Employee Relations Legal Secretary

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PHINDILE MTHEMBU

LEGAL SECRETARY LEGAL SERVICES AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

CONTACT DETAILS

P: +27-68-692-**** +27-72-611-****

E: ******************@*****.***

A: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

SOCIAL

linkedin.com/in/

phindile-mthembu-555815127

LANGUAGES

English

siZulu

Sotho

Afrikaans

Xhosa

Tswana

PERSONAL DETAILS

Nationality: South African

Gender: Female

As a skilled Legal Secretary with extensive experience in legal services and employee relations, I offer a strong foundation in administrative support, legal documentation, and workplace dispute resolution. I am adept at managing complex case files, preparing legal correspondence, and ensuring that all legal processes are carried out efficiently and in compliance with relevant regulations. My attention to detail and organizational skills have enabled me to effectively coordinate meetings, maintain confidential records, and assist legal teams in delivering high-quality service to clients.With a deep understanding of employee relations, I have supported the resolution of workplace disputes, facilitated communication between management and employees, and assisted in the development of workplace policies. I am committed to fostering a positive work environment by ensuring that employee concerns are addressed and that legal processes are aligned with organizational goals. My proactive approach and ability to work collaboratively with HR and legal professionals make me a valuable asset in ensuring the smooth functioning of legal and employee relations processes. CAREER HISTORY

NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION

JANUARY 2020 – CURRENT

LEGAL SECRETARY LEGAL SERVICES AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

• Provide administrative support to legal teams by preparing and organizing legal documents, contracts, and correspondence.

• Draft and proofread legal documents, including memos, letters, and reports related to employee relations and legal services.

• Maintain and manage confidential legal files, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with legal requirements.

• Schedule and coordinate meetings, hearings, and court appearances for legal personnel.

• Assist in preparing case files and organizing evidence for trials, hearings, or arbitration.

• Communicate with clients, external legal professionals, and internal teams to coordinate legal matters and resolve issues.

• Manage and track deadlines for legal filings, ensuring timely submission of all relevant documents.

• Lead the organization and coordination of National Coordinating Bargaining Forum meetings.

• Oversee the arrangement and coordination of Management Shop Steward Committee meetings.

• Manage venue selection and catering for National Coordinating Bargaining Forum meetings.

• Draft Deviations and Variations of SCM processes as required.

• Prepare and issue Requests for Quotations (RFQs).

• Provide expert drafting of Legal Opinions for review and approval.

• Prepare, assemble, and distribute meeting packs and related documents.

• Compile, record, and distribute meeting minutes for accurate documentation.

• Manage the procurement process for Corporate Legal Services and Industrial Relations Office needs.

• Implement cost-saving strategies where applicable to optimize resources

• Ensure proper record-keeping for all expenditures and conduct monthly verification of cost center expense reflections.

• Develop and maintain a logical and organized filing system for both electronic and manual contracts and documentation.

• Ensure a steady supply of office stationery and manage document processing as required.

• Maintain attendance registers for the CLS & IR unit and manage professional phone call handling, including appropriate screening and direction.

• Efficiently manage incoming and outgoing mail, ensuring professional communication with all internal and external stakeholders.

• Writing for the Government, Ethics for Public

Servants,

• Minute Taking certificate, Job Evaluation

Certificate.

CERTIFICATES

2

PHINDILE MTHEMBU

LEGAL SECRETARY LEGAL SERVICES AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS CAREER HISTORY

• Time Management

• Organization skills

• Communication skills

• Interpersonal and presentation skills

• Problem solving skills

• Critical Thinking

• Attention to detail

• Results-driven

• Team player

• Strategy Development

• Conflict Resolution

KEY SKILLS

• Strategist

• Technological

• Articulate

• Catalyst

• Organised

• Meticulous

• Procedural

• Innovative

ATTRIBUTES

• MS Word

• MS PowerPoint

• MS Outlook

• MS Excel

COMPUTER SKILLS

EDUCATION

Regent Business School

IN-PROGRESS

BCom Law Degree

Sage

2017

Pastel Bookkeeping Fundamentals

SA School of Paralegal Studies

2015

Senior Paralegal Diploma

Cornerstone Supreme

2015

International certificate in contact operations

Hoërskool Vryburger High School

2010

Matric

GROENEWALD LUBBE INCORPORATED

FEBRUARY 2018 – DECEMBER 2019

PARALEGAL

• Assist attorneys in preparing for trials, hearings, and meetings by gathering relevant information and legal documents.

• Draft and review legal documents, including contracts, pleadings, and affidavits.

• Conduct legal research to support case preparation and advise attorneys on relevant legal precedents.

• File and organize legal documents in accordance with court requirements and deadlines.

• Prepare and maintain case files, ensuring all relevant documents are easily accessible.

• Liaise with clients to gather information, provide updates, and ensure the smooth flow of communication.

• Assist in preparing discovery documents and managing the exchange of evidence.

• Attend hearings and trials with attorneys to take notes, prepare exhibits, and provide support.

• Manage and track deadlines to ensure timely submission of legal documents and filings.

• Handle administrative duties, including answering phones, managing calendars, and scheduling meetings.

• Draft legal documents, including S129 notices, summonses, default judgments, and warrants.

• Address and resolve queries related to default judgment requests in a timely manner.

• Manage default judgments at motion courts, ensuring proper legal procedures.

• Oversee summary judgment applications for defended cases.

• Communicate effectively with corresponding attorneys to ensure seamless case progression.

• Liaise with both internal and external clients to maintain strong professional relationships.

• Perform a range of general administrative tasks to support the legal team

• Execute instructions from correspondents, ensuring accurate and efficient execution.

• Design and create PowerPoint presentation decks for client meetings and internal briefings.

• Draft detailed minutes of meetings and utilize VLookup functions for data analysis.

• Prepare and present weekly, monthly, and consolidated reports for clients

• Generate and print summonses and default judgments as part of routine legal processes.

• Conduct thorough legal research and provide responses to queries from the Ombudsman and the Law Society of the Northern Provinces.

• Ensure strict compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to meet client expectations.

SITE-AFLA

MARCH 2017 - FEB 2018

OFFICE MANAGER

• Oversee daily office operations, ensuring efficiency and adherence to company policies.

Manage office budgets, track expenses, and ensure cost-effective operations.

• Supervise administrative staff, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.

• Coordinate and schedule meetings, appointments, and events to support business activities.

• Maintain office systems, including filing, inventory management, and procurement of supplies.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations within the office environment.

• Develop and implement office policies and procedures to improve workflow and productivity.

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. 3

PHINDILE MTHEMBU

LEGAL SECRETARY LEGAL SERVICES AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS CAREER HISTORY

• Oversee maintenance and repair of office equipment and liaise with service providers as needed.

• Safeguard data security and uphold confidentiality of all company information.

• Lead and oversee the recruitment process for new employees, ensuring alignment with organizational needs.

• Schedule and coordinate comprehensive training and induction programs for new hires.

• Manage and maintain updated administrative records, including employee, business, financial, training, and supplier files in both physical and electronic formats.

• Monitor and manage the office budget to ensure financial efficiency and accountability.

• Prepare and type meeting minutes with accuracy and professionalism.

• Oversee monthly supplier payments, ensuring timely and accurate processing.

• Utilize Pastel Accounting (Sage) for financial management and reporting.

• Develop and implement standardized procedures and style practices to ensure consistency and efficiency. BROOKS & LUYT INC

APRIL 2013 – MARCH 2017

PARALEGAL

• Facilitate effective communication with corresponding attorneys, internal teams, and external clients.

• Execute correspondent instructions with precision and timeliness.

• Design and deliver impactful PowerPoint presentation decks for various stakeholders.

• Draft comprehensive minutes of meetings to ensure accurate record-keeping.

• Utilize advanced Excel functions, including VLOOKUP, for data analysis and reporting.

• Prepare detailed weekly, monthly, and consolidated client reports to meet reporting standards.

• Generate and print summonses and default judgments with accuracy.

• Conduct in-depth legal research to support case preparation and decision-making.

• Address and resolve queries from the Ombudsman and the Law Society of the Northern Provinces.

• Ensure strict compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and legal standards.

• Respond to and manage default judgment queries promptly and efficiently.

• Oversee the setting of default judgments in motion courts.

• Handle summary judgment applications in defended matters, ensuring procedural accuracy. REFERENCES

AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Contact this candidate