Kaitlin Rigney

Driven final-year LLB student at the University of Fort Hare, excelling in academics, leadership and moot courts. Passionate about the intersection of business and legal strategy, aiming to contribute in a law firm where inclusivity, collaboration are of importance and where the law firm thrives while maintaining integrity and compliance.

Leadership & Extracurricular Experience

Vocational Trainee | Mjulelwa Inc. Attorneys
December 2025 – January 2026

• Litigation & Court Proceedings: Attended and observed court hearings and motions, gaining practical familiarity with judicial processes, procedural rules, and effective oral advocacy techniques; assisted in drafting case summaries and pleadings.
• Road Accident Fund (RAF) Claims: Supported attorneys in managing personal injury dockets, including collating medical reports, assessing quantum, preparing claim documentation, and liaising with third-party stakeholders to ensure timely statutory compliance.
• Conveyancing & Property Law: Assisted with property due diligence, reviewed title deeds, prepared transfer documentation, and gained exposure to the Deeds Office registration process, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage complex transactional workflows.
• Professional Development: Cultivated strong client communication skills, time management, and legal research proficiency while operating within a high-volume, deadline-driven practice.

Moot Court Experience

• Rhodes University External Moot (2025): Semi-Finalist & Recipient of the Best Heads of Arguments award. Excelled in an inter-university setting, demonstrating superior written advocacy, legal drafting precision, and strategic case analysis.
• University of Fort Hare Internal Moot (2024): Quarter-Finalist. Reinforced litigation fundamentals, oral persuasion techniques, and rapid legal research under simulated court conditions.
• University of Fort Hare Internal Moot (2023): Semi-Finalist. Collaborated effectively with co-counsel to develop cohesive legal theories and deliver compelling oral submissions, marking the start of a sustained competitive advocacy record.

Interim Coxswain | University of Fort Hare Rowing Club – USSA National Competition: Steered the crew at the prestigious inter-university national championships; directed real-time race strategy, maintained unwavering communication under extreme physical and psychological pressure, and unified team members to perform cohesively against South Africa's top rowing institutions.

Peer Facilitator | Cohort of 200 Students: Orchestrated group activities and facilitated collaborative learning for a large undergraduate cohort; delegated responsibilities to optimize group efficiency, motivated peers to achieve shared academic goals, and championed an inclusive atmosphere where diverse perspectives were actively encouraged and valued.

Co-Founder & Discussion Lead | University of Fort Hare Book Club Society: Conceptualized and launched a student-led initiative to provide an inclusive recreational and intellectual space on campus. Liaised with lecturing staff to negotiate venue bookings and secure funding for activities; designed and distributed marketing collateral to drive membership; facilitated weekly literary discussions that fostered critical thinking, empathy, and community cohesion among diverse student participants.

Legal internship, Record of Law - one month

Honoured to receive the Most Improved Female Novice award within the sport of rowing at the University of Fort Hare

Daniel Humpel : dhumpel@ufh.ac.za

Future Ncube : fncube@ufh.ac.za