Diligent Senior Attorney/Legal Advisor with excellent organization and attention to detail. Extensive knowledge of corporate law and structures, finance and labour laws with a strong track record of maintaining professionalism and delivering high-quality, accurate legal guidance. Results-driven Lawyer with 7 years of experience advising clients in automotive and financial industries, specifically within Ford and Ford Credit. Proficient in drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements, and ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations. Poised and dedicated professional with a proven ability to thrive in the complex and detail-oriented corporate and financial sectors.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Partner Attorney
M&M Attorneys
Sandton
11.2023 - Current
Represented clients in arbitration proceedings as needed.
Prepared opinions on various issues of law based on research conducted.
Provided advice and guidance to clients on legal matters related to contracts, litigation, and regulations.
Advised senior management on risk mitigation strategies related to legal issues.
Developed compliance policies, procedures and training materials to ensure adherence with applicable laws and regulations.
Identified potential areas of risk associated with business transactions or operations.
Advised clients on intricacies of law, fostering informed understanding of legal rights and obligations.
Provided legal advice, opinions and solutions regarding issues and risks on various transactional and regulatory matters.
Developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and best practices.
Conducted internal audits to identify areas of non-compliance and recommend corrective actions.
Legal Counsel Seconded
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa/Ford Financial Services (Ford Credit)
Silverton
01.2022 - 10.2023
Expertly facilitated the drafting and negotiation processes for vital commercial agreements including Ford Dealer and Ford Credit Floor Plan Agreements, supplier agreement partnerships sponsorships. Successfully aligned them with strategic objectives while adhering to legal requirements of the National Sales Organization.
Successfully ensured compliance with company policies and regulations by actively managing legal risks.
Acted as a lead representative in negotiations with various parties, including financial institutions, regulators, external counsel, and public authorities, and participated in administrative proceedings before government agencies such as Consumer and Competition Commission and the Automotive Business Counsel
Oversaw the creation of legal documents and managed corporate transactions, ensuring legal integrity and client protection
Directed litigation and dispute resolution, collaborating with external counsel to safeguard company interests
Provided comprehensive legal and business advice, supporting adherence to organizational directives and legal compliance
Contributed to specialist committees, enhancing internal synergies and proactive consultancy
Communicated legal advice on corporate law to internal and external stakeholders, coordinated with external suppliers within company guidelines, and provided guidance on litigation matters to company.
Developed strategies to mitigate potential risks associated with transactions or other activities.
Prepared memoranda summarizing relevant laws, regulations and court decisions for management review.
Legal Analyst
Ford Motor Company
Silverton
10.2019 - 12.2021
Assisted with the development of new policies, procedures, and training programs related to compliance.
Supported case preparation by interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations, and compiled data for drafting legal documents
Monitored Government regulations to ensure company's compliance with changing laws, and developed best practices for company-wide compliance
Worked closely with human resources and outside counsel to safeguard company against legal claims
Coordinated with various legal and judicial professionals, including judicial officers, attorneys, and probation officers, to serve a multi-cultural community effectively
Provided in-house training to company personnel on relevant legal aspects, enhancing their understanding and compliance with legal requirements
Offered comprehensive legal support across company, including advising on corporate governance, risk management, contract negotiations, and representing company's interests in various legal proceedings and negotiations.
Reviewed and updated compliance documentation to ensure accuracy and adherence to legal standards.
Researched case law and statutory provisions to assist in drafting of legal opinions.
Evaluated potential conflicts between parties involved in litigation matters.
Financial Advisor
Professional Provident Society Of South Africa
Johannesburg
06.2019 - 10.2019
Successfully cultivated and strengthened relationships with 31 new clients, educating them on account services and capabilities to enhance their engagement and satisfaction
Actively worked with clients to clarify and support their understanding of rationale and details behind proposed financial strategies, ensuring informed decision-making
Assisted clients in preparing personalized financial plans, conducted investment research, and executed trades and transactions, aligning with their individual financial goals, assets, expenses, and investment preferences
Provided clients with comprehensive education on various financial matters and offered tailored recommendations on investment opportunities, products, and services to meet each client's unique needs and goals
Developed and implemented comprehensive retirement planning strategies, focusing on maximizing clients' retirement savings and ensuring long-term financial security.
Candidate Attorney
Velile Tinto Attorneys
Pretoria
02.2017 - 06.2019
Rotated within firm's General Litigation, Labour, Corporate, and Banking Departments, advising clients on business transactions, claim liabilities, and legal rights and obligations
Assisted skills team in interpreting relevant legislation and gained experience in prosecuting internal disciplinary hearings, including assisting legal counsel in chairing hearings and providing recommendations
Drafted and reviewed court pleadings and notices in line with Magistrate's Act, and attended to various litigation matters, including foreclosures, insolvencies, collections, sequestrations, debt review, and business rescue
Developed strategies for court proceedings and negotiations, enhancing effectiveness of legal representation and client outcomes
Prepared and filed various legal documents, including pleadings and motions, for court proceedings, demonstrating a thorough understanding of legal processes and documentation requirements.
Business Consultant
Bataung Holdings
Pretoria
01.2010 - 10.2012
Served as a consultant for startup businesses, providing expertise in marketing, logistics, and training specifically tailored to behavioral healthcare service professionals
Assessed various situations and delivered customized solutions, employing a range of tools and resources to address specific business challenges and needs effectively
Crafted comprehensive business plans and operational strategies for both new ventures and existing businesses, laying a solid foundation for their growth and development
Utilized performance data to critically evaluate business operations, adapting to current market conditions and forecasting future needs to optimize business performance
Devised innovative processes aimed at enhancing long-term business success and increasing profit levels, focusing on sustainable growth and profitability.
Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Compliance Management/Anti Money Laundering/Board Governance - Compliance
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg
11-2024
Postgraduate Certificate In Data Protection And Protection of Personal Info - Data Protection And Protection of Personal Info
University of Witwatersrand
Johannesburg
10-2024
Certificate in Compliance Magaement - Compliance Management
University of Cape-Town
Cape-Town
06-2024
Certificate in Business Risk Management - Risk Management
Executive Director at Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council/Prosecuting Attorneys Association of MichiganExecutive Director at Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council/Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan
Law Office Secretary at Jacek Jerzemowski - Law Office of Attorneys and Attorneys at LawLaw Office Secretary at Jacek Jerzemowski - Law Office of Attorneys and Attorneys at Law