Thabile Matolo
Pretoria
Summary
Strategic Legal Manager specialising in tax and corporate law. Advises senior management on legal risks and ensures regulatory compliance while optimising resources. Conducts legal research and analysis to support decision-making and mitigate risks. Demonstrates strengths in project management and client engagement, effectively managing crises and budgets to foster collaboration and drive innovation.
Overview
1
1
Language
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager tax
Sasol Ltd
Gauteng
09.2018 - Current
- Managed budgets and financial planning, achieving cost savings without compromising on quality.
- Led cross-functional teams in project implementation, delivering on time and within budget.
- Managed organisational resources to meet administrative and operational needs whilst adhering to budgetary guidelines and meeting quality and schedule demands.
- Managed crisis situations, mitigating risks and maintaining business continuity during challenging periods.
- Conducted risk assessments, mitigating potential issues before they impacted business operations.
- Facilitated continuous improvement initiatives, encouraging innovation and excellence in operations.
- Cultivated a work environment focused on personal responsibility, continuous improvement and delivering high-quality results.
- Cultivated partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing company reputation and facilitating knowledge exchange.
- Sourced vendors and suppliers for business needs and negotiated terms for optimum service delivery.
- Conducted evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and implementing bespoke training programmes.
Legal Manager
SARS
Gauteng
07.2013 - 08.2018
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including contracts and agreements, to safeguard organisational interests.
- Applied legal standards to mediate disputes between parties.
- Coordinated with external solicitors to manage outsourced legal tasks, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective legal support.
- Represented the organisation in legal proceedings, preparing case strategies and arguments for court cases.
- Reviewed and updated company policies and procedures to reflect changes in legislation and best practice.
- Negotiated settlements in disputes, effectively minimising costs and facilitating amicable resolutions.
- Provided expert legal advice on employment law matters, supporting human resources in managing employee relations and disputes.
- Provided expert legal advice on tax matters, contract matters, corporate law matters supporting revenue authority
- Managed legal budget, optimising resource allocation to prioritise high-impact activities and control costs.
- Negotiated settlements in disputes, avoiding costly litigation and preserving the company's reputation and financial standing.
- Analysed and interpreted new legislation to assess impact on organisational operations and compliance requirements.
- Prepared detailed reports and presentations on legal matters for board meetings, offering clear guidance on complex issues.
- Coordinated with regulatory bodies on compliance audits and investigations, presenting required documentation and responses.
- Advised clients on legislation and case law change affecting their case.
- Verified legal resolutions for compliance with regulations and standards.
- Advised senior management on legal risks associated with business decisions, contributing to strategic planning.
- Managed compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, avoiding potential legal penalties for the organisation.
- Developed and delivered legal training programmes for non-legal staff, increasing awareness and understanding of key legal issues.
- Advised senior management on legal implications of corporate strategies, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Conducted thorough legal research and analysis to support complex case preparation and legal advisory tasks.
- Represented company interests in regulatory inquiries and investigations, effectively mitigating legal and reputational risks.
- Presented complex arguments relating to [tax, contracts, labour and corporate law matters ] in front of courts, tribunals and committees.
- Directed successful litigation strategies for high-profile cases, securing favourable outcomes and safeguarding company interests.
- Analysed proposed legislation for potential impact on the organisation, advocating for industry interests through policy engagement.
- Prepared actionable solution recommendations based on thorough legal analysis and organisational needs. based on sound legal footing.
- Supervised junior legal staff and paralegals, guiding their work and development within the legal department.
- Worked with witnesses to prepare for trial questions and procedures.
- Monitored litigation trends within the industry, providing proactive advice to mitigate potential legal issues.
- Helped develop trial strategies and adapted approaches throughout the court process.
- Prepared comprehensive client court bundles with relevant paperwork and documents.
- Received, inspected and filed reports from police, hospitals and other reporting bodies for reliable casework.
- Managed claims against the organisation, including assessing validity, negotiating with claimants, and directing legal action.
- Conducted comprehensive legal audits to identify and mitigate potential legal risks, enhancing organisational compliance.
- Implemented robust legal processes and policies, improving efficiency and consistency across the legal department.
- Delivered training sessions on legal requirements and best practices to staff, enhancing organisational legal awareness.
- Liaised with external solicitors and barristers, coordinating efforts for high-profile cases or specialised legal advice.
- Oversaw the drafting of employee contracts, ensuring clarity, fairness, and legal compliance in employment practices.
Tax legal advisor specialist
SARS
Gauteng
04.2012 - 06.2013
- Provided legal consultation in areas of corporate law, tax law, contract law
- Advised clients on legal matters, interpreting laws, rules, and regulations to provide clear guidance.
- Drafted, reviewed, and amended legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and policies to safeguard client interests.
- Analysed and interpreted new legislation to assess impact on client operations.
- Monitored changes in law and advised clients on necessary adjustments to business practices.
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Prepared legal opinions and memoranda on various legal issues facing clients.
- Managed legal risk by identifying potential legal issues and advising clients accordingly.
- Evaluated elements of civil litigation, proactively initiating and responding to claims.
- Negotiated settlements on behalf of clients to resolve disputes efficiently.
- Negotiated settlements on client behalf, obtaining deals to suit both parties.
- Addressed contract-specific matters during case and precedent research.
- Conducted due diligence for business transactions to identify legal liabilities.
- Oversaw legal proceedings and monitored case progress, keeping clients informed.
- Protected clients' interests during legal proceedings.
- Delivered accurate legal advice and correct policy application and guidance to all clients, colleagues and partners.
- Facilitated negotiations by moderating discussions between multiple parties.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure a unified approach to legal challenges.
- Developed and implemented compliance programmes to meet regulatory requirements.
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation, developed trial exhibits to motions and organised documents for trial discovery.
- Consulted with clients to inform legal decision-making.
- Examined contracts and scrutinised cases and claims to evaluate damages, adjudication and settlement formalities.
- Managed mailing and delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Led and participated in various governance committees at SARS, focusing on revenue service issues.
- Acted as a representative for SARS at inter-governmental meetings with various government departments.
- Represented SARS in inter governmental meeting with different government departments
Tax Prosecutor
SARS
Gauteng
04.2006 - 03.2012
- Drafted settlement agreements on tax disputes
- Delivered precise and relevant legal advice, ensuring clients made informed decisions on legal matters.
- Represented clients at court hearings, tribunals and administrative boards.
- Negotiated settlements on behalf of clients, achieving mutually beneficial agreements that addressed client needs.
- Explained decisions to defence lawyers, witnesses, the police and other agencies.
- Protected clients' interests during legal proceedings.
- Interviewed clients and witnesses to gather data and evidence.
- Cultivated strong relationships with magistrates, defence attorneys, and court personnel to enhance case flow and resolution.
- Utilised alternative dispute resolution methods to expedite case resolutions.
- Conducted legal research to support case strategies, employing a comprehensive understanding of legal databases.
- Built case understanding by scrutinising legal evidence and documentation.
- Chaired and represented SARS in different governance committees within the organisation
- Chaired and represented SARS in inter governmental meetings with different governments departments
- Collaborated with National Prosecuting Authority officials to address legal matters in various provinces. with National prosecuting authority officials in different provinces
- Supported clients' business interests with sound legal advice and documents.
legal advisor, legal cost officer
Road accident fund
Pretoria
02.1999 - 03.2006
- Represented clients in court, presenting cases effectively to achieve favourable outcomes.
- Negotiated settlements on behalf of clients to resolve disputes efficiently.
- Advised clients on legal matters, interpreting laws, rules, and regulations to provide clear guidance.
- Prepared legal opinions and memoranda on various legal issues facing clients.
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Analysed and interpreted new legislation to assess impact on client operations.
Attorney
Jake Maseka Attorneys
Pretoria
06.1997 - 01.1998
- Represented clients in court, effectively arguing cases and securing favourable outcomes in various legal matters.
- Engaged in negotiations with opposing parties, representing clients professionally.
- Negotiated settlements on client behalf, obtaining deals to suit both parties.
- Represented clients at court hearings, tribunals and administrative boards.
- Conducted legal research and factual investigation for case litigation.
- Conducted legal research to determine how facts of cases interacted with current laws.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including contracts, wills, and trusts, to safeguard clients' interests and prevent future disputes.
- Drafted legal documents, letters and contracts tailored to client's needs, ensuring complete accuracy.
- Drafted various motions for cases, ensuring legal compliance and clarity.
- Prepared comprehensive briefs and reports for senior partners, contributing to strategic decision-making in high-stakes cases.
- Explained the legal process to each client and answered questions to help ease concerns.
- Participated in continuing legal education to stay abreast of new laws, regulations, and best practices in the legal field.
- Participated in pro bono work, offering legal services to individuals unable to afford representation, and contributing to social justice.
- Led legal workshops for community groups, demystifying legal processes and promoting access to justice for underrepresented individuals.
Candidate Attorney
Jake Maseka attorneys
Pretoria
01.1996 - 06.1997
- Drafted legal documents, including contracts, wills, and pleadings, adhering to strict deadlines to meet client needs.
- Drafted legal documents, including briefs, letters, and memos, under the supervision of senior solicitors.
- Contributed to the drafting and negotiation of settlement agreements, ensuring favourable terms for clients.
- Negotiated settlements on behalf of clients, skilfully navigating discussions to reach amicable resolutions.
- Provided accurate, helpful and up-to-date legal advice on legal matters.
- Assisted with trial, hearing, and deposition preparation.
- Compiled and submitted legal documents to courts and other regulatory bodies, adhering to strict deadlines.
- Attended court proceedings to gain understanding of legal processes and tribunals, gaining insights into legal argumentation and courtroom dynamics.
- Monitored project deadlines to ensure timely completion of tasks and managed multiple administrative tasks prioritising based on urgency.
- Participated in pro bono work, providing legal assistance to individuals unable to afford representation.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Tax
SAIT
Pretoria, GP01-2026
Certificate of Higher Education - Tax
SAIT
Pretoria01-2025
Certificate of Higher Education - Business
Senior Management Development Programme
Stellenbosch Business School01-2023
LLM Corporate and Commercial law - Law
University of London
UK01-2020
Post grad diploma - Law
University of Johannesburg
Gauteng01-2013
Higher National Diploma - Law
University of Johannesburg
Gauteng01-2010
Advanced certificate in taxation -
UNISA
Pretoria01-2005
Degree - Law
Walter Sisulu University
Umthatha01-1994
Skills
- Legal risk management
- Compliance management
- Risk assessment
- Legal research
- Project management
- Budget management
- Financial strategy
- Stakeholder engagement
- Cross-functional communication
- Client engagement
- Team leadership
- Leadership skills
- Operational excellence
- Decision-making
- Ethical conduct
Languages
English
Advanced
C1
Timeline
Senior Manager tax
Sasol Ltd
09.2018 - Current
Legal Manager
SARS
07.2013 - 08.2018
Tax legal advisor specialist
SARS
04.2012 - 06.2013
Tax Prosecutor
SARS
04.2006 - 03.2012
legal advisor, legal cost officer
Road accident fund
02.1999 - 03.2006
Attorney
Jake Maseka Attorneys
06.1997 - 01.1998
Candidate Attorney
Jake Maseka attorneys
01.1996 - 06.1997
Certificate of Higher Education - Tax
SAIT
Certificate of Higher Education - Tax
SAIT
Certificate of Higher Education - Business
Senior Management Development Programme
LLM Corporate and Commercial law - Law
University of London
Post grad diploma - Law
University of Johannesburg
Higher National Diploma - Law
University of Johannesburg
Advanced certificate in taxation -
UNISA
Degree - Law
Walter Sisulu University