Petrus Johannes Rust
Legal Consultant
Caledon
Summary
Accomplished Attorney offering 28-year record of supporting clients in legal matters. Communicates clearly and effectively with clients, opposing counsel, jurors and judges. Adept at developing lasting professional relationships. Effective law professional with proven track record of successfully representing clients in court, developing legal strategies and drafting and negotiating contracts. Well-versed in principles of family law, civil litigation and criminal law. Works independently and collaboratively as part of team. As senior partner of Guthrie & Theron Attorneys I managed between 40-50 employees, including attorney's and candidate attorney's at their branches in the Overberg.
Overview
58
58
years of professional experience
28
28
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Manager of Operations
Three Oaks B&B
Caledon
03.2017 - Current
- Greeted and assisted guests by gathering information pertaining to reservations or requests.
- Developed and implemented strategies to optimize operational efficiency and maximize profits.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to promote hotel services.
- Handled guest complaints and offered complimentary services to maintain high guest satisfaction rates.
- Hired and trained new employees, demonstrating best methods for serving clients and guests.
- Prepared monthly resort audits for review.
- Provided exceptional service and assistance to guests upon check-in.
- Provided services efficiently and with high level of accuracy.
- Monitored and evaluated performance of personnel to confirm compliance with standards.
- Increased customer service ratings through personable service.
Property Appraiser
Self
Caledon
08.1996 - Current
- Gathered information on nearby properties to compare and help make value determinations on properties.
- Stayed updated on market trends for local area and similar property types.
- Took photographs of interior and exterior of buildings to properly document features and conditions.
- Researched land, property and market values to complete estimations.
- Inspected new and existing properties and noted distinctive characteristics.
- Remained current on local areas through actively researching and garnering understanding of community values.
- Performed appraisals in line with federal requirements and USPAP guidelines.
- Maintained current understanding of lender requirements and documentation guidelines.
- Completed appraisals on pre-set number of properties to meet weekly production goals.
- Completed appraisals on commercial and residential properties, supporting property transactions or for legal purposes.
- Assessed sales comparisons, production costs and other values to determine accurate property values.
- Prepared descriptions of property for use in transactions or official records.
- Checked previous descriptions, certifications and official documentation against current condition of property.
- Took clear photographs of property for documentation.
- Maintained current database of completed appraisals and customer information.
- Served both personal and business customers with accurate valuations.
- Inspected property thoroughly and detailed condition in writing.
- Wrote detailed appraisal reports for property and submitted to clients or authorities.
- Forecasted changing values of properties based on market conditions and trends.
Attorney-at-Law
PJ Rust Law
Caledon
01.2010 - 11.2017
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Advocated for clients before court in oral argument by presenting facts and evidence in most favorable light.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Assisted clients in formation, governance and dissolution of businesses.
- Advised clients on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and other business matters.
- Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
- Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.
- Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
- Represented clients in civil litigation, criminal proceedings and appeals in state and federal courts.
- Represented clients in administrative proceedings before government agencies.
- Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
- Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
- Drafted, reviewed and negotiated contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
- Drafted motions, petitions and waivers.
Retailer
Caledon Meubels
Caledon
06.2007 - 07.2010
- Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
- Delivered energetic responses to customers in-store and by telephone, going above and beyond to serve needs.
- Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and redirect objections to positive aspects.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
- Used in-store system to locate inventory and place special orders for customers.
Attorney-at-Law
Guthrie & Theron
Caledon
04.1996 - 06.2007
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Advocated for clients before court in oral argument by presenting facts and evidence in most favorable light.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Assisted clients in formation, governance and dissolution of businesses.
- Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
- Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.
- Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
- Represented clients in civil litigation, criminal proceedings and appeals in state and federal courts.
- Represented clients in administrative proceedings before government agencies.
- Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
- Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
- Drafted, reviewed and negotiated contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
- Drafted motions, petitions and waivers.
- Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.
- Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Owner of VILLIERSDORP PROPERTIES ESTATE AGENCY
Attorney
Pj Rust Attorney's
Villiersdorp
04.1993 - 04.1996
- Advocated for clients before court in oral argument by presenting facts and evidence in most favorable light.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
- Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
- Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
- Represented clients in civil litigation, criminal proceedings and appeals in state and federal courts.
Education
High School Diploma -
Strand High
Strand 01.1972 - 12.1984
Bachelor of Arts - Law
University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch 02.1984 - 11.1996
LLB - LLB
University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch 02.1987 - 11.1988
ILPA - ILPA
University of The Freestate
Bloemfontein 04.1992 - 03.1993
Real Estate Agent - Real Estate
Estate Agency Affairs Board
Cape Town 06.2006 - 06.2006
Skills
Budgeting and forecasting
Work flow planning
Risk analysis and management
Management information systems
Legal writing
Criminal defense
Civil law
Discovery processes
Business consultant
Innovative marketing strategist
Lending
Property assessments
Timeline
Manager of Operations
Three Oaks B&B
03.2017 - Current
Attorney-at-Law
PJ Rust Law
01.2010 - 11.2017
Retailer
Caledon Meubels
06.2007 - 07.2010
Real Estate Agent - Real Estate
Estate Agency Affairs Board
06.2006 - 06.2006
Property Appraiser
Self
08.1996 - Current
Attorney-at-Law
Guthrie & Theron
04.1996 - 06.2007
Attorney
Pj Rust Attorney's
04.1993 - 04.1996
ILPA - ILPA
University of The Freestate
04.1992 - 03.1993
LLB - LLB
University of Stellenbosch
02.1987 - 11.1988
Bachelor of Arts - Law
University of Stellenbosch
02.1984 - 11.1996
High School Diploma -
Strand High
01.1972 - 12.1984