P.A.LOCHINI PONNAMPERUMA
Hamilton,Hillcrest
Summary
With a proven track record at Citizens Advice Bureau, I excel in interviewing clients and data entry, showcasing my adeptness in both interpersonal and technical skills. I've significantly enhanced legal compliance and efficiency across roles, leveraging my ability to negotiate and draft critical documents, culminating in a reduction of noncompliance incidents by over 50%.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Accredited Interviewer (Volantary)
Citizens Advice Bureau
08.2023 - Current
- Conducted interviews with clients to understand their problems.
- Advised individuals on employment, consumer, family, rent, legal, financial and social matters.
- Conducted in-depth assessments of each case, listening attentively to clients' needs, identifying potential issues, and empowering them with the needed information to solve their issues.
- Developed the knowledge searching and interpreting legislation to examine any areas of noncompliance with regard to legislations and inform clients.
- maintained confidentiality and adhered to ethical guidelines while handling sensitive information and recorded accurate case details.
Legal Manager
HSenid Business Solutions PLC
04.2022 - 06.2023
- Provided Legal Advice and Support on all matters relating to the Organization to minimise areas of non compliance resulting in fines, and litigation.
- Drafted and reviewed all contracts in compliance with relevant laws, regulations and industry standards.
- Implemented training programs for employees on key compliance topics, resulting in increased awareness and reduced incidents of noncompliance.
- Proactively identified legal risks in proposed business strategies, providing alternative solutions to minimize potential negative impacts.
- Assisted human resources department in navigating complex employment law matters, reducing potential liabilities related to labor disputes.
- Played a crucial role in dispute resolution processes by effectively mediating conflicts between parties both internally and externally.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts that protected the company''s interests while fostering positive business relationships with clients and partners.
Senior Executive (Legal Department )
LB Finance Plc
09.2018 - 03.2022
- Providing legal advice and guidance to the organization's management, departments, and employees on legal issues relevant to the company's operations.
- Monitoring and ensuring the organization's compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. Developing and implementing compliance programs as necessary.
- Identifying legal risks and discussing on risk mitigation strategies with the Head of Legal to protect the organization from legal liabilities and disputes.
- working closely with external counsel when necessary, and representing the organization in negotiations and settlement discussions.
- Following company policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and alignment with best practices.
- Communicating effectively with senior management, departments, and external stakeholders on legal matters affecting the organization.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date legal documentation and records, including contracts, legal opinions, and correspondence
Legal Officer (Conveyancing Department)
LB Finance Plc
03.2016 - 08.2018
- Drafted and reviewed a wide range of legal documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Kept up with and reviewed changes in laws, informed staff of changes and advised appropriate departments on actions to prevent legal issues.
- Provided legal support in the development and execution of strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and other collaborative arrangements.
- Negotiated favorable settlements in disputes, minimizing financial exposure for the company.
- Managed a diverse caseload effectively by prioritizing tasks, balancing workload, and consistently meeting deadlines.
- Streamlined contract review process, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced turnaround time.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
Legal Assistant
Dissanayake Amaratunga Associates
04.2013 - 03.2016
- Provided legal advice ,Drafted, reviewed, and negotiate commercial agreements and conveyancing documents ensuring accuracy and minimising errors.
- Provided Company Secretarial Functions for client companies, including drafting and filing forms, keeping meeting minutes etc.
- Conducting thorough searches and examinations of property titles to verify ownership, identify any encumbrances (such as mortgages or liens), and ensure the property can be legally transferred.
- Performing due diligence investigations to uncover any legal issues or concerns related to the property, such as zoning restrictions, environmental issues, or outstanding taxes or any other encumbrances on the title of the property and clear ownership.
- Negotiating terms and conditions of property transactions on behalf of clients and commercial agreements.
- Ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and local ordinances governing property transactions.
- Identifying potential risks associated with property transactions and advising clients on risk mitigation strategies.
- Training and supervising Junior lawyers and Paralegals
Junior Counsel
Prematilake Law Chambers
04.2011 - 03.2013
- Managed complex caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks and keeping organized records of case materials.
- Developed strong working relationships with opposing counsel, fostering a collaborative environment for dispute resolution.
- Participated in mediation sessions leading to cost-effective resolutions without resorting to lengthy trial procedures.
- Drafted comprehensive legal documents such as pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, wills, and trusts for various clients.
- Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
Juniour Counsel
CB Law Chambers
12.2009 - 03.2011
- Managed complex caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks and keeping organized records of case materials.
- Developed strong working relationships with opposing counsel, fostering a collaborative environment for dispute resolution.
- Participated in mediation sessions leading to cost-effective resolutions without resorting to lengthy trial procedures.
- Drafted comprehensive legal documents such as pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, wills, and trusts for various clients.
- Conducted legal research on law, statutes, and constitutional provisions. Analysed legal precedents and developments to support arguments in court cases.
- Assisted senior counsel in representing clients before Court. Supporting senior counsel in articulating legal theories and responding to queries from the bench.
- Reviewed case files, statutes, and legal documents related to court cases ensuring compliance with court rules.
- Assisting in the management of case files, scheduling court dates, and coordinating with court staff, witnesses, and experts as necessary. Managing deadlines and procedural timelines to ensure timely filing of pleadings and submissions.
Education
Master of Laws - Law
University of Waikato
Hamilton, NZ07-2024
MBA - Business Administration
Cardiff Metropolitan University
UK09-2020
Attorney -at -Law Certificate - Law
Sri Lanka Law College
Colombo, Sri Lanka12-2009
Bachelor of Laws - Law
Open University of Sri Lanka
Colombo , Sri Lanka05-2008
Skills
- Data entry
- Interviewing clients
- Telephone etiquette
- Data collection
Languages
English
Full Professional
Sinhala
Full Professional
Interests
- Volunteer Work
- Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills
- Road Trips
- Adventure Travel
Timeline
Accredited Interviewer (Volantary)
Citizens Advice Bureau
08.2023 - Current
Legal Manager
HSenid Business Solutions PLC
04.2022 - 06.2023
Senior Executive (Legal Department )
LB Finance Plc
09.2018 - 03.2022
Legal Officer (Conveyancing Department)
LB Finance Plc
03.2016 - 08.2018
Legal Assistant
Dissanayake Amaratunga Associates
04.2013 - 03.2016
Junior Counsel
Prematilake Law Chambers
04.2011 - 03.2013
Juniour Counsel
CB Law Chambers
12.2009 - 03.2011
Master of Laws - Law
University of Waikato
MBA - Business Administration
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Attorney -at -Law Certificate - Law
Sri Lanka Law College
Bachelor of Laws - Law
Open University of Sri Lanka
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