Services

    Notary Services

    Discovery assistance

    Witness Coordination

    Deposition Preparation

    Drafting legal documents

    Client Correspondence

    Document filing

    Research and data collection

    Document Preparation

    Client Communication

    Document Management

    Efficient multi-tasker

    Corporate Law

    Civil Law

    Editing and proofreading

    Proofreading abilities

    Phone Etiquette

    Administrative Support

    Negotiation

    Document Proofreading

    Criminal Law

    Meeting Coordination

    Executive calendars

    Word Processing

    Transcription

    Civil and criminal law expertise

    Legal Terminology

    Appointment Setting

    Spreadsheets

    Schedule Maintenance

    Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Seachworks, Lexpro and gmail

    Switchboard Operation

    Microsoft Office

    Problem-Solving

    Legal Document Processing

    Time Management

    Multitasking

    Subpoenas and Summonses

    Excellent Communication

    Self Motivation

    Memo Drafting and Typing

    Attention to Detail

    Legal Procedures

    Work Planning and Prioritization

    Professionalism

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Timeline

Senior Legal Secretary

Du Toit Swanepoel Steyn & Spruyt Attorneys
02.2022 - Current

Reception

BB Ford Polokwane
03.2021 - 01.2022

Administrator and Receptionist

NJR Projects (Pty)Ltd
01.2019 - 12.2020

Administrator and Filing Clerk

Pule Incorporated Attorneys
11.2016 - 01.2019

High School Diploma -

PHS Pietersburg High School
04.2001 -

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Deoné StrydomLegal Secretary