Thobeka T. Mkhize
Johannesburg
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven legal professional with a solid foundation in law and regulatory compliance, supported by over eight years of experience in contract negotiation, legal drafting, dispute resolution, and corporate risk management. Proven ability to deliver strategic legal counsel and mitigate risk in complex, fast-paced environments across both public and private sectors. Known for aligning legal strategy with business objectives, managing litigation efficiently, and ensuring compliance with evolving legal frameworks. Multilingual and culturally astute, with a strong capacity to navigate diverse legal and operational contexts. Academically grounded with a Master of Laws (LLM) from University of Pretoria, LLB, and a BA in Law, Politics & International Relations from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Counsel
Motus Corporation (Pty) Ltd
Johanesburg
12.2022 - Current
- Provided legal and compliance advice for the Import, Distribution, and Aftermarket Parts divisions.
- Led contract reviews, negotiations, drafting, and management of high-value commercial contracts.
- Handled regulatory disputes and responded to complaints filed with the Motor Industry Ombudsman, National Consumer Court, and National Consumer Tribunal.
- Assisted with debt collection and pre-litigation matters, managing external attorneys in litigation cases.
- Contributed to risk management as part of the Risk and Compliance Forum, participating in quarterly strategy meetings.
- Managed business litigation processes, including representing the company’s interests in court proceedings and negotiating settlements.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to align legal strategies with business objectives and growth initiatives.
- Provided proactive legal counsel on regulatory changes, ensuring compliance with industry standards and driving risk mitigation efforts.
- Support business development teams by advising on legal risks in new ventures, partnerships, and acquisitions.
Senior Associate
SSLR Incorporated
Johannesburg
09.2021 - 11.2022
- Led independent client consultations, drafted settlement agreements, and conducted legal research.
- Provided legal opinions on various contractual disputes, including landlord/tenant issues.
- Managed litigation processes, including the drafting of pleadings and appearing in Magistrates and High Courts.
- Trained and mentored candidate attorneys, ensuring adherence to evolving court directives.
- Spearheaded residential and commercial evictions, default judgments, summary judgments, and matrimonial property applications.
- Represented clients in both Magistrates and High Courts for residential/commercial evictions, liquidations, and matrimonial property regime amendments.
Associate
SSLR Incorporated
Johannesburg
07.2019 - 08.2021
- Independently managed a diverse caseload, handling matters from inception to resolution.
- Conducted thorough legal research, providing strategic legal opinions to clients.
- Drafted pleadings, affidavits, and legal correspondence for various cases.
- Represented clients in Magistrates and High Courts, including evictions, liquidation applications, and contractual disputes.
- Negotiated settlements and drafted detailed settlement agreements.
- Maintained strong client relationships, ensuring effective communication and resolution of legal matters.
- Ensured legal actions were compliant with court directives and regulatory changes.
- Promoted to Senior Associate Position
Professional Assistant
SSLR Incorporated
Johannesburg
07.2018 - 06.2019
- Drafted pleadings, summons, and notices for various litigation matters.
- Conducted initial client consultations, providing legal guidance on case preparation.
- Assisted senior attorneys with legal research, case preparation, and court appearances.
- Managed pre-litigation processes, including settlement negotiations and drafting agreements.
- Reviewed contractual documents to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks.
- Represented clients in less complex legal matters, such as default judgments and evictions.
- Promoted to Associate Position
Candidate Attorney
SSLR Incorporated
Johannesburg
01.2016 - 06.2018
- Conducted legal research and prepared case summaries, legal opinions, and memoranda.
- Drafted pleadings, affidavits, and legal correspondence for court proceedings.
- Assisted in client consultations, gathering critical information and preparing case strategies.
- Attended court hearings and managed administrative tasks like filing legal documents.
- Supported litigation processes, including discovery document preparation and motion drafting.
- Assisted in drafting court applications, including evictions, summary judgments, and matrimonial property regime changes.
- Promoted to Professional Assistant
Education
Master of Arts - LLM Advance Consumer Protection Law, Insolvency
University of Pretoria
Pretoria 04.2001 -
Postgraduate: Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) - Evidence, Practical Legal Studies, Appropriate Dispute Resolution, Environmental Law, Insolvency, Insurance, Labour Law, Principles and, Methods of Payment, Law of Succession, Administrative Law
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg01.2015
Bachelor of Arts: Law, Politics & International Relations - Introduction to Law, Introduction to Political Studies, Customary Law, Introduction to Constitutional Law, Law of Persons, Family Law, Constitutional Law: Bill of Rights, Criminal Law, Law of Contract, Intermediate International Political Economy, International Relations Theory and Research Methods, States, Power and Governance
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg01.2013
Matric Certificate - English Home Language, Afrikaans 1st Additional Language, Mathematics, Life Orientation, History, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
Ladysmith High School
LadySmith01.2009
Skills
Accreditations
- Obtained right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa, 10/31/18
- Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court South Africa, 07/31/18
- Registered member of the Legal Practice Council (then Law Society of the Northern Provinces): Gauteng province, 07/31/18
- Completed Attorneys Admission Examinations with the Law Society of South Africa, 02/28/18
- Completed the Practical Legal Training course with the Law Society of South Africa, 11/30/16
Disability
No
Employment Equity
Black/African
Residence
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Personal Information
- ID Number: 910221
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: South African
Timeline
Legal Counsel
Motus Corporation (Pty) Ltd
12.2022 - Current
Senior Associate
SSLR Incorporated
09.2021 - 11.2022
Associate
SSLR Incorporated
07.2019 - 08.2021
Professional Assistant
SSLR Incorporated
07.2018 - 06.2019
Candidate Attorney
SSLR Incorporated
01.2016 - 06.2018
Master of Arts - LLM Advance Consumer Protection Law, Insolvency
University of Pretoria
04.2001 -
Postgraduate: Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) - Evidence, Practical Legal Studies, Appropriate Dispute Resolution, Environmental Law, Insolvency, Insurance, Labour Law, Principles and, Methods of Payment, Law of Succession, Administrative Law
University of The Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Arts: Law, Politics & International Relations - Introduction to Law, Introduction to Political Studies, Customary Law, Introduction to Constitutional Law, Law of Persons, Family Law, Constitutional Law: Bill of Rights, Criminal Law, Law of Contract, Intermediate International Political Economy, International Relations Theory and Research Methods, States, Power and Governance
University of The Witwatersrand
Matric Certificate - English Home Language, Afrikaans 1st Additional Language, Mathematics, Life Orientation, History, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
Ladysmith High School