Machuene Leonard

I am a 28 year old aspirant Chartered Secretary originally from Limpopo (born and raised). I started my law career after graduating with an LLB degree in 2017 from the University of Limpopo. I served my articles of clerkship in 2018 - 2020 and was admitted as attorney of the high court of South Africa in September 2020. I have since been a practicing attorney at Maphaha Attorneys. I have a combined experience of about 5 years in the legal fraternity. I am currently enrolled with the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa studying towards the Chartered Secretary and Governance Professional. I have the skills to manage the office and make sure everything is in order by following up to ensure the important issues are taken care of. I have outstanding organization skills and the interpersonal skills needed to work effectively as a team but I also have the ability to work independently. I have excellent communication skills with the ability to listen carefully and to provide suggestions about running the office that can benefit the company. I am trustworthy and dependable with the ability to be discreet and keep confidential information private. I always present myself in a professional manner even when faced with difficult situations. I am currently seeking for an opportunity from a company that will allow me to do my best work, value my voice and support my professional growth and development as an aspirant Chartered Secretary. 

• Building relationships with clients to help them identify their legal needs and provide advice.
• Ensuring clients get the best possible legal solutions, by conducting research and preparing legal documents.
• Drafting pleadings and other legal documents, such as notices, motions and discovery affidavits.
• Drafting of commercial contracts, lease agreements, divorce proceedings and eviction applications.
• Knowledge of corporate governance principles, legislation, Companies Act and King IV;
• Ensure the stakeholders comply with good corporate governance;
• Comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Board and it’s committees: Audit and Risk Committee, Remuneration Committee, Social and Ethics Committee and the Nominations Committee;
• Communicating with clients throughout the litigation process to keep them informed about the status of their cases and any new developments.
• Conducting research on legal issues associated with cases.
• Interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence and interviewing experts to support the client’s case.
• Drafting Pre Trial Minutes.
• Drafting legal briefs and motions to be submitted to the court.
• Presenting cases in court.
• Compliance with court directives and court rules.
• Preparation and drafting of bill to clients.
• Assisting in the execution of powers of attorneys, certificate of incumbency and signing authorities and arranging notarization and legislation of documents.

Company Secretary & Governance Professional (NQF Level 8)

Chartered Governance Institute of South Africa – Current

Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB)

University of Limpopo - 2017

Practical Legal Training: Wills and Estates 

Institution School for Legal Practice - 2018

Practical Legal Training: Attorneys Bookkeeping 

Institution School for Legal Practice - 2018

Practical Legal Training: Professional Legal Ethics

Institution School for Legal Practice - 2018

Practice Management Training

Law Society of South Africa - 2022

Introduction to Trial Advocacy 

National Institute for Trial Advocacy - 2023

Professional Registration / Admission:

Admitted Attorney 

High Court of South Africa- 2020