Suzelle Viljoen

I bring a dynamic blend of commercial litigation prowess, regulatory insight, and contractual precision, positioning me as a trusted legal partner for businesses navigating risk, regulation, and growth.

With a career built on excellence in legal advisory, compliance frameworks, and dispute resolution, I operate at the intersection of law and strategy, delivering clarity, control, and commercial confidence in every brief.

My core competencies include:

Contract Management & Commercial Drafting
I draft, review, and negotiate high-stakes commercial agreements with an eye for risk, value, and enforceability. From supplier contracts to service level agreements, I ensure contractual structures are watertight, strategically aligned, and compliant with relevant legislation.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance Advisory
I offer in-depth expertise in South Africa’s legal framework, including POPIA, FICA, PAIA, and industry-specific regulations. I develop, implement, and monitor compliance programs that align internal policies with legislative requirements, reducing liability and building organisational integrity.

Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Backed by hands-on litigation experience, I represent and advise on commercial disputes with a results-driven, cost-conscious mindset. I handle everything from pre-litigation negotiation to High Court litigation, applying tactical insight to achieve favorable outcomes while preserving critical relationships.

Risk Management & Policy Development
I partner with leadership teams to build risk-resilient legal infrastructures. This includes drafting internal policies, compliance manuals, legal opinions, and risk matrices that support informed decision-making and operational transparency.

I have a solid foundation in managing diverse legal matters, including litigation, commercial, and labour law. Demonstrated expertise in drafting, reviewing, and implementing company policies, ensuring rigorous compliance with relevant legislation, including FICA, POPIA, and other industry regulations. Skilled in providing strategic legal advice and representation for both corporate clients and individuals, with a keen ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and deliver tailored solutions. Possesses strong research, communication, and negotiation skills, combined with an unrelenting commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice.

• Lead litigation efforts across a range of civil and commercial matters, providing exceptional legal representation in court and at tribunals, ensuring favorable outcomes for clients.
• Actively participated in high-stakes negotiations for commercial disputes, offering strategic insights and solutions for complex issues related to breach of contract, mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
• Conducted thorough research and drafted comprehensive legal documents, including pleadings, affidavits, motions, and settlement agreements, ensuring compliance with court rules and procedural requirements.
• Led efforts in providing legal advice to corporate clients on various labour-related matters, including unfair dismissal claims, employment contracts, and workplace disputes, resulting in efficient and cost-effective resolutions.
• Drafted and reviewed corporate policies, including employee handbooks, anti-discrimination policies, and compliance frameworks, ensuring adherence to legal requirements and industry best practices.
• Coordinated and implemented compliance protocols for clients, ensuring strict adherence to FICA (Financial Intelligence Centre Act), POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), and other applicable legislation.
• Played a key role in the internal legal compliance team, conducting regular audits and risk assessments to ensure organizational policies and practices are aligned with current laws and regulations.
• Supported senior attorneys in complex commercial litigation matters, providing critical insights and strategic recommendations based on legal research and case analysis

An accomplished and detail-oriented Legal Secretary with a proven track record of providing high-level administrative and legal support in a fast-paced, high-stakes legal environment. Demonstrated expertise in managing complex legal documentation, including the preparation and drafting of contracts, servitudes, and bond cancellation agreements. Adept at liaising with financial institutions and acting as a key point of contact for clients and third-party entities. Skilled in executing meticulous legal transfers, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and delivering precise legal correspondence. Highly proficient in organizing, managing, and maintaining confidential records, ensuring that all deadlines are met with accuracy and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Efficiently coordinated and facilitated the legal transfer process, ensuring seamless transitions and adherence to legal protocols.
• Drafted and reviewed complex contracts, including sale agreements, lease terms, and legal conditions, ensuring clarity, compliance, and protection for all parties involved.
• Served as the liaison between the legal firm and banking institutions, managing the intricate details of bond cancellations and facilitating the necessary documentation for property transactions.
• Produced and reviewed servitudes, ensuring accurate legal terms and conditions for property rights and obligations were met.
• Maintained a proactive role in supporting legal professionals with essential administrative functions, ensuring the smooth execution of high-volume transactions and services.
• Expertly managed sensitive client and legal information, maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all documentation and communications.