Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
ADMISSION STATUS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Timeline
Generic
Sarah-Jade McKillop

Sarah-Jade McKillop

Legal Assistant | Aspiring Attorney
Cape Town

Summary

Driven, detail-oriented legal professional currently working as a Legal Assistant in the Shipping & Transport Group (Dispute Resolution – Maritime) at Webber Wentzel in Cape Town. I provide legal and administrative support on high-value commercial litigation and arbitration matters, including shipping, international trade and marine insurance disputes. I have completed my practical vocational training and met all requirements for admission as an attorney and am in the process of finalising my admission. Alongside my maritime and commercial disputes work, I have developed experience in intellectual property law, supporting trade mark prosecution, brand enforcement and portfolio management, including CIPC filings, oppositions and advisory work on clearance and infringement risk. Earlier roles at Norton Rose Fulbright and in a boutique practice added exposure to labour and employment disputes, construction, social media matters, family law and wills and estates. Day to day I’m comfortable managing busy, document-heavy files: legal research; drafting letters, pleadings and research notes; document and bundle management; and coordinating with counsel, clients and experts. I enjoy teams that value high standards, clear communication and some humour, and I’m particularly interested in work that sits at the intersection of commercial practice, human rights, reformative justice and legal technology. Seasoned collaborator experienced in meeting needs, improving processes and exceeding requirements in team environments. Diligent worker with strong communication and task prioritization skills.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
1
1
Language

Work History

Legal Assistant | Dispute Resolution (Maritime)

Webber Wentzel
05.2025 - Current
  • Support the Shipping & Transport / Dispute Resolution (Maritime) team on complex litigation and arbitration matters involving shipping, international trade and marine insurance.
  • Conduct legal research and prepare clear, concise research notes, case summaries and first drafts of opinions and pleadings for review.
  • Assist with drafting correspondence to clients, counterparties and counsel, and help prepare documents for court and arbitration proceedings.
  • Compile, organise and maintain matter files and hearing bundles, ensuring that documents, evidence and timelines are up to date.
  • Liaise with clients, counsel and internal stakeholders to coordinate information, manage expectations and keep matters moving.

Candidate Attorney

Norton Rose Fulbright
02.2024 - 02.2025
  • Completed rotations in Labour & Employment Disputes and Shipping & Transport, with exposure to Construction and Intellectual Property.
  • Conducted legal research, prepared case summaries and assisted with the drafting of pleadings, opinions and internal memoranda.
  • Supported senior lawyers with document review, discovery processes and preparation for hearings.
  • Coordinated with clients, counsel and internal teams to ensure deadlines and procedural requirements were met.

Professional Assistant

Amy King Legal
02.2023 - 01.2024
  • Supported a busy sole-practitioner environment, handling a broad range of day-to-day legal and administrative tasks.
  • Drafted basic pleadings, notices and correspondence in family law and general litigation matters.
  • Assisted with consultations, taking instructions and preparing detailed file notes.
  • Managed filing systems (physical and electronic), court dates and communication with clients and counterparties.

Candidate Attorney

Norton Rose Fulbright
01.2022 - 02.2023
  • Rotations across Labour and Employment Disputes, Shipping and Transport, Construction and Intellectual Property teams.
  • Assisted in drafting and reviewing commercial and logistics-related agreements, including shipping and transport documentation.
  • Prepared research notes and draft opinions for partners and counsel in labour, IP and commercial disputes.
  • Compiled hearing bundles and chronologies and kept internal stakeholders updated on case progress.

Education

LL.B -

University of Pretoria
South Africa
01.2021

Bachelor of Arts - Law (with distinction)

University of Pretoria
South Africa
01.2019

Skills

Certification

Certificate in Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution – Alternative Disputes Resolution Network, 2023 (including courses in family law and sexual crimes).

References

  • Allison, Williams, Norton Rose Fulbright, Available on request
  • Amy, Buckley, Amy King Legal / Norton Rose Fulbright, Available on request
  • Craig, Woolley, Norton Rose Fulbright, Available on request

ADMISSION STATUS

All statutory requirements for admission as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa have been met; admission in progress.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Driving licence: Full, valid South African driver’s licence.
  • Comfortable working both in-office and remotely, with experience using MS Teams and other virtual tools.

Timeline

Legal Assistant | Dispute Resolution (Maritime)

Webber Wentzel
05.2025 - Current

Candidate Attorney

Norton Rose Fulbright
02.2024 - 02.2025

Professional Assistant

Amy King Legal
02.2023 - 01.2024

Candidate Attorney

Norton Rose Fulbright
01.2022 - 02.2023

Bachelor of Arts - Law (with distinction)

University of Pretoria

LL.B -

University of Pretoria
Sarah-Jade McKillopLegal Assistant | Aspiring Attorney