Shanice Chibonda
Pretoria West
Summary
Candidate attorney with specialization in dispute resolution litigation and collections at Rooth & Wessels Attorneys, .Expertise in drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and interpreting legislation. Proficient in advising clients on litigation risks, conducting consultations, and engaging in settlement negotiations. Background includes litigation and Labour law, with aspirations for advancement in the legal field and compliance
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Candidate Attorney (Dispute Resolution, Litigation & Collections)
Rooth & Wessels Attorneys
Pretoria
06.2025 - Current
- Managed debt collection matters from inception to enforcement, ensuring compliance with legal standards and maximising recovery.
- Execute judgment enforcement processes, including warrants of execution and emolument attachment orders.
- Draft pleadings and notices for opposed and unopposed motion proceedings.
- Advise clients on litigation risks, potential liabilities, and dispute resolution strategies.
- Participate in settlement negotiations and mediations.
- Conduct client consultations (virtual and in-person) regarding debt recovery and settlement options.
- Draft legal documentation including demand letters, Section 129 notices, acknowledgements of debt, default notices, and settlement agreements.
- Attended pre-trial conferences and assisted with trial preparation, enhancing case readiness and supporting strategic litigation efforts.
- Maintain accurate case file management and liaise with clients, counsel, sheriffs, and other stakeholders.
- Conducted legal research and drafted opinions on case law and litigation strategy, contributing to informed decision-making for clients.
- Manage filing and case administration on CaseLines and Court Online.
- Appoint Cost Consultant to prepare Bills of Costs.
Candidate Attorney (Litigation Department)
Rooth & Wessels Attorneys
Pretoria
04.2025 - 06.2025
- Assisted in drafting pleadings for high court and magistrates’ court litigation including summonses, pleas, exceptions, special pleas, and interlocutory applications.
- Facilitated discovery processes, pre-trial conferences, and trial preparation, ensuring readiness for litigation.
- Participated in proceedings at high court, and magistrates’ court; aided in briefing counsel on litigation matters.
- Provided advice to clients regarding litigation strategy, procedural requirements, and case progression.
- Drafted legal opinions focused on procedural and substantive law.
- Coordinated with sheriffs, counsel, and clients to maintain compliance with court rules and deadlines.
- Monitored legal proceedings and case progress, providing clients with regular updates on status.
- Advised clients on legal matters, interpreting laws, rules, and regulations to provide clear guidance.
- Helped with bail applications, including preparation and attendance at court hearings.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure a unified approach to legal challenges.
Candidate Attorney (Labour Department)
Rooth & Wessels Attorneys
Pretoria
03.2024 - 04.2025
- Represented clients in conciliation and arbitration proceedings before the CCMA and Bargaining Councils, including development of arbitration strategy, preparation of legal arguments, cross-examination, and post-hearing submissions.
- Conducted client consultations on unfair dismissal, unfair labour practices, misconduct, incapacity, and workplace grievances, delivering tailored labour law and dispute resolution advice that informed client strategy.
- Drafted and issued disciplinary charges; advised employers on disciplinary procedures, codes of good practice (Schedule 8 LRA), and procedural and substantive fairness; assisted in chairing disciplinary hearings.
- Drafted and prepared legal documentation for CCMA and Bargaining Council proceedings, including referrals (Form 7.11), notices of motion, founding and replying affidavits, and settlement agreements in terms of the Labour Relations Act (LRA).
- Conducted legal research on labour legislation, case law, and CCMA arbitration awards to support litigation and dispute resolution strategies.
- Compiled and indexed hearing bundles, prepared witness statements, and developed settlement proposals to facilitate effective dispute resolution outcomes.
- Investigated complaints of retaliatory and discriminatory employment practices, identifying key issues to inform legal strategy and ensure compliance with labour regulations.
Legal Secretary
Bright Rikhotso Incorporated
Johannesburg
07.2021 - 12.2023
- Assisted attorneys in preparing case files, verifying data, and managing documents to support efficient case progression.
- Drafted legal correspondence, memoranda, summonses, notices, and pleadings.
- Managed electronic and physical filing systems to ensure easy retrieval and compliance with legal standards.
- Coordinated scheduling of consultations and managed attorney calendars to optimise time management and client engagement.
- Facilitated electronic case management through Court Online and CaseLines platforms.
- Performed file archiving, indexing, and pagination.
Legal Intern
TRG Attorneys
Johannesburg
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Drafted legal documents and performed legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Compiled court bundles with accurate collation and pagination of documents to enhance case presentation.
- Delivered administrative and paralegal support for Road Accident Fund (RAF) matters, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
- Ensured timely service of legal documents to facilitate case progress.
- Assisted with client consultations, medical appointment coordination, and follow-ups.
Education
Practical Vocational Training (PVT) -
University of South Africa LEAD
Pretoria01-2024
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) -
University of South Africa
Pretoria01-2024
Bachelor of Commerce - Law
University of South Africa
Pretoria01-2020
National Senior Certificate (NSC) -
Freedom Community College
Johannesburg01-2014
Skills
- Legal Drafting & Document Preparation
- Civil & Labour Litigation
- Dispute Resolution (Mediation, Conciliation & Arbitration)
- Legal Research & Case Law Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Client Relationship Management & Legal Advisory
- Court Procedures & Case Management
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Professional Communication (Written & Verbal)
- Organisation & Time Management
- Digital Legal Systems & Software Proficiency
- Court Online
- CaseLines
- LexPro
- GhostPractice
- AJS Systems
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Areas Of Experience
- Labour Law (LRA, CCMA, Bargaining Councils)
- Civil Litigation (High Court & Magistrates’ Court)
- Debt Collection & Dispute Resolution
- Commercial & General Litigation
Languages
English
IsiZulu
Timeline
Candidate Attorney (Dispute Resolution, Litigation & Collections)
Rooth & Wessels Attorneys
06.2025 - Current
Candidate Attorney (Litigation Department)
Rooth & Wessels Attorneys
04.2025 - 06.2025
Candidate Attorney (Labour Department)
Rooth & Wessels Attorneys
03.2024 - 04.2025
Legal Secretary
Bright Rikhotso Incorporated
07.2021 - 12.2023
Legal Intern
TRG Attorneys
01.2021 - 06.2021
Practical Vocational Training (PVT) -
University of South Africa LEAD
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) -
University of South Africa
Bachelor of Commerce - Law
University of South Africa
National Senior Certificate (NSC) -
Freedom Community College