WALTER DAVID THOMPSON
Sandton,Gauteng
Summary
Seasonal legal professional with over 20 years of experience in the legal field and the corporate environment, leading cross-functional teams, managed complex negotiations, and ensure compliance with intricate regulations. Now, I am able to apply those same analytical, risk management, and client-centric skills to lead retail teams, optimise sales strategies, and foster a culture of growth and innovation.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work history
PARALEGAL SPECIALIST
STRAUSS DE WAAL ATTORNEYS
SANDTON, GAUTENG
2019.07 - Current
- Assisted with case preparation for successful trial outcomes.
- Provided continuous support during trials for effective case management.
- Enhanced client satisfaction levels by delivering exceptional customer service at all times.
- Coordinated client meetings for improved communication and rapport-building.
- Achieved timely completion of all assigned tasks by demonstrating excellent time management skills.
- Utilised advanced IT skills to streamline administrative processes within the firm.
- Liaised frequently with clients; facilitated clear and constant communication channels.
- Conducted thorough legal research, ensuring accurate advice to attorneys and advocates.
- Drafted legal documents, maintaining high standards of precision and detail.
- Assessed evidence thoroughly, resulting in solid argument construction.
- Supported senior attorneys with case management, promoting efficient work flow.
- Prepared comprehensive court bundles, achieving streamlined litigation process.
- Improved internal communication systems for enhanced efficiency within the firm.
- Demonstrated adaptability in handling diverse legal matters as required.
- Collaborated closely with legal team to achieve shared objectives.
- Responded promptly to client enquiries, reducing wait time significantly.
- Drafted precise contract agreements-a key contributor towards successful negotiations.
- Ensured client confidentiality by managing sensitive information effectively.
- Drafted and submitted legal documents to senior staff for review and approval.
- Managed client files with highest levels of confidentiality and discretion.
- Built positive client relationships to increase satisfaction and retention.
- Updated client files in case management systems for accurate, current records.
- Reviewed legal documentation and flagged errors for correction.
- Resolved file-related queries via telephone and in-person communications.
- Submitted forms and applications for ongoing cases, supporting case progression.
- Met practice, firm and legal standards for compliant case management.
- Actioned legal procedures according to instruction, supporting Partners' caseload management.
- Raised legal queries from clients and communicated outcomes to enable case progress.
- Prioritised activities to meet changing case demands and achieve deadlines.
- Actioned client instructions to enable desired progress.
- Upheld data quality standards with precise record-keeping.
- Identified cross-selling opportunities to increase client case value.
- Handled case documentation safely and securely for optimised client confidentiality.
OWNER AND CEO
MUSICANTATE
SANDTON, GAUTENG
2019.01 - 2020.03
- Conductor, accompanist and transposition of music.
- Choir Leader of Casa Canto Children's Choir.
- Maintained compliance with company regulations to avoid any legal issues.
- Led team meetings to foster open communication and collaboration.
- Implemented new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, reducing overall costs.
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency and productivity.
- Ensured financial stability with careful budget management and forecasting.
- Delegated tasks effectively amongst staff members, promoting teamwork.
- Delivered high standards of service by training all staff members thoroughly.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff development and progress tracking.
- Developed new business opportunities for increased market reach.
- Supervised staff to deliver top-quality service in alignment with company objectives.
- Promoted company products and services on social media to increase brand awareness.
- Navigated complex business challenges and made sound decisions to achieve long-term success.
- Collaborated with marketing personnel to identify and promote brand mission, values and vision.
- Facilitated ongoing website updates and maintenance to align with brand evolution.
- Selected and procured industry-leading software and innovations to support operational efficiency.
- Created and led successful business culture focused on performance.
- Put in place clear controls for financial administration and business management.
- Monitored operations to assess and highlight results.
- Directed administration and optimisation of financial operations, payroll and accounting processes.
- Cultivated productive work environment through employee motivation initiatives.
ARTICLE CLERK
STRAUSS DE WAAL ATTORNEYS
SANDTON, GAUTENG
2015.06 - 2019.06
- Specialising in Labour Relations, Criminal law and Family Law.
- Attending Court Proceedings.
- Drafting of complex legal documents.
- Attending to client consultations.
- Attending to Court appearances in procuring Court Dates.
- Senior Legal Researcher.
- Leading Legal Teams.
- Supervising and monitoring legal teams.
- Allocation of work for Paralegals.
- Establishing relationships with corresponding attorneys.
- Compiling of weekly and monthly reports.
- Took minutes at meetings, facilitating clear communication among staff members.
- Organised travel arrangements for senior staff, guaranteeing seamless business trips.
- Updated company databases regularly for accurate record-keeping.
- Managed appointments to facilitate efficient meeting schedules.
- Proof-reading of legal documents for Paralegals.
- Administrative and clerical tasks.
- Project planning and management.
- Liaising with internal and external project managers to ensure that work is neither overlooked nor duplicated.
- Monitoring overall progress and use of resources, initiating corrective action where necessary.
- Identifying and obtaining support and advice required for management, planning and control of projects.
- Preparing and editing letters, reports and emails.
- Creating spreadsheets.
- Combining Human Resource management with logistics to ensure the smooth running of the firm.
HUMAN RESOURCES AND LOGISITCS MANAGER
STRAUSS DE WAAL ATTORNEYS
SANDTON, GAUTENG
2007.01 - 2015.06
- Boosted department efficiency by streamlining operational processes.
- Facilitated staff training, resulting in better client service.
- Led performance reviews, identified areas for improvement.
- Supervised project timelines for timely completion.
- Identified growth opportunities through comprehensive market research.
- Analysed market trends to inform strategic decision-making processes.
- Managed team dynamics by implementing conflict resolution strategies.
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration for improved workflow.
- Secured new business opportunities with successful networking events.
- Implemented cost reduction measures, reduced overhead expenses.
- Optimised resource allocation for increased profits.
- Delegated tasks efficiently to maximise productivity.
- Fostered a positive work environment with regular team-building activities.
- Maintained inventory control, reduced stock shortages.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients to secure repeat business.
- Led and managed administrative staff to maintain smooth daily operations.
- Handled negotiations with correspondent firms and service agencies to meet group needs.
- Coordinated hiring, recruitment and training strategies to build successful administrative team.
- Organised financial and operational data to help with yearly budgeting and planning.
- Designed and implemented training to further develop staff based on business goals.
- Established clear budgets and cost controls strategies to meet objectives.
- Investigated issues affecting group operations, prepared reports and helped correct problems.
- Translated senior management directives into actionable front-line policies and implemented changes with staff.
- Developed organisational policies for administrative oversight and internal controls.
- Analysed and resolved complex resource management issues for optimised scheduling.
- Streamlined processes to improve and optimise office operations.
- Created classification systems to manage archives.
- Drafted procedural statements and guidelines for company-wide use.
LEGAL MESSENGER
STRAUSS DE WAAL ATTORNEYS
SANDTON, GAUTENG
2004.01 - 2006.12
- Delivered urgent and confidential documents to clients and corresponding Law Firms and to Courts.
- Collaborated closely with logistics teams.
- Managed delivery schedule efficiently to ensure timely dispatch and receipt of legal documents from various departments within the firm and external entities.
- Facilitated secure document transfer, ensuring confidentiality and minimising data breach risks.
- Handling sensitive information discreetly, enhancing client trust in our services.
- Handled cash payments upon delivery when required, ensuring accurate financial transactions.
Education
LLB - LAW
UNISA
PRETORIA /2019 - /2023
Matric -
Damelin Eden College
Randburg, GautengSkills
- Strategic decision-making;
- Risk-management
- Client-focused leadership to drive business growth;
- Client relations;
- Operational efficiency;
- Market analysis;
- Managing high-stakes negotiations;
- Team-leading in fast-paced environment;
- Dispute resolution aptitude;
- Critical judgment capacity;
Languages
English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Fluent
Affiliations
- Reading, Choir Member at Laudem Dei Chamber Choir
References
Joe Strauss - Owner at Strauss De Waal Attorneys
Cell Number: 082 338 4012
Email: joe@straussdewaal.co.za
Advocate Riaan Gissing
Cell Number: 084 821 2778
Advocate Sita Colbe (Senior Counsel)
Cell Number: 083 325 7451
Advocate Nigel Reiley
Cell Number: 082 338 4870
Timeline
PARALEGAL SPECIALIST
STRAUSS DE WAAL ATTORNEYS
2019.07 - Current
OWNER AND CEO
MUSICANTATE
2019.01 - 2020.03
ARTICLE CLERK
STRAUSS DE WAAL ATTORNEYS
2015.06 - 2019.06
HUMAN RESOURCES AND LOGISITCS MANAGER
STRAUSS DE WAAL ATTORNEYS
2007.01 - 2015.06
LEGAL MESSENGER
STRAUSS DE WAAL ATTORNEYS
2004.01 - 2006.12
LLB - LAW
UNISA
/2019 - /2023
Matric -
Damelin Eden College