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Resume

Resume

Education
Computer Science for Lawyers (in progress)

Harvard Law School Executive Education

2025

Admitted Advocate Of The High Court

Completed the Law Society Practical Legal Training course

2024

Software Law Cource

University of Cape Town Law@Work

2022

Certificate in Legal Costs

Law Society in Association with Legal Education And Development

2022

Accredited Mediator

Association of Arbitrators (South Africa)(Course delivered by London Society of Mediators)

2021

Passed Attorneys Admission Examination

Legal Practice Council

2019

Bachelor of Law (LLB)

University Of South Africa (UNISA)

2012

Professional Skills

I'm really good at:

Drafting of Legal Documents
95%
Legal Research
91%
Case Law Interpretation
95%
Creative Problem Solving
93%
Emotional Intelligence
98%
Mediation & Negotiation
91%
Conflict Resolution
95%
Attention to Detail
98%

Experience

Experience

Employment
Legal Cost Consultant / Owner

Astute Legal Cost Consultants

April 2014 - Current

In 2014, I took the step to establish my own legal consultancy firm focused exclusively on legal costs.
Since then, I’ve worked independently with law firms, corporate clients, and government entities, offering tailored advice and representation in all aspects of cost litigation.
Building my own practice has allowed me to deliver hands-on, personalised service while maintaining the high professional standards expected in this specialised field.

Owner / Designer

Spoiled Rotten

1 August 2013 - April 2014

Founded and ran a creative design business specialising in custom vinyl decals, t-shirt printing, canvas art, and WordPress-based wedding websites.
Responsible for all aspects of design, production, and online store management—including product listings, order processing, and deliveries.

The business was successfully sold following the expiry of my restraint of trade.

Legal Cost Consultant

Rudolf Fuls Legal Cost Consultant

1 August 2010 - 31 July 2013

Provided comprehensive support in the preparation and review of legal bills of costs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant procedural rules and guidelines. Responsibilities included organizing and categorizing attorney files, transcribing dictations related to cost assessments, and performing detailed quality control checks to maintain high standards in documentation.

Additionally, assisted with a range of administrative and secretarial tasks such as managing correspondence, scheduling, and file maintenance. Conducted targeted legal research, primarily focused on case law and precedents relating to costs, to support the drafting of submissions and inform cost-related strategy.

Legal / Litigation Secratary

Louis Weinstein Attorney (General Litigation, Family and Criminal Law)

1 September 2008 - 31 July 2010

Delivered comprehensive secretarial support within a legal practice, with responsibilities including efficient switchboard operation, accurate Dictaphone transcription, handling client enquiries, and managing attorneys’ diaries to ensure smooth scheduling and time management.

Specialized in conveyancing processes, managing end-to-end property transactions such as property transfers, bond registrations, and bond cancellations. Regularly liaised with key external stakeholders, including banks, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), local government departments, and the Deeds Office, to coordinate documentation, ensure compliance, and expedite processing.

Also provided support across a diverse range of legal matters, including family law (divorces and antenuptial contracts), estate planning (wills), and notarial matters such as the drafting and registration of notarial tie agreements. Maintained a client-focused approach while ensuring legal accuracy and procedural efficiency.

Legal / Conveyancing Secratary

Louis Bergh & Associates (General Litigation, Conveyancing and Family Law)

2 August 2006 - 30 August 2008

Independently managed a broad range of secretarial and administrative responsibilities within a legal practice environment. Key duties included operating the switchboard to ensure efficient call routing and client service, performing high-volume Dictaphone typing, and preparing legal documents and pleadings for matters before both the High Court and Magistrate’s Court.

Provided reliable support across multiple areas of law, including family law (divorces), estate administration (deceased estates), civil litigation, and criminal defense. Maintained direct communication with clients, ensuring timely updates and professional handling of sensitive matters.

In addition, conducted official searches at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and Deeds Office, registered and maintained shelf companies, and managed the submission of annual returns to ensure statutory compliance for corporate clients.

Testimonials

Testimonials

Fiona Marcandonatos
Fiona Marcandonatos

I found Annélle to be professional, precise, and reliable. Her reports were clear and helpful to the Court, and her expertise greatly assisted in resolving complex cost issues. I highly recommend her services.

Dwaine Brooks
Dwaine Brooks

Brooks & Braatvedt Inc have been using the services Astute Legal Cost Consultants for over a decade now and we can vouch for their professional service, quick turnaround times and good advice when taxing a bill of costs.

Renate Jute
Renate Jute

Working with Annélle was seamless. Her clarity, attention to detail, and calm professionalism brought confidence to complex decisions. She made cost management approachable and efficient—an invaluable asset to any business or individual.

Contacts

Contacts

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