YONELA SISIPHO GAMNCA

Masibambane is an NGO geared towards alleviating poverty, crime, illiteracy and domestic violence in poverty-stricken communities. My duties included the following:

• Developed legal resources for staff and volunteers including templates and legal workshops.
• Guiding the delivery of legal services, review and providing legal feedback on legal work prepared by staff and volunteers and conducting legal research on legal topics as required by Chairman.
• Kept up with and reviewed changes in laws, informed staff of changes and advised appropriate departments on actions to prevent legal issues.
• Investigated facts and law of cases, using pertinent sources to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
• Worked with community to increase the NGO's presence and assisted partners with reputation management and branding.

My duties included drafting legal opinions and conducting legal research. I took part in practical task modules in various fields, namely, Banking Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Labour Law, Litigation and Competition Law. During this period, I managed to do the following:

• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
• Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.

I provided mentorship to first- and second-year law students from disadvantaged at Rhodes University residing off-campus. During this period, I performed the following:

• Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring students that were struggling academically.
• Monitored student progress to drive successful academic outcomes.
• Developed and implemented individualized academic plans for students.
• Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
• Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
• Helped students develop time management and study skills.

• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
• Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
• Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
• Organized library shelves, materials and equipment in clear, alphabetized order.
• Monitored patrons at library entrances and public areas and enforced library policies to maintain peaceful atmosphere.
• Assisted library staff with clerical duties to help lighten workload.
• Kept detailed records of lending transactions and library users.
• Answered general questions in person, by phone and over email.
• Aided patrons with use and access to technology, resources and materials.

This is part of the Penultimate Year Legal Practice module offered by the Rhodes Faculty of Law. This role exposed me to the substantive and procedural aspects of the various cases that I worked on under the close supervision of a supervising attorney. Under this role, I performed the following:

• Prepared accurate pleadings, motions and briefs for review by Supervising Attorney.
• Assessed client files to prepare and provide appropriate legal advice.
• Interpreted and relayed legal information in clear format for clients.
• Organized legal filing system to maximise efficiency.
• Reviewed legal information and proofed documentation for errors.
• Analysed facts and case law to determine possible defenses for clients.
• Conducted initial client interviews, gathering facts and preparing case summaries on ongoing cases.
• Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.