Hi, I’m
Suricka Janse Van Rensburg
Browns Bay,AUK
Summary
I thrive in high stress, high-pressure environments and situations involving constant change and vast ambiguity in data and instruction. Results-driven and skilled in researching legal case information and preparing necessary correspondence with strong understanding of legal terminology and processes. Adept in maintaining confidential records and client information. Pleasantly assists attorneys in preparing for trials and other legal proceedings. I have strong skills in writing, organizing and project managing cases related to civil and criminal law. Expertly conducts research, collects witness statements and organizes files. Experienced working with diverse populations to optimize representation. I am organized and dependable, successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Kruger & van Zyl Attorneys
Paralegal / Office Manager
10.2016 - 05.2023
Job overview
- Preparing affidavits, legal correspondence and draft documents (such as Summonses, Contracts, Motions, Judgments, Garnishees, Applications and Subpoenas etc.)
- Fact checking
- Directing and coordinating office activity.
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
- Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases.
- Monitored changes in laws, regulations and other legal matters to keep firm compliant with requirements.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
G.M.M Elektries
Assistant
04.2015 - 06.2016
Job overview
- Greeted guests in with friendliness and professionalism.
- Assisted manager in all aspects of business operations.
- Answered incoming phone calls to process requests, transfer calls, or relay messages to appropriate personnel.
- Monitored and ordered supplies and materials to keep office well stocked.
- Developed and maintained filing systems to facilitate easy access to information.
- Completed daily logs for management review.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Ordered and distributed office supplies while adhering to fixed office budget.
Electricon
Receptionist
09.2011 - 03.2012
Job overview
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Corresponded with clients through email, telephone, or postal mail.
- Handled cash transactions and maintained sales and payments records accurately.
- Managed multiple tasks and met time-sensitive deadlines.
- Maintained confidentiality of information regarding clients and company.
- Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
- Restocked supplies and submitted purchase orders to maintain stock levels.
- Welcomed customers with friendly greeting, answered general questions, gathered nature of visit and directed to specific offices.
- Answered questions and addressed, resolved, or escalated issues to management personnel to satisfy customers.
- Routed incoming mail and messages to relevant personnel without delay.
- Scheduled office meetings and client appointments for staff teams.
- Balanced employee availability, customer schedules, and maximum load levels when scheduling appointments.
- Handled incoming and outgoing package deliveries, working with vendors to complete special requests and track missing packages.
- Interacted with vendors, contractors and professional services personnel to receive orders, direct activities, and communicate instructions.
Education
Duineveld High School Upington, Northern Cape
High School Diploma
IntecSouth Africa
Paralegal Diploma (NQF 6)
2019
University Overview
Office Management for Legal Practices
Introduction to South African Law
Criminal Law and Procedure.
Civil Litigation Process
Debt Collecting Process
Wills and Estate Management
Property Law and Conveyancing Practice
Skills
- Office Management
- Legal research, fact gathering and information retrieval
- Maintain all electronic-filing database
- Drafting legal documents, such as Summonses, Motions, Garnishee orders
- Excellent communication skills;
- Case planning, development, and management;
- Consultations with clients;
- Solid knowledge of legal terminology and federal and state rules of legal procedure;
- Typing speed: Good
- Excellent spelling, grammar and computer skills
- Criminal Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Case Summaries
- Manage Schedules
- Legal Research
- Case File Preparation
- Office Administration
- Trial Proceedings
- Client Support
- Assisting Lawyers
- Proofreading
- File Pleadings
- Review of Pleadings
- Strong Research Skills
Accomplishments
Started at a law firm as a secretary, studied to became a Paralegal and took over as head of the collections department, as well as office manager.
Gave our firm a social media footprint and handled all IT problems.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Afrikaans
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Paralegal / Office Manager
Kruger & van Zyl Attorneys
10.2016 - 05.2023
Assistant
G.M.M Elektries
04.2015 - 06.2016
Receptionist
Electricon
09.2011 - 03.2012
Duineveld High School
High School Diploma
Intec
Paralegal Diploma (NQF 6)
Similar Profiles
Cindy SmedleyCindy Smedley
Director at Van Zyl Johnson Inc.Director at Van Zyl Johnson Inc.
MAHLOATJIE MALAHLELAMAHLOATJIE MALAHLELA
Quality Assurance & Food Safety Compliance Officer at Bertie Van Zyl Edms (ZZ2)Quality Assurance & Food Safety Compliance Officer at Bertie Van Zyl Edms (ZZ2)
Great ChariGreat Chari
Technical Support Engineer at Willem Van ZylTechnical Support Engineer at Willem Van Zyl
Max QiMax Qi
Mover's Agent at Yang WangMover's Agent at Yang Wang
Josh CooperJosh Cooper
Whitewater Kayak Mentor (Volunteer) at Nelson Kayak ClubWhitewater Kayak Mentor (Volunteer) at Nelson Kayak Club