Sonja De Villiers
Lecturer, Compliance Officer, Attorney
Eastcliffe
Summary
A dedicated legal and compliance professional with a decade of experience in regulatory compliance, legal drafting, and policy administration. My background combines corporate governance roles with four years in academia, focusing on academic quality assurance and module development within the IIE. I possess comprehensive experience in coordinating compliance activities, supporting internal audits, developing and delivering training, and managing legal documentation to ensure institutional integrity and mitigate risk. I am adept at liaising with diverse stakeholders and supporting operational governance functions in both corporate and academic environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Lecturer
IIE Varsity College & Vega Campuses
02.2021 - Current
- Lectured a variety of law subjects across a number of degrees and modules.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methodologies and techniques.
- Ensured academic rigor and consistency through roles as an internal moderator, focusing on academic quality assurance.
- Developed new course modules and assessments, including tests, assignments, and examinations for various law and psychology subjects.
- Led marking standardisation processes for assigned modules to ensure consistent evaluation standards.
- Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with latest trends in field.
Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
CannGro (Pty) Ltd
11.2019 - 11.2021
- Ensured full governmental and regulatory compliance by managing all required documentation and reporting processes.
- Drafted, reviewed, and administered all company documentation, policies, and contracts.
- Managed all commercial and contractual matters, serving as the key liaison with investors and third-party contractors.
- Oversaw legal risk management and exposure to safeguard institutional interests.
Legal Manager
RentMaster (Pty) Ltd
04.2016 - 04.2020
- Managed the company's contractual and commercial compliance framework, drafting and amending all property-related contracts.
- Developed and provided in-house training on legal compliance matters and hosted seminars for external clients.
- Conducted legal research, drafted opinions, and provided regular reports to Directors on all legal and compliance matters.
- Supervised a team and led litigation management on commercial and property disputes.
Legal Mediator
LIPCO (Pty) Ltd
05.2015 - 03.2016
- Assisted corporate clients with legal compliance across labour, family, and contractual matters.
- Provided mediation and arbitration services, preparing all necessary documentation for CCMA and Labour Court proceedings.
Attorney
Marlon Shevelew & Associates
06.2013 - 04.2015
- Drafted extensive legal documentation while practicing commercial litigation in the High Court and Magistrates Court.
- Offered legal training to clients on relevant compliance and legal topics.
- Regularly featured as a guest legal expert on Radio702, providing on-air legal advice and commentary to the public
Education
LLM - Private Law
University of Pretoria
09.2025
LLB - undefined
UNISA
01.2012
Hons. - Psychology
University of Potchefstroom
01.2008
BA - Psychology
University of Potchefstroom
01.2007
Matric - undefined
Hoërskool Garsfontein
01.2004
Skills
- Lecturing & Presentation
- Academic Module & Assessment Development
- Policy & Procedure Coordination
- Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
- Internal Audit & Quality Assurance
- Training & Capacity Building
- Legal Advice
- Academic Research
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Lecturer
IIE Varsity College & Vega Campuses
02.2021 - Current
Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
CannGro (Pty) Ltd
11.2019 - 11.2021
Legal Manager
RentMaster (Pty) Ltd
04.2016 - 04.2020
Legal Mediator
LIPCO (Pty) Ltd
05.2015 - 03.2016
Attorney
Marlon Shevelew & Associates
06.2013 - 04.2015
LLB - undefined
UNISA
Hons. - Psychology
University of Potchefstroom
BA - Psychology
University of Potchefstroom
Matric - undefined
Hoërskool Garsfontein
LLM - Private Law
University of Pretoria