Legal Research Law Litigation

Location:

Mowbray, Western Cape, 7700, South Africa

Posted:

August 24, 2024

Contact this candidate

Resume:

YINITA RAMSAKKAN

LEGAL PRACTITIONER

Willing to relocate and start immediately

Address: Durban North, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal.

(c): 065-***-**** (e): ********@*****.***

Age: 34 years old

SKILLS

● Strong legal research, legal writing and drafting skills with meticulous attention to detail

● Excellent communication skills both verbal and written

● Strong legal writing skills and thorough legal research to draft legal opinions and court documents

● Strict adherence to time frames and abide with deadlines

● Work well under pressure whilst still being meticulous with strong organizational skills

● Critical thinker with attention to detail and applied in a methodical approach

● Ability to Read, understand and comprehend legal documents

● Knowledge of various aspects of law and about the processes relating thereto

● Travelling and driving extensively in fulfillment of all duties

● Honest, reliable, trustworthy, accountable, responsible, articulate and emotionally intelligent

● Great interpersonal skills and verbal communication

● COVID19 compliant: excellent health, fully vaccinated, I have access to uncapped data, I have my own vehicle, I have my own laptop, workstation and stationery to work remotely, if required SUMMARY

As an admitted attorney, having practiced and gained exposure in the fields of legal-regulatory compliance and risk management, civil litigation inclusive of banking law litigation, maritime law litigation and personal injury (RAF) litigation, I pride myself on my ability to learn new skills easily and fast in order to quickly adapt to my new working environment. Each position held, enabled me to acquire and sharpen my skills in legal writing, research as well as effective communication verbally and written. Coupled with these legal skills acquired, I have developed skills in being extremely organizational, prioritizing matters and working with urgency which allowed me to hold positions of trust and responsibility. My academic qualifications include completing the LLB Law degree and LLM Maritime Law degree attained from UKZN. I completed the coursework masters degree and presented my dissertation to the Maritime Law Association in 2019 at the Annual General Meeting. I have also completed the Compliance Management course and Occupational Health and Safety course through the UCT GetSmarter training where I learnt about the ethical considerations to due diligence in attaining corporate governance. I am eager, enthusiastic, self-motivated, willing to learn and ambitious. Therefore, with all the knowledge and skills attained thus far, I believe that I am the ideal candidate for your company. EXPERIENCE

JTC Group. – Corporate Solutions Administrator (Company Secretary) 14 August 2023 – 30 April 2024

● First reviewer of legal contracts and other documentation and prepared them for signature

● First point of contact for clients, intermediaries, and colleagues in other jurisdictions

● Applied the principles of Company Law through the understanding of company structures and investment fund structures as well as mitigating risk and corporate governance

● Prepared documentation for signature, through identification of key risks and mitigants

● Prepared written Reports on Microsoft Office packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook and pdf.

● Organized and attended board meetings. Noted and draft minutes following board meetings

● Maintained statutory records, as required by the relevant legislation/regulatory authority

● Updated and maintained board meeting calendars and schedules / deadlines were met.

● Built relationships with clients and intermediaries internationally.

● Underwent extensive internal training part of the JTC Academy on various aspects.

● Ability to work independently and in a hybrid working environment. Reason for seeking employment: Initially contract then relocated to Durban due to financial constraints. The IDR Company. – Senior KYC Analyst (Legal and Investment Services) 01 September 2022 – February 2023

17 April 2023 – 30 June 2023

● Developed an understanding of the companies application of the UK Anti-Money Laundering and KYC provisions and became familiar with TIDR process maps, policies and guidelines

● Conducted Initial and Senior Reviews on the adequacy and appropriateness of investor profiles on the IDR application as well as a review of investment structures

● Reviewed screening results to discount or match against Sanctions, PEPs and Adverse media.

● Escalate screening hits to the relevant compliance and MLRO teams as per internal process.

● Strong knowledge on KYC / Client Due Diligence and an understanding of corporate structures in the private equity Fund with the aim of identifying and verifying the Ultimate Beneficial Owner

● Maximized the use of technology in all processes to order to control risk and improve efficiency

● Grasped an understanding on system design, how its applied and utilized for clients satisfaction

● Able to efficiently control daily work using the ticket management system

● Part of the Managed KYC team and Ongoing Monitoring team

● Application of compliance procedures, KYC analysis and ongoing monitoring, screening and risk assessment to prevent money laundering by identifying the beneficial owners in complex structures. Investigated and applied risk evaluation to prevent and detect money laundering activity and commercial crimes. Worked on the screening control format for all investors.

● Understanding of the protection of investors information, money laundering provisions and tax evasion mechanisms to onboard an investor, screen them, and conduct continuous ongoing monitoring assessment in the implementation of risk mitigation mechanisms.

● Grasped an understanding on FATCA/CRS provisions and developed an understanding of the financial industry on private equity markets.

● Liaised and worked competently within a team as well as independently with minimal supervision

● Worked well under pressure, able to adapt to change and able to work with people of different cultural backgrounds from various jurisdictions such as Mauritius, United Kingdom and USA.

● Ability to work remotely with people from different countries (thereby working with people from different time zones) and I worked with minimal supervision, independently within a team.

● Proactive, highly organized, ability to work efficiently and accurately with excellent communication skills which was applied in a methodical approach

● Underwent internal training based on UK laws on Anti-Money Laundering and risk management Reason for leaving: Contract ended.

Ramsakkan Inc. – Director, Legal and Compliance Officer May 2021 – May 2022

● Established and formed a company ensuring regulatory compliance was adhered to

● Client due diligence and KYC regulatory compliance was applied by implementing policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and minimized risk

● Performing company secretarial duties and ensuring corporate governance is achieved

● Brand / Marketing Manager to advertise the law firm and creating relationships with clients

● Conducted legal research and drafted opinions

● Thorough practical knowledge of and compliance with POPI, PAIA, CIPC, FICA

● Prepared accounts to clients and drafted legal bookkeeping for the firm. Reason for leaving: Career development and stability. AV Dawson & Co - Attorney

February 2018 – November 2019

● RAF litigation (High Court litigation)

● Analyzing RAF claims – Conducted detailed examinations of RAF claims to provide informed opinions on defended matters particularly focusing on merits and liability

● Claims and Medical Report Analysis – Performed thorough reviews of claims and related medical reports to ensure consistency with the accident and injuries sustained by the claimant. This process involved verifying the authenticity and accuracy of the documentation provided

● Merits and Liability Assessments – Evaluated the validity of claims by cross-referencing medical evidence with the accident details. Ensured that all aspects of the claim were meticulously scrutinized to uphold the integrity of the legal process and procedures.

● Contributory Negligence Evaluation – Prepared detailed reports to determine whether contributory negligence existed. This involved analyzing the behaviour and actions of all parties involved to assess the extent of shared responsibility in the accident.

● Strategic Litigation Support – Provided strategic support and recommendations to the legal team based on an analysis of all information (such as Accident Reports, Medico-Legal Reports and the extent of the injuries as stated by medical professionals) to conclude on a well informed decision

● Conducted legal research on personal injury matters and drafted legal opinions and Strategy Assessment Reports to client (RAF) within the stipulated time frames

● Attended Western Cape High Court, attended meetings with the judges in chambers, counsels and opposing attorneys representing the RAF in all matters to negotiate settlement

● Drafting various legal court documents and prepared briefs to counsels

● Conducted legal research into the RAF Act and Regulations (eg. Prescription) as well as application thereto in providing an opinion to client on merits and quantum in a dispute

● This role demanded a high level of analytical skills, attention to detail and thorough understanding and interpretation of medico-legal matters. A consistent approach was required to ensure claims were evaluated accurately and fairly which resulted in numerous cases reaching a resolution. Being able to liaise and communicate with legal and medical professionals become incumbent to this position in the aid of facilitating a comprehensive report to litigation. Reason to leave: Personal, relocated home.

Lexis Nexis - Legal Editor in Commentary and Legislative Materials April 2016 - January 2018

● Legal writing, editing documents and meticulous attention to detail, legal research

● Proof-reading legal texts and statutes from online LexisNexis database

● Consults and liaison with authors and professors verbally and in writing

● Extensive use of Microsoft office programs such as Word and Excel, PeopleSoft

● Attending to customer queries and assisting thereto as well as invoicing to clients

● Critically examining content and product development for practical use Reason for leaving: Career development.

DJ Dickinson & Associates - Attorney

March 2015 - March 2016

● Maritime Law litigation (High Court litigation)

● Drafting various Admiralty Court documents for the arrest of vessels and claims submitted against the proceeds from the sale of arrested vessels

● Conducted extensive legal research in maritime law

● Drafted letters to the sheriffs within the jurisdiction of the arrested vessel around Africa

● Liaised with counsels, sheriffs, opponent attorney's and counsels, clients (international and national) and High Court Registrar's

● Drafted opinions and presentations on the Unique provisions in South African Maritime Law

● Prepared invoices and bill of costs as well as documents for the claim from the funds created from the sale of the arrested vessel

● Attended High Court for filing of documents and perusal of ships registry and litigation duties Reason for leaving: Personal - Underwent a death of a family member. LGR Incorporated - Candidate Attorney

March 2014 - February 2015

● Correspondent Banking Law litigation

● Attended various Magistrates Court in KwaZulu-Natal in Summary Judgment Applications

● Drafting and proof read various court documents

● Liaised with and drafted letters to the sheriffs, advocates, clients, instructing and correspondent attorneys

● Prepared invoices, conducted administrative functions within the firm, worked on excel

● Conducted legal research and drafted Heads of Argument on banking law

● Participated in the internal Candidate Attorney Legal Training program Reason for leaving: Career development and increase skill set. EDUCATION / LEGAL TRAINING

JTC Academy – In-House Legal Training

August 2023 – April 2024

• Certificate on Anti-Money Laundering Online Training.

• Certificate on Information Technology Security.

• Certificate on Bullying and Harassment. Certificate on Unconscious Bias.

• Certificate on Advanced Communication skills.

The ID Register – In-House Legal Training

September 2022 – October 2022

• UK Anti-Money Laundering / KYC Compliance framework and international policies.

• AML onboarding, monitoring, understanding private equity ownership structures.

• Understanding of the FATCA tax provisions and CRS Regulations – Criminal Finances Act, 2017

• Identifying PEP’s, understanding risk matrix, sanctions and mitigating risk – POCA.

• Application of Client due diligence and money laundering procedures – ML Regulations, 2019

• Developed an understanding of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing Regulations, 2020, Disclosure Law, 2007 and associated UK regulations and frameworks to detect and curb crime.

• Data protection, cyber security and cyber control mechanism to mitigate risk – UK General Data Protection Regulations and identified responses in the event of a breach and audits.

• Regulatory Authority for data protection and access to information.

• Understanding of Criminal Finances Act, 2017 in relation to commercial crimes and assessment. LAW SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA – Practical Management Training July 2020 – November 2020

UCT & GetSmarter – Certificate in Compliance Management June 2020 – September 2020

• Gained knowledge on the application of the compliance regulatory framework and universe.

• Ability to identify risks and ensure compliance with applicable legislation within an organization.

• Designed a compliance risk management plan consisting of control measures in relation to the regulatory risk universe and risk rating scales.

• Developed skills in understanding the ethical deliberations in compliance and mitigating risk

• Gained a skill in understanding ISO 19600.

• Developed effective communication techniques with stakeholders and C-suite members UCT & GetSmarter – Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Management June 2020 – August 2020

• Gained knowledge on improving health and safety policies within an organization from identifying risks and conducting risk assessments to implementing control measures to mitigate the hazards.

• Gained knowledge on managing, preparing and drafting a health and safety performance report.

• Improve the standards of health and safety within the organization and ensure compliance with regulatory framework applicable thereto and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

• Gained a skill in understanding ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 and International Labour Organisation

• Implement policies to improve the companies performance and reduce risks of exposure. RAF Western Cape Office – RAF Litigation training (In House Legal Training) February 2019

• Attended training by the RAF Head Office on salient aspects pertaining to the application of the RAF Act and Regulations as well as interpretation and application of statutes for claims.

• Attained a skill on RAF legal research and drafting Strategic Assessment Reports.

• Prescription, timeframes and deadlines for submission of claims. Law Society of South Africa LEAD - Drafting Heads of Argument June 2014

• Developed legal writing, legal research and drafting Heads of Argument. UKZN Howard College - LLM Maritime Law

February 2013 - November 2013

UKZN Howard College: LEAD - Professional Legal Training November 2012

UKZN Howard College: - LLB Law

February 2009 - June 2012

MEMBERSHIPS HELD AND EVENTS ATTENDED

● JTC – CSR Committee member (2023-2024)

● Legal Practice Council of South Africa

● Community Forum admin member – Avoca Road Community Cell Watch Forum

● Women in International Shipping and Trade Association (mentor: 2022)