Simonne Els
Legal Manager And Company Secretary
Krugersdorp
Summary
A dedicated legal professional with a strong work ethic, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. I take pride in delivering high-quality work, maintaining professionalism, and handling complex legal and corporate matters with discretion. Highly adaptable and proactive, I thrive in fast-paced environments and remain composed under pressure. My experience spans corporate governance (including risk and compliance), corporate law, dispute resolution, labour law, legal administration, litigation, notarial matters, and wills and estates. Currently pursuing two occupational specialised diplomas in Chartered Governance Professional and Chartered Secretary, I continue to expand my expertise. Organised and detail-oriented, I approach every task with diligence and a results-driven mindset. Confident in my ability to add value, I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to a dynamic company.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Legal & HR Manager and Company Secretary
Featherbrooke Homeowners’ Association (FHA)
5 2021 - Current
- Attend to company secretarial responsibilities in line with Section 88 of the Companies Act.
- Attending to corporate governance requirements for the FHA.
- Conduct legal research on matters as and when necessary.
- Draft, review, and update contracts/agreements and legal documents, including the Committee Terms of Reference, FHA Memorandum of Incorporation, etc.
- Facilitate board, AGM, and special meetings, ensuring that they comply with legal requirements and that all documentation is accurate and complete.
- Liaison with external counsel on the FHA legal matters.
- Manage all legal matters, including compliance with FHA rules, bylaws, statutory regulations, local laws, and company policies, to make sure that operations meet all legal and regulatory requirements.
- Manage employee relations, investigating and resolving conflicts if necessary.
- Oversee Employment Equity matters, to align with relevant legislation.
- Provide legal advice on various estate management and compliance matters, including POPI and PAIA.
- Updating and reviewing HR/Labour policies as needed.
Legal Advisor - Labour Law Specialist
LWO Employers Organisation
05.2019 - 05.2021
- Attending to telephonic and electronic enquiries from members.
- Chaired disciplinary hearings, consultations, and retrenchment proceedings, including drafting related employment documents (contracts, notices, and disciplinary/retrenchment documents).
- Conducted regular labour law inspections, ensuring client compliance with BCEA, LRA, OHSA, EEA, COIDA, and relevant Bargaining Council regulations.
- Published articles on labour law topics for organisational newsletters and local publications.
- Represented clients in CCMA proceedings, including conciliations, arbitrations, and disciplinary matters.
Attorney / Candidate Attorney
Louise Tonkin Incorporated Attorneys
01.2016 - 04.2019
- Administered deceased estates and assisted attorneys in legal consultations.
- Attended to civil litigation, property transfers, and debt collection matters.
- Attended mediations with clients and negotiated dispute settlements.
- Drafted legal documents, including contracts of sale, lease agreements, wills, and notarial documents.
- Researched and interpreted laws, rulings, and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
- Supported directors in commercial and corporate law cases, including matters under the Consumer Protection Act and Companies Act.
Candidate Attorney
Shaban Clark Coetzee Attorneys
12.2014 - 12.2015
- Assisting attorneys in client and advocate consultations.
- Assisting partners with commercial and corporate law matters, including the Consumer Protection Act and Companies Act.
- Attending to civil and criminal litigation matters.
- Debt collection.
- Drafting, proofreading, and editing court documents and contracts.
Various Part-Time Positions
Various
01.2007 - 01.2014
- Held multiple part-time jobs while completing studies, demonstrating strong commitment, resilience, and time management.
- Roles included waitress, assistant manager, retail assistant, administrative support, and customer service, undertaken to fund university studies.
- Developed strong people skills, patience, persistence, and the ability to work under pressure, alongside foundational skills in customer service, communication, organisation, and teamwork.
Education
Baccalaureus Legum (LLB) - Law Degree
University of Pretoria
Pretoria 01.2011 - 01.2015
Specialised Diploma Governance Professional QPCGP - Corporate Governance
Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa
South Africa 08.2023 - Current
Specialised Diploma Chartered Secretary QPCS - Chartered Secretary
Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa
South Africa 08.2023 - Current
Certificate - Commercial And Contract Law
University Of Cape Town
Cape Town 04.2001 -
Skills
Contract Law
Labour Law
Corporate Law
POPI
Employment Equity
Companies Act
Contract Drafting
Litigation Documentation
Policy Development
Conflict Resolution
Client Consultation
HR policies and procedures
Certification
SSLAW Course, The Pretoria Society of Advocates, 2012
References
Available upon request.
Family outings, fitness, reading, outdoor activites
I am a mother, wife and fitness enthusiast who loves spending time outdoors and reading. I also love painting and being creative.
Timeline
Specialised Diploma Governance Professional QPCGP - Corporate Governance
Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa
08.2023 - Current
Specialised Diploma Chartered Secretary QPCS - Chartered Secretary
Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa
08.2023 - Current
Legal Advisor - Labour Law Specialist
LWO Employers Organisation
05.2019 - 05.2021
Attorney / Candidate Attorney
Louise Tonkin Incorporated Attorneys
01.2016 - 04.2019
Candidate Attorney
Shaban Clark Coetzee Attorneys
12.2014 - 12.2015
Baccalaureus Legum (LLB) - Law Degree
University of Pretoria
01.2011 - 01.2015
Various Part-Time Positions
Various
01.2007 - 01.2014
Certificate - Commercial And Contract Law
University Of Cape Town
04.2001 -
SSLAW Course, The Pretoria Society of Advocates, 2012
UCT Commercial and Contract Law Short Course, 2022
Legal & HR Manager and Company Secretary
Featherbrooke Homeowners’ Association (FHA)
5 2021 - Current
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