Sibusisiwe Siwela

Sibusisiwe Siwela 99 Babiana Road Riverlea Ext 2 Johannesburg Passport Number: EN361547 Born: 4 December 1983 Nationality: Zimbabwean - Work Permit Cell:- Email:- Employment History Personal Assistant Owen Blumberg Attorney – Melrose Estate, Johannesburg October 2007 – 15 January 2015 Responsibilities                 Keep cases organized by establishing and organizing files; monitoring calendars; meeting deadlines; documenting actions; inputting information into file database and case management; confirming case status with attorney. Help develop cases by maintaining contact with people involved in the case; scheduling depositions; preparing and forwarding summonses and subpoenas; drafting complaints; preparing and filing discovery requests; preparing responses to opposing counsel; generating status reports. Keep clients informed by maintaining contact; communicating case progress. Maintain case costs by verifying outstanding balances with attorney, clients, and providers. Support case preparation by preparing case summaries and materials for mediation conferences; preparing pleadings; monitoring and obtaining discovery responses; organizing materials for team case review. Enhance trial proceedings by organizing evidence; preparing exhibits; scheduling witnesses; ensuring that witnesses are ready when needed; taking courtroom notes. Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications. Accomplish organization goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments. Answer phones professionally, respond to customer inquiries. Support and provide superior services via phones, emails and faxes as a receiver and caller. Use questioning and listening skills that support effective communication. Use the most appropriate way to communicate with different behavior types on the telephone. Apply the elements of building positive rapport with different types of customers over the telephone. Apply the proper telephone etiquette to satisfy various customer situations. Apply appropriate actions to effectively control a telephone call. Identify voice skills and how to enhance a good telephone presentation 1 Current Employment Legal Secretary / Paralegal Maharaj Attorneys – Victory Park, Johannesburg July 2015 to date Responsibilities              Opening new files for all new matters, draft necessary correspondence e.g. letter of demand, follow up with defendants for settlement negotiations, draft and issue summons and all further relevant processes, Arrange and sit in on consultations with new clients, takes clients instructions, take minutes, draft settlements agreements, follow up telephone calls and emails to clients to verify instructions, Set matters down for Pre-trials, Trials, Divorce proceedings etc, Drafting legal process, notices , letters of demand, summons, settlement agreements; Assist clients with Antenuptial contracts; Keep cases organized by establishing and organizing files using the diary system; monitoring calendars; meeting deadlines; documenting actions; inputting information into file database and case management; confirming case status with attorney. Maintaining contact with people involved in the case; scheduling depositions; preparing and forwarding summonses and subpoenas; drafting complaints; preparing and filing discovery requests; preparing responses to opposing counsel; generating status reports. Keep clients informed by maintaining contact; communicating case progress. Maintain case costs by verifying outstanding balances with attorney, clients, and providers. Support case preparation by preparing case summaries and materials for mediation conferences; preparing pleadings; monitoring and obtaining discovery responses; organizing materials for team case review. Enhance trial proceedings by organizing evidence; preparing exhibits; scheduling witnesses; ensuring that witnesses are ready when needed; taking courtroom notes. Answer phones professionally, respond to customer inquiries. Support and provide superior services via phones, emails and faxes as a receiver and caller. Other duties assigned         devising and maintaining office systems, including data management and filing; arranging travel, visas and accommodation and, occasionally, travelling to take notes or dictation at meetings or to provide general assistance during presentations; screening phone calls, enquiries and requests, and handling them when appropriate; meeting and greeting visitors at all levels of seniority; organising and maintaining diaries and making appointments; dealing with incoming email, faxes and post, often corresponding on behalf of the principal; taking dictation and minutes; carrying out background research and presenting findings; 2      producing documents, briefing papers, reports and presentations; organising and attending meetings and ensuring the manager is well prepared for meetings; liaising with clients, suppliers and other staff. Third party recoveries Qualifications National Certificate in Paralegal Practice South African Law School February 2016 to February 2017 Certificate in Debt Counselling Damelin College July 2017 – August 2017 Skills/Qualifications: Reporting Skills, Research Skills, Legal Administration Skills, Litigation, Client Relationships, Organization, Planning, Attention to Detail, Confidentiality, Dependability, Client Confidentiality, Typing speed + 60 w/pm, Debt Counselling, Interests and hobbies  Meeting new people, baking, singing References 1. Vishal Sookayee Maharaj Attorneys Tel:- Cell:- Email:- 2. Preshanya Ramnarain Maharaj Attorneys Tel:- Cell:- Email:- 3